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Offender Orientation Handbook English
Offender Orientation Handbook English
as
Approved by the
Printed
FEBRUARY 2017
Units/Facilities
This handbook contains general information and rules adopted by the Director of the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutions Division (TDCJ-CID).
Management
The Division Director and Deputy Directors of the CID are responsible for guiding the
day-to-day operations and management of the TDCJ-CID offender population.
This handbook is designed to provide the offender population with general information
along with a standard for acceptable behavior. Offenders who do not behave in an
acceptable manner could be charged with a specific disciplinary offense. The disciplinary
offenses are listed in the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Handbook. The standards for acceptable behavior by offenders are listed in this
handbook, apply to all offenders.
Upon entering the TDCJ, offenders shall be provided with the latest revised copy of the
Offender Orientation Handbook. Offenders currently incarcerated within the TDCJ shall
have access to revised copies when revisions to the Offender Orientation Handbook are
made. Handbooks written in Spanish shall be given to offenders whose primary
language is Spanish. Rules shall be explained to offenders who cannot read them and to
offenders whose primary language is neither English nor Spanish.
All offenders confined within a facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice are
responsible for understanding and abiding by the rules, regulations and policies detailed
in the handbook as well as other policies and procedures posted on their facility of
assignment. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
For purposes of this handbook, the terms he, his and him refer to all offenders, both
male and female.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Intake Process............................................................................................1
F. Orientation ......................................................................................... 2
B. Committees ........................................................................................ 6
1. Clothing ............................................................................... 12
2. Towels ................................................................................. 13
3. Linens .................................................................................. 13
B. What is PREA?................................................................................. 26
2. Investigations ....................................................................... 30
A. Education ......................................................................................... 32
2. Counseling ........................................................................... 33
6. Title I ................................................................................... 33
1. Non-Programmatic................................................................ 37
2. Programmatic ....................................................................... 37
c. Voyager ................................................................... 45
2. Appellate.............................................................................. 53
4. Immigration .......................................................................... 54
H. Ombudsman Program. 55
J. Correspondence Rules... 56
K. Visitation .......................................................................................... 57
O. ID Cards .......................................................................................... 66
P. Commissary ..................................................................................... 67
X. Reentry .....................................................................................................84
Introduction.............................................................................................. 89
Definitions ................................................................................................ 89
D. Visitor Identification........................................................................... 96
G. Cont raband Items Not Allowed Inside Secure Perimeter of a Unit ........ 98
I. Supervision of Visits.......................................................................... 98
V. Contact Visitation........................105
D. Notices........................................................................................... 117
Policy .......................................................................................................121
Procedures .............................................................................................121
Camp, and Death Row Offender Access to the Law Library (Indirect
Access).......................................................................................... 124
A. General Guidelines.132
B. Telephone Call and Attorney of Record Approval ............................. 132
I. INTAKE PROCESS
All offenders committed to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) are received at a
prison, state jail, intermediate sanction faction (ISF) or a substance abuse felony punishment
(SAFP) intake facility. These facilities are equipped to receive and process offenders admitted to
the agencys custody. Offenders who speak little or no English shall be identified and shall
receive the necessary type of language assistance during the intake process and later when
assigned to a unit.
1. Photographed;
2. Fingerprinted;
The fingerprints shall be sent to the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS). The Photograph and Identification process helps identify every offender to make
sure no one is admitted or released illegally, and creates the TDCJ-issued identification
card that each offender is required to carry.
C. Physical Examination
Offenders shall be given a physical examination by medical and dental staff. The
medical and dental staff shall ask each offender about his medical history. The medical
and dental staff shall use the results to determine the special needs, if any, of an
offender. The special medical needs of an offender shall be taken into consideration
during the classification process.
Each offender shall undergo an initial mental health screening. An offender may be
referred for further psychological evaluation.
It is the intent of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). Offenders shall report a disability if they have one. ADA
related complaints should be addressed through the Offender Grievance Procedure.
ADA related complaints may also be expressed on an Inmate Request to an Official, I-60,
to the warden. Offenders who require assistance with daily life activities should request
an evaluation from the unit medical provider for a referral to Assistive Disability Services
(ADS).
F. Orientation
An orientation video is provided to all new offenders, also available in Spanish to those
offenders who require it. The orientation shall cover the following:
Part 3 Classification
Part 24 Chaplaincy
Offenders shall also participate in Peer Education classes addressing Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) awareness, and medical issues. During intake, offenders shall
receive information explaining the agency's zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse
and sexual harassment and how to report incidents or suspicions of sexual abuse or
sexual harassment. Within 30 days of intake, the agency shall provide comprehensive
education to offenders either in person or through video regarding an offenders right to
be free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment and to be free from retaliation for
reporting such incidents, and regarding agency policies and procedures for responding to
such incidents.
Offenders shall view a video provide by the Veterans Health Administration, Suits:
Support for Incarcerated Veterans. Female offenders shall also view a video on fetal
alcohol syndrome.
During the intake interview and the sociology interview, information is gathered to create
the classification record. During these interviews, offenders shall be asked questions
about their:
1. Criminal history;
2. Social history;
3. Institutional history;
4. Educational history;
5. Employment history;
6. Family history;
7. Military history;
The State Classification Committee (SCC) and designated staff of the Classification and
Records Office (CRO) shall determine the first unit to which each offender s entenced to
prison shall be sent. Offenders do not have the right to choose their unit of assignment.
Offenders are assigned to units by the SCC after intake processing is completed.
Offenders spend the first few weeks going through the intake process. Data is collected
on each offender. The SCC and CRO staff use this data to place offenders with similar
characteristics on units or facilities together. The SCC and CRO staff shall make its
decision based on:
Based on 1-4 above, the SCC may also recommend the offender's:
3. Job assignment.
Under legislation that established the State Jail felony, state jail offenders are:
1. Convicted of a fourth degree (or state jail) felony and sentenced by a court to
serve a sentence of up to 24 months in a TDCJ State Jail facility.
2 Housed in a state jail facility closest to their county of conviction that can
accommodate the offenders need. There are nine designated state jail service
regions served by one or more state jail facilities. These service regions were
created to provide cost effective community based incarceration enabling
offenders to connect to services in their home communities.
K. Transfer Offenders
Transfer offenders are convicted of 1st , 2nd or 3rd degree felonies and are awaiting
assignment to a permanent facility and subject to the classification procedures as stated
above. Offenders can be detained in a transfer facility for up to two years before being
moved into a permanent facility.
L. SAFPF Offenders
Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) offenders are normally assigned
to units closest to their county of residence in order to facilitate family visits, family
counseling, as well as to maintain contact with the offenders Community Supervision
officer (CSO).
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you are entitled to have TDCJ notify your countrys consular
representatives here in the United States. A consular official from your country may be
able to help you obtain legal counsel, and may contact your family and visit you in
detention, among other things. If you want TDCJ to notify your countrys consular
officials, you can request this notification now by advising an intake staff member or at
any time in the future by contacting the classification office on your unit.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen and a citizen of one of the following countries you MUST
advise TDCJ immediately. It is mandatory that your countrys consular representatives in
the United States be notified that you have been detained. After your consular officials
are notified, they may call or visit you. You are not required to accept their assistance,
but they may be able to help you obtain legal counsel and may contact your family and
visit you in detention, among other things.
A. Custody Levels
An offender's custody level depends on his current institutional behavior, his previous
institutional behavior, and his current offense and sentence length. If the offender
violates any rules, he may be placed in a more restrictive custody. If the offender
complies with the rules, he may be assigned a less restrictive custody level.
2. General population Level 5 (G5) or (J5) custody refers to offenders who have
assaultive or aggressive disciplinary records. G5 or J5 custody offenders shall
live in cells. They may not work outside the security fence without direct, armed
supervision.
3. General population Level 4 (G4) or (J4) custody means the offender shall live in a
cell, with few exceptions, and may work outside the security fence under direct
armed supervision. J4 state jail offenders may be housed in designated dorms.
4. General population Level 3 (G3) refers to prison offenders who may live in dorms
or cells inside the main building of the unit. G3 offenders are ineligible to live in
dorms outside the main building of a unit, inside the security fence. G3 offenders
shall be generally assigned to field force and secure jobs inside the perimeter as
designated by the warden. They may work outside the security fence under
direct armed supervision. (state jail offenders are not assigned to level 3 custody
as this custody is reserved for offenders serving sentences of 50 years or
greater.)
