Lawsuit challenges county jail's inmate mail policy

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) — A publication has filed a federal lawsuit challenging restrictions placed on inmate mail at the Macomb County Jail in Mount Clemens.

Prison Legal News says the jail’s policy amounts to censorship of its monthly journal and other correspondence.

The publication says it sends information to inmates to help them understand their legal rights.

Personal mail to the jail is restricted to 5-inch by 7-inch postcards. Magazine subscriptions are restricted to a list of 12 titles.

Jail officials have said the mail policy is designed to cut down on contraband and reduce the time it takes officers to screen mailings and publications.

Macomb Sheriff Anthony Wickersham and the county are named in the suit which was filed Tuesday.

The Associated Press left a message Wednesday seeking comment from Wickersham.