According to jail standards, how should mail be treated while being delivered to inmates?

The treatment of mail while being delivered to inmates is guided by established jail standards that prioritize the principles of privacy and confidentiality. The correct answer highlights the importance of delivering mail to inmates unopened, ensuring that their communications remain private and secure. This approach respects the inmates' rights and allows them to maintain connections with the outside world, which is crucial for their mental well-being and rehabilitation.

Inmate mail is typically subject to review for security purposes, preventing contraband or illegal items from being introduced into the facility. However, the actual letters and correspondence should not be opened or tampered with, as this would violate the confidentiality that inmates are entitled to. By keeping the mail unopened, it upholds the trust between inmates and their correspondents, which is a fundamental aspect of inmate rights within correctional facilities.

In contrast, the other choices suggest various levels of intervention or violation of privacy, which do not align with established standards for inmate mail handling. Family members reviewing the mail or the mail being opened at any time would undermine the confidentiality rights granted to inmates. Therefore, the correct approach is to deliver mail unopened to preserve its intended privacy and confidentiality.