5. General population Level 2 (G2) or (J2) custody refers to offenders who may live
in dorms or cells inside the security fence. They may work outside the security
fence under direct armed supervision.
6. General population Level 1 (G1) or (J1) custody allows offenders to live in dorms
outside the security fence. Offenders living in trusty camps shall be classified OT
custody. They may work outside the security fence with periodic unarmed
supervision.
Note: Offenders in general population custody levels may also be given a safekeeping
status (P2 P5) if they need an added level of protection from other offenders.
B. Committees
The authority that determines the eligibility for removal of a security precaution
designator code from the offenders record. This committee is also the authority
that determines if a security precaution designator should remain in the
offenders record after designated timeframes expire.
C. Inter-Unit Transfers
Inter-unit transfers are transfers from one unit to another. Offenders do not have a right
to choose their unit of assignment. Inter-Unit transfers are based on departmental and
offender needs. Transfer requests follow a process. The warden, the Unit Classification
Committee or the proper department head shall first recommend transfer requests. If
approved at the unit level, the unit shall then contact the State Classification Committee
for final approval.
Transfer requests for medical or educational reasons shall be made to the appropriate
department. For example, the Education Department shall review and approve a transfer
request to attend a four-year college program. If approved, the department head
forwards the request to the State Classification Committee for its review. The State
Classification Committee shall not review transfer requests directly from offenders.
Some offenders have problems/conflicts on their unit and want a transfer. These
offenders should contact the unit staff for help. If further review is needed, the State
Classification Committee shall be contacted.
When offenders enter the TDCJ, they are assigned a time-earning status of Line Class I.
Offenders can work their way into a higher time-earning status or be placed into a lower
time-earning status, dependant upon their behavior. Each time-earning status is linked
with a set number of days of good conduct time that can be earned each month. This
rate is fixed by law. There are two (2) types of time-earning statuses:
1. Line Class status (ranging from Line Class III to Line Class I), and
Newly received offenders shall be assigned to Line Class I status and shall wait six
months before they are eligible for promotion in time-earning status. They shall be
automatically promoted if they do not have any major disciplinary cases during this time
period.
Good conduct time is awarded based on the laws in effect when the crime was
committed, as described below.
Offenders who committed their crimes before September 1, 1987 are "Pre-70th
Legislature" offenders. These offenders are also known as "65th Legislature" offenders.
They are awarded good conduct time each month based on their time-earning status.
"Pre-70th Legislature, 65th Legislature and Pre-65th Legislature offenders can also earn
up to 15 extra days of good conduct time each month. These extra credits are called "A",
"B", and "C" credits. To receive these credits, offenders shall complete one or more
programs in academic or vocational education or complete an On-the-Job Training
Program while in the TDCJ. These extra credits are awarded from the time the program
was completed. Offenders in Line Class III status are not eligible to receive "A", "B", or
"C" credits.
Offenders who committed their crime on or after September 1, 1987 are known as "70th
Legislature" offenders. They are awarded good conduct time each month based on their
time-earning status if they participate in assigned work or school programs. For
participating, these offenders also get an extra 15 days of diligent participation credits
each month. These offenders get no good conduct time for each day they do not go to
work, school or a required treatment program when unexcused. 70th Legislature
offenders who are assigned to administrative segregation shall not receive any of the
15 days diligent participation good conduct time credits. They shall receive only the good
conduct time based on their time earning status. Offenders who are excused from
participating for any reason receive good conduct time. This includes the extra 15 days.
"70th Legislature" offenders are not eligible to earn the "A", "B", or "C" educational
credits.
Two things affect an offender's eligibility for release on parole or mandatory supervision.
They are:
The laws dealing with good conduct time are very complicated. There are many rules
that determine how much good conduct time offenders can earn and how it applies
toward their sentences. Good conduct time, parole or mandatory supervision statutes do
not apply to state jail offenders.
SAFPF offenders are under unique guidelines related to early release and/or parole, and
should check with unit administrators for assistance in understanding which, if any, apply
to their individual situation.
State jail offenders, whose offenses occurred on or after September 1, 2011 may be
eligible for Diligent Participation Credits. These credits may only be awarded by the
sentencing judge based on participation in programs, such as work, education, and
treatment.
After TDCJ reports the diligent participation days to the sentencing judge, the judge,
based on the progress report received, may credit up to 20% of the offenders sentence
for days served as long as the offender was diligently participating in a program and not
subject to disciplinary action. The judge is not required to give credit for each or any day
of diligent participation. The diligent participation credit, if any, shall be submitted by the
sentencing judge to the TDCJ. The TDCJ shall recalculate the maximum discharge date
and send notification to the offender. A time credit under this law is a privilege, not a
right.
The TDCJ has established a dispute resolution process for offenders who allege their
time credits are in error. Complaints regarding time credits cannot be resolved through
the offender grievance process.
Offenders shall contact the CRO by submitting an Offender Time Credit Dispute
Resolution Form (CL-147) to the CRO.
Offenders shall submit the CL-147 form to the unit intake coordinator for
resolution.
Upon receipt of correspondence, the CRO or intake coordinator shall investigate the
allegations. If a correction to time is made, the offender shall be provided a new time slip
or a commitment data form after the correction. If the CRO finds no error in the time-
served credits, the offender shall be provided a written statement from the custodian of
offender records, certifying the credits to be correct based upon documents received by
TDCJ.
Offenders may not file a time-credit error in an application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus
until:
1. A final certification decision from the CRO has been received by the offender; or
2. More than 180 days has passed since offender filed the complaint with the
Custodian of Offender Records, and no response has been received.
3. Offenders who are within 180 days of their presumptive parole date, date of
release to mandatory supervision, or date of discharge may use either this
internal time credit dispute resolution procedure, or submit their application
directly to the court, if the Writ of Habeas Corpus is not otherwise barred.
The Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) is a plan of treatment for an individual offender.
The plan outlines programmatic activities and services for an offender and prioritizes his
participation in recommended programs based on the offenders needs, program
availability and applicable parole or discharge date. An offenders needs for programs
are ranked and prioritized to assess the immediacy for placement. Treatment
department professionals develop the ITP, interview the offender, assess all available
information and record their judgments concerning specific programming needs.
Treatment department professionals shall be responsible for tracking and reviewing all
offenders newly assigned to TDCJ for ITP reviews within two weeks of the offenders
arrival on the unit. Any conflicts or problems that may arise from ITP recommendations
concerning program or job scheduling shall be referred to the UCC for resolution.
The ITP serves to establish institutional conditions required by statute for an offender to
be considered for release on parole as defined by Texas Government Code 508.152.
The ITP is provided to the Board of Pardons and Paroles during the parole review
process. Some of these programs are mandatory and non-attendance can result in
disciplinary action, loss of good conduct time or negative parole consideration.
If the offender continues to refuse, the TDCJ is authorized to use force in accordance
with the TDCJ Use of Force Plan to compel the offender to submit to a DNA specimen
collection.
The standards of behavior outlined below apply to G1/J1, G2/J2, G3 and G4/J4 custody general
population offenders. The conditions in disciplinary status, administrative segregation, lockdown,
or G5/J5 custody may vary from the following:
c. Have a new offender photo taken 30 days after being approved to grow
the beard, for identification purposes;
d. Receive a new identification card with the new photo of them with the
religious beard; and
a. Religious beards shall be no more than fist length and not exceed four
inches outward from the face. This may be measured by having the
offender grasp the beard with their fist. Facial hair that extends beyond
the fist shall be considered out of compliance with policy and shall be
trimmed.
b. Religious beards shall not have any lines, designs, patterns, symbols cut
or shaped, or have any alterations from the natural hair growth.
6. Male offenders shall keep their hair trimmed up the back of their neck and head.
Hair shall be neatly cut. Hair shall be cut around the ears. Sideburns shall not
extend below the middle of the ears. No block style, afro, or shag haircuts shall
be permitted. No fad or extreme hairstyles/haircuts are allowed. No mohawks,
tails, or designs cut into the hair are allowed.
8. Offenders' fingernails shall be neatly trimmed. Fingernails shall not exceed more
than one-eighth of an inch past the tip of the fingers. Fingernails shall not be
filed to a point, but shall be rounded.
Offenders shall not alter, destroy or mark on any TDCJ-issued clothing or necessities
item. Offenders shall not possess any extra clothing or necessities unless specifically
authorized, for instance medically authorized.
1. Clothing
(4) Shoes shall be worn and shall be laced and tied, if applicable.
The types of shoes offenders are allowed to wear and the
locations where the shoes are to be worn shall be coordinated
with the laundry manager and the warden with unit-specific
procedures on footwear issuance.
2. Towels
3. Linens
c. Each offender shall trade his dirty sheets and pillowcase for clean sheets
and a pillowcase at least once a week.
C. Living Areas
2. Each offender shall keep his living area neat, clean and free from contraband.
Beds shall be made when not being used for sleeping.
b. Any object, held in any way by an offender, enters the cell of another
offender.
5. Offenders shall not hang towels, blankets, clothing, or other similar items in the
living area so that it blocks the correctional officer's view of any area. Items shall
not be placed, stored or hung in the windows, on doors, on cubicle walls, or in
front of vents.
6. An offender shall get permission from the correctional officer on duty before
passing any item:
7. Each offender may have one mattress and one pillow or one mattress/pillow
combo, one pillowcase and two sheets or if a mattress/pillow combo is used, two
sheets only.
9. Offenders shall play radios in a low volume or with the use of headphones or
earphones. The correctional officer on duty shall determine when a radio is not
being played at an appropriate volume.
10. Offenders shall not place homemade covers, shades, or other similar items, on
lights in living areas or over air vents to restrict the exchange of air inside the
living area.
11. Offenders shall not alter, disfigure, damage or destroy any state property in the
housing area, to include bunks, ceiling, walls, fixtures or other similar items.
12. Offenders shall report problems with cell, wing or dorm toilets, sinks, electrical
plugs, lights, or other similar items to the correctional officer on duty.
13. Offenders are not allowed to store open containers of food that can spoil in their
living areas. Opened containers of food that will not spoil shall be sealed or
wrapped while being stored in living areas.
14. Offenders shall not be loud or boisterous. Offenders shall not use vulgar or
abusive language.
b. Turn off all electrical appliances, except the clock in a clock radio;
d. Dress properly;
16. Offenders shall not loiter in the hallway outside of the living areas.
17. Offenders shall not throw trash or other items into the hallway outside the living
area or out the window. Trash shall be put in trash cans.
18. Offenders shall not have items sticking out of the cells or windows.
D. Dining Hall
1. Offenders are provided with three wholesome meals daily. However, on selected
units, two meals shall be provided on Saturdays and Sundays that meet the
same nutritional requirements as three meals.
3. Meals are normally served cafeteria style. No food may be wasted or stolen.
Offenders shall not try to have more food placed on their tray by offenders
working on the serving line. The offender workers have been told by officials
how much food to serve.
5. The correctional officer on duty shall direct offenders where to sit. Offenders
shall not skip seats or save seats for other offenders.
6. Offenders are allowed to talk with those offenders at the same table as long as it
is kept within normal conversational levels as interpreted by the supervising
employee.
7. Offenders are not allowed to pass anything from one table to another.
8. Offenders who are not satisfied with the food may talk to the correctional officer
on duty.
9. Offenders shall be given 20 minutes to eat, from the time they enter the dining
room until they depart. Offenders who are loitering, visiting, or engaging in other
similar activities and not eating shall be told to leave the dining hall.
10. Offenders shall stay seated until ready to leave the dining hall. Each offender
shall clean his eating area and turn in all trays, cups, utensils and other similar
items before leaving. No trays, cups, utensils and other similar items shall be
11. Offenders who are denied access to the dining hall due to disruptive behavior
shall be served a sack lunch.
12. Offenders prescribed therapeutic diets by a health care provider shall not be
allowed to receive food from the regular food line.
E. Shower Rules
1. Offenders shall normally shower one time each day; however, paraplegic
offenders may be allowed to shower whenever necessary, as determined by the
medical provider.
3. Offenders shall not shower during normal working hours unless authorized by a
supervisor.
5. Offenders using centralized shower locations shall not carry towels or extra
clothing from the shower area.
F. Dayroom Rules
3. Offenders may talk at a low level as long as the offenders do not disturb those
who are watching television.
6. Offenders shall not save chairs for other offenders in the dayroom.
7. Offenders shall be properly dressed while in the dayroom (see section III B.1.d).
Female offenders shall wear bras while in the dayroom.
8. Offenders shall not wear caps, hats or headgear in the dayroom, with the
exception of those worn by offenders for religious purposes.
9. Offenders shall not take blankets, pillows or linens into the dayrooms.
10. Offenders shall not take radios, typewriters, fans, or other electric devices into
the dayrooms.
d. One Bible;
e. Board games;
g. Brush or comb
2. Offenders shall not take linens, towels, or blankets into the yard.
5. Horseplay is prohibited.
6. Physical contact not related to approved recreational activity is against the rules.
9. Offenders shall not urinate anywhere other than in toilets provided on the
recreation yard or toilets in the building.
10. Offenders shall not carry food items or beverages to the recreation yard.
H. Commissary Rules
1. Offenders shall not go to the commissary during the offenders regular working
hours.
3. Any item bought from the commissary shall be for personal use only.
4. Offenders shall have enough money in their trust fund accounts to cover the cost
of all commissary items ordered.
9. Offenders are not allowed to return items to the commissary unless the items are
defective.
10. Offenders shall take commissary items back to the offenders assigned living
area immediately after leaving the commissary.
11. Only one offender is allowed at the commissary window at a time. Offenders
shall carry their own commissary items; no helpers or carriers shall be allowed.
12. Offenders are not allowed to purchase more items than will fit in the allotted
storage space, in accordance with AD-03.72, Offender Property.
I. Hall Rules
6. Offenders shall not loiter or run in the hallway or walkway. Offenders shall not sit
against or lean on the wall in the hallway or walkway.
J. Offender Property
TDCJ policy establishes what personal and TDCJ-issued property an offender may
possess, and obtain, while in custody and how it shall be stored. By choosing to
possess property while in the TDCJ, an offender consents to the rules and regulations
established regarding the acquisition, possession, storage, and disposition of that
property. When an offenders property is restricted, or left behind due to his departure
from the unit, it shall be inventoried and stored in the unit property room.
c. Jewelry items - One wedding ring and one wrist watch, which may be
denied if determined to be excessive in value or size;
7. Amounts that an offender may spend in the commissary are based on his
classification, custody, or disciplinary status. Subject to approval by the warden,
an offender may order authorized items from an outside vendor. However, no
offender may possess more property than he can store in designated areas.
8. Claims for lost or damaged offender property shall be pursued through the
Offender Grievance procedure. Loss or damage that is determined to be the
responsibility of the TDCJ shall generally be paid at no more than $50 per item;
no more than $500 total.
11. If an offender departs due to parole or emergency absence, property left behind
shall be stored for a maximum of thirty days; if out on bench warrant, property
shall be stored in the Property Room for a maximum of six months. If the
offender has not returned to TDCJ custody after these time frames, and has not
made arrangements for disposition of the stored property, it shall be disposed of
by the agency.
12. No offender may send out a property item, by mail or visitor, with the intent of
having the item repaired and returned.
K. Contraband
2. Contraband is:
a. Any item not allowed when the offender came to the TDCJ, not given or
assigned to an offender by the TDCJ, and not bought by an offender for
his use from the commissary;
e. Any item received or sent through the mail that is not approved in
accordance with the TDCJ Offender Correspondence Rules;
f. Anything an offender is not supposed to have: such as, but not limited to:
(1) Money;
(2) Items used for gambling, such as dice and playing cards;
L. Tobacco Policy
M. Safety Regulations
1. Every effort shall be made to provide a safe living and work environment for
offenders. It is the responsibility of each offender to exercise care, cooperation
and common sense while performing their assigned job duties and daily
activities.
2. Offenders shall immediately report all injuries to the appropriate work supervisor
or staff member.
3. Offenders shall immediately report all safety hazards to the appropriate work
supervisor or staff member, and shall not continue to work in any area or on any
equipment that has been deemed unsafe or improperly guarded by the work
supervisor. If an offenders work supervisor or other staff member does not
agree that an unsafe condition exists, the offender may report the situation to the
Unit Risk Manager, either verbally or in writing.
5. Offenders shall perform only work that is assigned to them. Operating machines
or equipment or performing any operation for which offenders have not been
specifically assigned and trained is strictly forbidden.
7. Offenders shall not ride on the drawbars of farm vehicles and shall not ride on
tractors, forklifts, or other vehicles unless an authorized manufacturer installed
seat is provided. Offenders shall not stand in moving vehicles and shall not sit
where their legs hang over the sides of vehicles and trailers. Offenders shall not
dismount any vehicle until it has come to a complete stop.
9. Any offender found in violation of these procedures or any other posted unit
specific safety or risk management policy is subject to disciplinary action.
Offenders shall exercise caution when entering and exiting shower areas in an
effort to prevent slip, trip, and fall injuries.
Heat Precaution - Offenders shall be cautious of heat during the summer months;
especially offenders working in areas of extreme heat such as, field,
maintenance, and yard squads.
Be alert of the signs and symptoms of heat and hypothermia illnesses; see chart
below.
N. General Rules
Offenders shall make themselves aware of and follow all written rules and posted signs.
3. When talking to an employee or official, offenders shall stand with arms by their
side and call them Mr., Ms., or Officer (Last Name) or use their title. Offenders
can identify the officer by the last name on his nameplate that is worn as part of
the uniform. Offenders shall show respect when talking with employees, officials,
visitors and other offenders. Offenders shall answer "yes, sir"; "no, sir"; "yes,
ma'am"; or "no, ma'am".
4. Offenders are prohibited from maintaining active social media accounts for the
purposes of soliciting, updating, or engaging others, through a third party or
otherwise.
6. Offenders shall not litter. Trash and garbage shall be placed in trash cans.
7. Offenders shall not alter, disfigure, damage or destroy any state property.
8. Offenders shall not have playing cards, dice or any other item that can be used
for gambling.
9. Offenders shall not tamper with hand restraints, or any security equipment.
10. Offenders shall not take posted information from bulletin boards.
13. Offenders are not allowed in their work areas except during their work hours,
unless approved due to special circumstances.
14. Offenders shall not traffic and trade postage supplies, or trade any offenders
personal property for other commissary items.
15. Offenders are expected to be dressed and ready when called for work, school, or
other turnouts. There shall be no tardiness allowed by offenders.
16. Offenders are allowed to carry the following items to their job assignment:
All other items are prohibited in the workplace. In addition, offenders are not
allowed to take any item from the workplace back to the living area.
17. Offenders shall not wear sunglasses indoors unless medically prescribed.
18. It is the intent of the TDCJ to have all offenders immediately comply with lawful
instructions or orders. An offender shall obey the staffs orders at all times, as
long as the orders do not place him or those around him in physical danger, or
would cause him to violate a TDCJ written rule or policy. In such cases, the
written policy almost always would supersede the direct order.
In the event that an offender feels he is being pressured for sexual favors or to
violate any institutional rule, the offender shall refuse to do the prohibited act and
either:
g. Contact any staff member with whom he feels comfortable enough to let
them know and request their help; or
h. Write a family member and urge the family member to call the
Ombudsman Office immediately.
The TDCJ has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment of
offenders in TDCJs custody. Sexual abuse and sexual harassment of any type on a
TDCJ facility is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated. Sexual abuse includes
sexual contact with an offender by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer or by another
offender. This means, all allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment whether it
is perpetrated by a staff member or another offender shall be thoroughly investigated.
Additionally, the TDCJ prohibits retaliation for reporting allegations and/or cooperating
with investigations related to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
B. What is PREA?
In 2003, the federal government enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The
purpose of this Act is to reduce the incidence of sexual abuse by establishing national
standards with the goal of eliminating sexual abuse within all confinement facilities across
the nation. The TDCJ fully supports the national efforts to eliminate sexual abuse of
offenders and has incorporated the PREA standards in the TDCJ policies and
procedures.
a. Contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and anus, including
penetration, however slight;
a. Contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and anus, including
penetration, however slight;
c. Contact between the mouth and any body part where the staff member,
contractor, or volunteer has the intent to abuse, arouse, or gratify desire;
Employees of the TDCJ are strictly prohibited from engaging in sexual conduct with an
offender, even if an offender is willing to engage in the act. Employees found in violation
of sexual abuse are subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
2. Voyeurism
TDCJ facilities are supervised by both male and female staff. On occasion, male
offenders shall be supervised by female correctional officers, and female offenders shall
be supervised by male correctional officers. Correctional officers of the opposite gender
shall announce their presence before entering a housing area at the beginning of their
shift and anytime the gender of supervision changes from same gender, to mixed or
opposite gender supervision. The announcement applies to both security and non-
security staff. Be aware that once the announcement is made, it shall not be repeated
during the course of the shift. Offenders shall treat staff of the opposite gender with
respect. Any inappropriate behavior or comments directed toward staff of either gender
shall be subject to disciplinary action.
The Safe Prisons/PREA program was established to prevent, detect, and respond to
sexual abuse, sexual harassment, extortion, and other acts of violence perpetrated
against an offender. The Safe Prisons/PREA Plan and policies provides guidelines
necessary to prevent, respond, and investigate acts of aggression. Additionally, the Plan
outlines the process of addressing the needs of offenders following an allegation. One of
the strategies involved in the Program includes educating offenders to raise awareness
regarding the Program and provide direction on methods to prevent and report incidents
of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
1. Offenders are provided with multiple methods to report sexual abuse, sexual
harassment and other acts of aggression that may pose a significant threat to
your safety. It is important that you begin by telling any staff member,
immediately. All staff members have been trained on what to do when they
receive reports concerning an offenders safety. Staff is also instructed to
maintain confidentiality by discussing reports with officials on a need to know
basis.
2. The PREA Ombudsman is a point of contact for offenders who have complaints
or inquiries regarding any allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
Offenders may contact the PREA Ombudsman in writing; however, offender
family members and friends may contact the PREA Ombudsman in writing or by
phone. You may report allegations verbally or in writing, but keep in mind time is
of the essence when reporting sexual abuse. Any delay in reporting shall make
investigating an incident more challenging.
3. You may privately and confidentially report incidents of sexual abuse to the
agency PREA Ombudsman, who shall initiate an investigation into your claims.
4. A report made in good faith based upon a reasonable belief that the alleged
conduct did occur does not constitute lying for the purpose of disciplinary action
even if the investigation does not establish evidence sufficient to substantiate
(prove the incident occurred) the allegation. Offenders shall not be disciplined for
good faith reporting.
5. However, if investigation reveals that an offender knew that the information was
false, and made the allegation intentionally or with malice, he or she shall be
subject to disciplinary action. This type of behavior is also a violation of the
Texas Penal Code.
The only way that sexual abuse can be eliminated is when a sexual abuse predator
chooses not to abuse. However, you can reduce the risk of being victimized by keeping
the following guidelines in mind:
1. A successful predator will get to know you and determine your strengths,
weaknesses, and needs. For example, if you are new to the prison environment
and need items, such as deodorant or toothpaste, and dont have the money in
your account, a predator may offer to buy these things for you as a kind gesture.
However, this friendship could be short-lived and the predator may demand sex
as repayment. Others may offer protection in return for sexual favors.
4. Be alert! Do not use contraband substances such as drugs or alcohol: they can
weaken your ability to stay alert and make good judgments.
5. Position yourself in Safe Zones or areas where you can see a staff member and
the staff member can see you. If you are being pressured for sex, report it to any
staff member immediately. The quicker you report the situation, the faster you
will be removed from the situation. Dont try to take matters into your own
hands.
6. Be aware of situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts. If
it feels wrong, get help, or call out for a staff member.
7. Dont let your manners or pride get in the way of keeping yourself safe. Dont be
afraid to say NO or STOP IT NOW.
8. Walk and stand with confidence. Predators generally choose victims who look
like they wont fight back or appear emotionally weak.
9. Avoid talking about sex and casual nudity. These things may be considered a
come on, or make another believe that you have an interest in a sexual
relationship.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to obtain the evidence necessary for a
criminal and/or administrative investigation. Request immediate medical
attention; you may have serious injuries that you are not aware of, and any
sexual contact can expose you to sexually transmitted infections.
a. Do not shower, brush your teeth, use the restroom, or change your
clothes. You may destroy important evidence.
b. The first responder shall immediately separate you from the alleged
perpetrator and move you to a safe place.
g. You shall also be referred for Mental Health Services. The days following
the abuse can be traumatic and it helps to have people who will be there
to help you. Seek professional help. Offenders who are victims of
sexual abuse shall receive timely, unimpeded access to emergency
medical treatment and crisis intervention services, the nature and scope
of which are determined by medical and mental health practitioners
according to their professional judgment in accordance with Correctional
Managed Health Care (CMHC) policies.
2. Investigations
f. If you have trouble controlling your actions, seek help from mental health
staff and/or consider participating in programs designed to control anger
or reduce stress. To reduce immediate feelings of anger or aggression,
try talking to or writing to a friend, meditate, do breathing exercises to
relax, or engage in some type of exercise.
Offenders who participate in gang related activities may be confirmed as a security threat
group member. Those confirmed as a security threat group member shall be assigned to
administrative segregation. If placed in administrative segregation, you shall be
separated from the general population and you shall lose a number of privileges. Other
restrictions include: contact visits are not allowed; no participation in educational or
vocational classes; emergency absence requests are not considered; good time credits
shall not be awarded, and movement is restricted. As a security threat group member,
you could also become a victim of security threat group related violence and may even
place your immediate family in danger.
If a confirmed security threat group member wishes to disassociate with their current
affiliation, the offender may request to be considered for the Gang Renouncement and
Disassociation (GRAD) Process. After approval, the offender shall complete the GRAD
process before they are reviewed for release from administrative segregation and
returned to general population status. The curriculum provides cognitive intervention,
anger management, substance abuse education, and programming addressing criminal
addictive behavior.
A. Education
Literacy, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Life Skills Programs are offered on
several units or facilities. The goal of all classes is to prepare students for work both in
prison industry and for jobs after release from incarceration. The following programs and
services are provided throughout the system:
Counseling
Academic Programs
GED Preparation
Special Education
Title I
CHANGES
Cognitive Intervention
Libraries
Most literacy classes are held three hours per day, five days per week. Not all programs
and services are available at every unit or facility location.
2. Counseling
School counselors share program information with potential students and enroll
eligible offenders in appropriate educational programs. Counselors provide
career guidance to help offenders prepare for jobs and careers after release.
4. Special Education
a. Learning disability;
b. Emotional disturbance;
c. Intellectual disabilities;
6. Title I
The Title I program is provided for offenders who are 21 years of age or younger.
Students are enrolled in a Title I class in addition to a regular Literacy class each
day. Interactive computer-assisted instruction is used in the Title I program to
provide remediation of basic skills.
The CHANGES program offers life skills to prepare offenders for release.
CHANGES, the name of the prerelease program, stands for Changing Habits
and Achieving New Goals to Empower Success. The CHANGES program is
offered to offenders within two years of release. It is also offered to offenders
who have FI3R parole requirements. It includes many topics that are important
to being successful in the freeworld, including:
a. Personal Development;
b. Healthy Relationships;
c. Living Responsibly;
d. Drug Education;
e. Living Well;
g. Going Home
8. Cognitive Intervention
The Cognitive Program teaches students to examine and change the thinking
patterns that lead to criminal behavior. Students learn more appropriate thinking
skills in order to reduce anger and anxiety, and increase communication and
problem solving abilities. Students can request the class, or an offender can be
referred to the Cognitive Program by unit administration. Topics include:
a. Team Building;
b. Thinking Errors;
c. Criminal/Addictive Cycle;
j. ChoosePlanDo; and
k. Relapse Prevention
a. Automotive Trades;
b. Construction Trades;
c. Horticulture/Landscape Trades;
d. Truck Driving;
e. Culinary Arts;
g. Diesel Mechanics;
i. Electrical Trades
Offenders may request to be placed on the district-wide waiting list to transfer for
a CTE program that is offered on another unit. The unit principal and/or
counselor can assist the offender with this process. The TDCJ State
Classification committee shall make all decisions regarding unit assignment.
The Apprenticeship Program offers offenders training in many crafts. Each craft
requires 2,000 to 8,000 hours of work background. Offenders shall have 144
hours of related classroom instruction per year. The U.S. Department of Labor
issues a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship to students who complete
the program.
10. Libraries
Offenders shall follow established unit library rules and procedures posted in the
library. The rules and procedures shall show the scheduled library hours, the
number of books that can be checked out, and the length of time on the books. It
is the responsibility of the offender to make sure library books are returned to the
library or put in a unit book drop box on time. Reference books, magazines, and
newspapers are to remain in the library and cannot be removed.
Library books are state numbered property. Disciplinary action shall be taken for
loss, theft, damage, or destruction of books, reference books and magazines.
Overdue library books are considered contraband.
The Windham School District has rules to help create an orderly and positive
atmosphere. A positive atmosphere helps people learn. The following rules
apply to all students in the school:
g. Students shall do all their assigned work and take all required tests;
k. Students shall follow all the TDCJ, unit, and school rules;
m. Vocational students shall wear eye protective gear and all personal
protective equipment when required;
p. Violation of any of these rules may result in disciplinary action and the
possible removal from school.
B. Recreational Activities
The TDCJ has developed guidelines for out-of-cell time which affords eligible offenders
the opportunity to participate in non-programmatic and programmatic recreational
activities. Recreation facilities and equipment are provided for offender use. Certain
recreational activities may not be available for participation due to an offenders loss of
recreation privileges as a result of disciplinary actions.
a. Television viewing;
e. Craft Shop.
(6) G5/P5 Custody offenders shall be allowed two hours each day in
the gym or recreation yard.
(7) J5 Custody offenders shall be allowed one hour each day in the
gym or recreation yard.
The use of the unit craft shop is a privilege and shall be treated as such. The warden
may take away an offenders craft shop privilege at any time. Craft shop cards shall be
issued on a firstcome firstserved basis. To participate in the craft shop program, an
offender shall:
3. Be assigned to TDCJ at least six months prior to submitting a request for craft
shop participation;
4. Have a clear disciplinary record for the prior six month period (no major or minor
disciplinary case convictions);
5. Have a job assignment (except for offenders who are medically unassigned); and
6. Have sufficient funds on deposit with the Offender Trust Fund to make initial
purchase of supplies/materials as follows:
b. Woodworking: Minimum of $ 50
Offenders shall satisfy the above criteria before submitting an I-60 request to participate
in the unit craft shop program and be approved by the warden or designee.
Advanced in-cell piddling programs exist at the wardens discretion. Advanced in-cell
offenders shall meet the above rules in order to participate in the craft shop program.
The Craft shop program is a privilege. The warden may take away an offenders piddling
privileges at any time.
All offenders who are eligible for commissary purchases may purchase basic art supplies
from the commissary for use in their cells. Once purchased, basic art items shall be
considered personal property with the appropriate restrictions applied regarding storage
and use. The following provisions also apply:
1. The sale of any artwork from the basic in-cell art program is prohibited;
2. Basic art items purchased by an offender for in-cell artwork shall be used for
recreational purposes only; and
3. When an offender has abused the privileges extended with the basic in-cell art
program, his privileges may be restricted in accordance with TDCJ Disciplinary
Rules and Procedures for Offenders.
E. Health Services
Health care is provided for offenders who have medical, dental, psychiatric and
psychological problems. Also, physically handicapped offenders receive services
through the Assistive Disability Services (ADS).
1. Medical Services
The health needs of each offender are assessed when he/she enters prison.
Basic medical services including emergency care, sick call and ongoing care for
chronic illness are offered at each unit. Licensed medical professionals provide
health care. Offenders who need special care may be sent to a unit which
provides the specific service(s) needed. Offenders needing hospital care are
sent to the TDCJ Hospital at Galveston or to other hospitals which serve TDCJ.
Offenders who have trouble seeing, hearing, speaking or walking can get help
from Medical Services. Their problems are assessed and care is provided if
needed. All offenders may access the medical department by submitting a sick
call request slip or by direct request to a correctional officer or supervisor.
Specific details on unit procedures shall be provided at unit orientations and shall
also be provided in writing. In the event of an emergency, offenders may request
a correctional officer or supervisor to contact the medical department on their
behalf. The medical department staff shall provide direction as to disposition
based on their clinical judgment.
As of September 28, 2011 and in accordance with state law, if you initiate a
health services visit you be charged an annual $100 fee, unless indigent. The
fee covers health care visits that you request for one year and shall be deducted
from your Trust Fund. You shall be provided access to health care services
regardless of your ability to pay this fee.
The following health care visits are exempt from being charged a fee:
f. Health care services necessary to comply with State law and regulations.
Any complaint about the annual health care services fee shall be made to the
Unit Practice Manager, Health Administrator, Director of Nursing, Nurse Manager
or Nurse Administrator, as appropriate, immediately upon your receipt of the
Trust Fund statement containing the charge. If you are indigent or the balance of
your fund is insufficient to cover the fee, fifty percent of the balance and of each
future deposit into your Trust Fund shall be applied toward the amount owed until
the entire $100 is paid. Any charge to your Trust Fund account causes a
statement to be generated for your immediate review. Charges that you believe
are ineligible shall be reported within ninety days of the date you were seen in
clinic for which the charge occurred. Failure to do so shall result in your inability
to grieve the issue because you shall have exceeded time limits for filing.
The Patient Liaison Program does not review concerns from offenders related to
the annual health care services fee. If the Unit Practice Manager, Health
Administrator, Director of Nursing, Nurse Manager or Nurse Administrator, as
appropriate, is unable to resolve your concern, you shall seek resolution through
the grievance process. Restoration of the annual health care services fee by the
TDCJ Health Services Division can only occur through a sustained Step 2
grievance.
2. Dental Services
All offenders may request dental care. Offenders can use the Sick Call Request
form to request an appointment. The Sick call request slip can be found in the
housing areas. The dentist decides who needs treatment and when treatment
should be given. The most pressing needs are treated first, such as swelling,
pain, or infections which are considered urgent. Filling a small cavity or cleaning
teeth are not considered urgent needs. An offender with these types of problems
may have to wait to be treated.
Offenders are given a toothbrush and toothpaste at the intake centers. When the
offenders get to the unit of assignment, they shall be given information about oral
hygiene aids available. Offenders shall get instructions on how to keep their
teeth and gums in healthy condition. Offenders shall be able to demonstrate that
they can keep their teeth and gums healthy before receiving dental care other
than emergency or urgent dental care.
a. Examination;
b. X-ray;
c. Cleaning;
b. Braces; or
3. Pharmacy Services
An offender may be sent to a special Psychiatric Center unit if his problems are
severe. Trained staff can help an offender with these problems to get well.
c. Provides access to mental health services for offenders who send a sick
call request (SCR) or an I-60. Access to mental health services shall
include routine and crisis intervention. Access to mental health services
may include follow-up appointments;
d. Provides treatment to mentally ill offenders. This may or may not include
medication; and
a. Case management;
c. Job training;
e. Counseling;
f. Recreation; and
g. Work opportunities.
Offenders who need this type of help are also assisted with finding these
services in the freeworld when they are released.
Any offender who feels that he/she did not receive medical care that is necessary
and appropriate should contact the treating professional at their unit of
assignment. If the offender is unsatisfied with the response from the treating
professional, each facility has an informal complaints process in place. The
offender should submit an I-60 and/or letter to the facility based complaint
coordinator, who is the facility Health Administrator/Practice Manager. If the
offender continues to be dissatisfied with the response from this process, the
offender has the option of filing a grievance (I-27) through the Offender
Grievance Process.
F. Rehabilitation Programs
The ITP outlines programmatic activities and services for every individual
offender and prioritizes participation in recommended programs based on needs,
program availability, and applicable parole or discharge date. The ITP records
eligibility for, and participation in, treatment programs aimed at reducing
recidivism, improving knowledge, positive social interactions, and life skills.
Every CID offender has an ITP developed for the purposes of providing
information to staff when identifying programmatic needs; as a tracking
instrument to ensure appropriate placements are made; and to enhance reports
to the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) regarding offender program
participation. Offenders are required to attend programs specified by the ITP,
regardless of their parole eligibility, as the programs are available. The ITP may
also be utilized by the Reentry and Integration Division (RID) to enhance reentry
planning. Any conflicts or problems that may arise from ITP recommendations
concerning a program or job scheduling is referred to the UCC for resolution.
Those willing to renounce their gang affiliation are required to participate in the
process and associated activities until successful completion is attained.
Offenders who fail to successfully complete the entire process or become
reconfirmed as an STG member after release to the GP shall be returned to
administrative custody.
This program is a seven month pre-release, street ready initiative for male
offenders in administrative segregation custody and includes cognitive
restructuring, life skills training, substance abuse education, anger management,
literacy, cultural diversity, faith-based courses (voluntary), and self paced
activities, all of which target some of the leading causes of recidivism.
This four month program assists offenders in the transition from administrative
segregation to general population. The program addresses dysfunctional
thinking patterns, life and coping skills, problem solving, and building/maintaining
appropriate and healthy relationships.
Eligible offenders who have been screened and approved by TDCJ and UTMB
may, after giving birth, complete the remainder of their sentence (with the infant)
in a residential facility. The offender shall participate in child development
education, bonding activities, life skills, infant first aid and CPR, nutrition, peer
recovery, cognitive skills, and family reunification sessions. Additional
programming may include substance abuse education and GED classes.
Any offender who fails to follow the program rules may be returned to TDCJ and
a designated caregiver contacted in regards to the infant. If the caregiver is
unable or refuses to accept custody of the infant, Child Protective Services shall
be notified. Additionally, the offender may be subject to disciplinary action.
7. Faith-Based Programs
a. Dorms
Faith-based dorms (FBD) are located on many of the TDCJ prisons and
state jails, offering support and accountability, along with an intensive
faith-based curriculum and mentoring program provided by faith-based
community volunteers and unit chaplains.
The dorms support the practice of religious faith in a group setting and
provide the tools needed for improved institutional adjustment and
successful reentry into the community. While participating in a FBD (up
to two years), offenders continue to work and attend academic and
vocational classes (if eligible) as available on the unit.
c. Voyager
Offenders shall volunteer for Voyager and be in a custody that does not
preclude participation in programmatic activities. In some instances,
completion of Voyager may satisfy an FI-3R parole vote.
8. College Courses
All college expenses incurred by the offender during incarceration shall either be
paid at registration or upon release, per legislative requirement effective
September 1995.
The state shall provide the cost of two academic courses each semester, which
shall be reimbursed to the state by the offender after release as a condition of
parole. Offenders may make payments prior to release. Additional courses may
be taken each semester at the expense of the offender. These costs shall be
paid by the offender at registration from personal funds or by other financial aid
arrangements between the offender and the college or university.
Academic courses are available on a wide variety of units in all areas of the
state. University courses are available on selected units with limited major areas
of study. Offenders housed on a unit that does not offer the academic program
for which they qualify may request a unit transfer for participation by submitting
the appropriate forms to the RPD Operations Department in Huntsville. The
TDCJ State Classification Committee (SCC) shall make all decisions on unit
assignments.
The state shall provide the initial cost of two college level vocational courses, to
be reimbursed to the state by the offender after release as a condition of parole.
Offenders may make payments prior to release. Additional courses may be
taken, on a space-available basis, at the expense of the offender. These costs
Prison offenders shall meet the criteria of both the TDCJ and SWBTS and agree
to serve as peer mentors within TDCJ after the degree has been awarded.
Selection is limited to 40 candidates per year.
b. An EA score of 11 or higher;
Religious services and support are provided to all interested offenders. There is
at least one chaplain assigned to each unit. Chaplains provide general spiritual
support. Chaplains listen, advise, guide and help offenders during family
emergencies.
News about religious programs is posted on unit bulletin boards. Leaflets may
also be distributed that announce programs. Sometimes, offenders may hear
about a program or service from other offenders. All eligible offenders may
attend the unit services. If an offender is sick, in administrative segregation or
solitary, he may have a chaplain or volunteer visit.
The Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs (SOTP) are located on various TDCJ
units throughout the State of Texas. The SOTP conducts evaluations and offers
sex offender rehabilitation services for both male and female offenders.
(1) G2 or G3 custody.
The SOEP-4 is a 4-month didactic for sex offenders who are determined
to pose a low risk to sexually re-offend after their release from TDCJ.
Participants may be required to attend sex offender treatment for the
duration of their supervision after release.
e. Risk Assessment
The TDCJ has established a process to assess the risk a sex offender
poses to the community. Assigned risk levels are High, Moderate, or
Low. The basic measures for assessing risk-level are Static and
Dynamic.
In 1999, the Texas Legislature passed a law that provides for the civil
commitment of sexually violent predators. The law requires that if an offender
has two or more convictions for one of the following sex offenses, he should be
referred for civil commitment consideration: aggravated sexual assault, sexual
assault, indecency with a child by contact, aggravated kidnapping with the intent
to commit a sex offense, or burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a
sex offense. In addition, the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit one of
these offenses is a qualifying offense. Similar offenses committed in other
states, under federal law or the Uniform Code of Military Justice also qualify, as
do adjudications of delinquency in juvenile court for these types of offenses. In
addition, a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) for one of these
offenses coupled with a conviction for one of these offenses qualifies an
offender, as does two findings of NGRI. Successfully completed probations or
deferred adjudications count as final convictions for purposes of civil
commitment. The offender shall be currently serving a conviction for one of these
offenses.
Sex offenders who are within 16 months of their scheduled release date are
transferred to the SOTP for an evaluation, and their case is presented to the
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT is jointly appointed by the Executive
Director of TDCJ and the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Mental
Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) and includes representation for the
TDCJ, OVSOM, MHMR, OVSOM and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The team determines whether the offender has been convicted of two qualifying
offenses and whether the offender is likely to commit a sexually violent offense
after release or discharge. If the team determines that re-offense is likely, they
shall recommend that the offender be seen by an expert. If the expert
determines that the offender has a behavioral abnormality that makes him likely
to commit a predatory act of sexual violence after release or discharge, the case
may be referred to the Special Prosecution Unit for consideration. If a petition is
filed, the offender shall receive a copy. State Counsel for Offenders shall be
appointed to represent indigent offenders.
(8) A violation under the laws of another state, the United States, a
foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
for an offense containing elements that are substantially similar
to the elements of an offense listed in a-e, g or j-k, unless the
violation results in a deferred adjudication;
(9) A second violation under the laws of another state, the United
States, a foreign country, or the UCMJ for an offense containing
elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an
offense of indecent exposure, unless the second violation results
in a deferred adjudication;
TDCJ shall also indicate your risk level on the registration form. If you are noted
as high risk and were convicted of a sex offense on or after January 1, 2000,
your neighbors will receive a post card about your release to the community.
Information can be printed in the newspaper on certain sex offenders at the
discretion of local law enforcement and shall be available on the DPS website
regardless of risk level.
Your parole officer will be able to answer questions concerning the Texas Sex
Offender Registration Program.
15. Orchiectomy
The RPD coordinates requests for an Orchiectomy, which is another term for
surgical castration. An offender may request this procedure if convicted of (1)
Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children, (2) Indecency with a Child,
(3) Sexual Assault of a Child, or (4) Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and
has been previously convicted of one of those offenses. The offender shall be 21
years of age or older, submit the request in writing, and sign a statement
admitting guilt for the offenses for which he has been convicted. He shall be
placed in the 18-month SOTP which shall be completed before the surgery shall
be performed.
During the course of treatment, a psychiatrist and psychologist shall evaluate the
offender to determine suitability for the procedure, and counsel the offender
before he undergoes the procedure. In addition, a monitor appointed by the
Texas State Board of Medical Examiners shall consult with the offender to ensure
that medical professionals have provided adequate information regarding
surgical castration and that the offender has not been coerced to have the
procedure performed.
An offender can change his mind at any time before actually undergoing the
procedure. However, once an offender has requested the surgery but later
decides not to proceed, he shall no longer be eligible for the surgery at any time
in the future. The request for, or completion of, surgical castration has absolutely
no influence on parole consideration, favorable or otherwise. The Board of
Pardons and Paroles cannot require that an offender receive an Orchiectomy as
a condition of release.
If you are a qualifying sex offender interested in this procedure, please send an I
60 to the RPD-SORP.
The 6-month DWI program is for prison offenders identified as needing intensive
treatment for DWI offenses. This program blends evidence-based practices that
focus on alternatives to drinking and driving, alcohol addiction and abuse, victim
awareness, medical effects, lifestyles, stress, assertion, cognitive therapy,
journaling, etc.
Offenders with an active DWI conviction may be placed in the program by parole-
vote or by the State Classification Committee (SCC).
There are three in-prison phases that target criminal thinking errors, drug seeking
behavior and relapse prevention. There are additional phases (aftercare) once
released from prison.
The PRSAP is a 6-month intensive program for male prison offenders who have
serious substance abuse or chemical dependency issues along with antisocial
characteristics. Programming consists of basic therapeutic community language
and rules, including exposing criminal thinking errors and drug seeking behaviors
through therapeutic confrontation, practice of relapse prevention methods and
problem solving techniques.
There are three in-prison phases that target criminal thinking errors, drug seeking
behavior and relapse prevention. There are additional phases (aftercare) once
released from prison.
Should you have further questions on any of the programs listed above, you may
write the Substance Abuse Treatment Program at:
Truck Mail: RPD Substance Abuse
Administration Building - Huntsville
P.O. Box 99
There are a variety of active support groups in prison, state jail, and private
facilities, as well as in parole and community supervision offices. These include
drug and alcohol addiction support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous,
Winners Circle, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Secular
Organization for Sobriety, Celebrate Recovery, CASA and Overcomers, and
many other recovery support groups.
There are spiritual and motivational support groups, such as Quest for Authentic
Manhood, Breaking Free, and Making Peace with Your Past. These and many
others provide faith and non-faith based support to improve life skills, decision-
making skills and self-worth. Eligible offenders may participate in these groups
regardless of their faith affiliation.
Youthful offenders are housed in TDCJ prisons and state jails that are equipped
with Youthful Offender Programs. Youthful offenders identified with special
needs shall be assigned to an appropriate facility designed to meeting their
needs; such as offenders who are mentally impaired or physically disabled.
State Counsel for Offenders (SCFO) can provide independent legal counsel to indigent
offenders incarcerated in TDCJ-CID. This service is only for offenders who cannot afford
to pay an attorney to assist them with their legal problems. SCFO operates
independently of TDCJ and all legal correspondence between an offender and SCFO is
confidential under the laws concerning attorney-client privileges.
There are five legal sections within SCFO: Criminal Defense, Appellate, Civil Defense,
Immigration and General Legal. These sections perform the following functions:
1. The Criminal Defense Section represents indigent offenders who are indicted for
felonies allegedly committed while incarcerated within TDCJ-CID. Legal
assistants and investigators assist attorneys in this section. Investigators shall
frequently visit with offenders first to gather information about the alleged crime,
interview witnesses and take photographs. Attorneys shall represent the
offender in all court appearances, file all necessary motions, obtain plea
agreements, and try the case.
NOTE: Correspondence with SCFO employees about the case is privileged and
confidential. Any other communication between an offender and other people
(including other offenders) is NOT confidential and can be used against the
offender during a trial or other administrative proceeding.
2. The Appellate Section assists indigent offenders who need help with appeals and
writs. If the offender represented by a Criminal Defense Section attorney is
convicted of a crime, SCFO may pursue an appeal on behalf of the offender. If
the appellate section pursues the case, they shall prepare briefs and argue the
case before the appropriate appellate courts.
Attorneys shall also assist offenders who discover substantial errors in their
convictions. It is important for the offender to be very specific about the error that
was made in the case. Most errors will not result in a reversal of the case or the
right to a new trial. Attorneys may assist offenders by researching whether there
is a valid, provable legal reason to file a writ of habeas corpus or a direct appeal
to either set aside or modify the conviction or sentence.
Legal Assistants working under the direction of the Appellate Section investigate
time credit issues to determine whether an offender is receiving all their time
credits. Offenders who feel TDCJ is improperly computing their time credits
should first use the Dispute Resolution Process to resolve the error.
NOTE: The Dispute Resolution Process cannot resolve jail time credit problems
brought about by mistakes on the Judgment and Sentence that is holding them in
custody. Offenders who feel the judge failed to award enough jail time credit on
the judgment should skip the Dispute Resolution Process.
4. The Immigration Section assists indigent offenders who are scheduled to appear
before the Immigration Judge as part of a removal proceeding, formerly known
as deportation. SCFO shall receive a notice if a TDCJ-CID offender is the
subject of a removal proceeding and shall visit the offender upon the offenders
arrival at a Huntsville unit for the removal hearing. If the attorney determines the
offender has a defense to removal, SCFO shall represent the offender during the
removal proceeding.
The Immigration section shall also assist offenders interested in the Prisoner
Exchange Program. That program allows offenders to serve the remainder of
their sentences in their own country. Not all countries participate in the program.
Any offender who has questions about an immigration issue may write to SCFO
for information.
5. The Legal Services Section provides assistance for matters not covered by one
of the other sections. Attorneys in this section can assist offenders with pending
charge problems, detainers, and probation revocation waivers. They can also
provide answers to questions about civil actions, powers of attorney,
expunctions, divorces, termination of parental rights and proxy marriages. Basic
information about all these topics is included in the State Counsel for Offenders
(SCFO) Legal Handbook . Offenders should consult the SCFO Legal Handbook
before writing SCFO for assistance. The SCFO Legal Handbook is available in
every unit law library.
Chapter 13 of the SCFO Legal Handbook deals primarily with innocence claims.
Offenders are offered contact information for various innocence projects
throughout the State of Texas. The Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire
(TPIQ) is designed to allow the offender to provide as much information as
possible about the case so that the prospective innocence project can decide
whether it is a viable case or one worthy of pursuit. Legal materials addressing
both innocence and wrongful conviction are available in the law library.
Offenders who want help with legal problems should first consult the SCFO Legal
Handbook . The SCFO Legal Handbook contains valuable information, along
with sample pleadings and letters, that can help answer many legal questions.
Offenders who need help using the SCFO Legal Handbook should ask the Law
It helps speed up the process if the offender places the correct section (Criminal
Defense, Appellate, Civil Defense, Immigration or Legal Services) on the
correspondence. If the offenders problem involves time credits and the Dispute
Resolution Process was not successful in resolving the issue, the offender
should obtain a Jail Time Questionnaire form from the Law Librarian, fill it out,
and send it to SCFO.
Offenders shall contact SCFO directly the request for help cannot come from
friends or family members. ALL REQUESTS MUST HAVE THE OFFENDERS
NAME AND TDCJ NUMBER. If that information is missing, SCFO cannot help
the offender.
SCFO CANNOT assist offenders with civil rights issues, disputes about TDCJ
policy or procedures, fee-generating cases, or parole decisions. For help with
those issues please see Chapter 1 of the SCFO Legal Handbook .
H. Ombudsman Program
In accordance with Section 493.016 of the Texas Government Code, the TDCJ
Ombudsman Program provides a single point of contact for elected officials and
members of the general public who have inquiries regarding the agency, offenders or
staff. When necessary, investigations shall be coordinated through appropriate TDCJ
officials. The TDCJ Ombudsman Office strives to provide timely responses to the public.
The Ombudsman office is for offender family members, friends, and the public. The
appropriate channel for offenders to use is the offender grievance process.
2. An Ombudsman cannot:
The TDCJ provides language assistance in several program and service areas for
offenders who speak only Spanish or who are very limited in their ability to speak English.
Those services included are:
1. Grievance Procedure
Offenders who are involved in the grievance procedure and need language
assistance because they are having difficulty understanding the Grievance
response should contact a Spanish Staff Interpreter to request language
assistance.
2. Disciplinary Process
3. Documents in Spanish
4. Law Library
Offenders in need of language assistance in the law library should contact the
Law Library Supervisor.
J. Correspondence Rules
Offenders may send and receive mail while in the TDCJ. There are four types of
correspondence including general, special, legal and media correspondence.
Offenders may send letters to as many people as they choose. Offenders shall go
through the TDCJ to receive and send mail. Mail may not be smuggled in or out of TDCJ
units or facilities. All rules for sending and receiving mail shall be followed.
Offenders should tell their family and friends to address their letters with the offender's
name, number and unit address. Offenders may not get packages from friends and
family. Offenders may receive approved publications, such as magazines, books or
Offenders may not receive cash on delivery (COD) items or packages with payment on
approval from any source. Offenders may not receive money, stamps, or other
negotiable items in the mail.
Offenders may buy stamps and writing paper in the commissary. Offenders with less
than $5 in their trust fund may request correspondence supplies. The mailroom or law
library provides this service. Rules for getting postage stamps or paper are posted on
each unit.
Each unit has a mailroom. TDCJ employees staff the mailroom. No offender may handle
the mail of another offender. An offender with questions about the mail should see a
mailroom supervisor.
The rules governing offender correspondence are found in Chapter 3 of this handbook.
Read them closely.
K. Visitation
It is the policy of the TDCJ to enable and encourage offenders, consistent with security
and classification restraints, to have visits with family members and friends. Visitation
within a TDCJ unit shall be conducted in an accommodating manner, in keeping with the
need to maintain order, the safety of persons, and the security of the unit. All offender
visits (except for attorney-clients visits) are subject to electronic monitoring. Offender
visits are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the TDCJ Offender Visitation
Plan and under the direction of the warden.
For general and contact visitation rules, refer to the Offender Visitation Rules in Chapter
2 of this handbook. For information on legal visits, refer to the Access to Courts Rules in
Chapter 4.
1. Methods
Three methods, based on eligibility criteria, are available for an offender to place
outgoing telephone calls:
a. Eligible Criteria
(4) Eligible offenders in the infirmary shall have access to the OTS.
b. Ineligible Criteria
3. Outgoing Calls
All outgoing calls through the OTS shall be placed using one of the following
methods:
a. Debit Calls - To complete a call through the OTS using the debit option,
funds shall be available in the offenders telephone account.
(3) Once funds are placed in the account, the funds become the
property of the offender. An offender may request a refund of
the account balance from the telecommunications contractor
after the offenders release from the TDCJ.
d. Eligible offenders may only call adults listed on the offenders Approved
Calling List once the adult has successfully registered to receive calls
from the offender. Offenders are not allowed to speak to any adult not
listed on the offenders Approved Calling List.
e. Eligible offenders shall have the ability to place calls to the Office of the
Inspector General (OIG) and similar organizations as designated by the
Correctional Institutions Division (CID) director or designee. These calls
shall be at no charge to the offender and have no impact on the
offenders OTS account balance.
f. Offenders are permitted to call only telephone and post-paid cell phone
numbers within the continental United States and Hawaii.
g. The OTS shall be located within the dayrooms or living areas of the
cellblock or dormitories and other designated locations.
i. All telephone calls placed using the OTS are subject to monitoring and
recording, except calls to the offenders attorney(s) of record.
j. An attorney listed on the offenders Approved Calling List who has not
successfully registered through the attorney registration process shall not
be considered as the offenders attorney(s) of record. This type of call
has no expectation of privacy during a telephone conversation placed
using the OTS, and these calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
(9) Offenders are not to manipulate the phone system in order to call
a number that is not registered on the offenders Approved
Calling List.
a. Eligibility Criteria
(1) Offenders who are not eligible for the OTS due to custody
designation shall be authorized access to TDCJ-owned
telephones designated by the warden.
(2) Offenders who are eligible for the OTS are not authorized access
to TDCJ-owned telephones to contact friends and family
6. Collect calls are permitted for outgoing telephone calls, unless the call is a local
number.
7. Offenders are limited to one telephone call every 90 days or 30 days for state jail
and SAFP offenders.
9. Offenders are allowed to call only those persons who appear on the offenders
Visitors List. Requests for an exception submitted on an I-60 are reviewed and
approved at the discretion of the warden or designee.
10. Offenders are permitted to call only telephone numbers within the continental
United States and Hawaii.
11. Calls placed on TDCJ-owned telephones are dialed and monitored by authorized
security staff appointed by the warden or designee. An interpreter shall be
available to monitor calls for those offenders who speak only Spanish or for those
offenders who are bilingual but whose family members are not. An interpreter
may monitor calls for those offenders who speak foreign languages other than
Spanish or those offenders who are bilingual but whose family members are not.
(4) The Offenders TDCJ number and the offenders first and last
name.
b. An offenders family and friends may purchase telephone minutes for use
by an eligible offender directly from the Telecommunications Contractor.
Individuals purchasing minutes are not required to be on the offenders
approved Visitors List.
c. Friends and family wishing to receive calls can obtain more information
on the TDCJ website (www.tdcj.texas.gov) or the Contractors website
(www.texasprisonphone.com). Friends and family may also register by
calling (866) 806-7804. The following information is required for
registration.
(2) The friend or family members drivers license or state ID; and
M. Emergency Absences
An Emergency Absence is an approved leave of absence from prison for a day under
escort of TDCJ staff. They are granted for emergency reasons only.
1. Emergency Absence
b. No violations that resulted in major penalties within the past six months, or
have a disciplinary history of assaults on staff.
i. All other offenders shall be assigned to a custody level of at least G1, G2,
or G3 and in the custody of the TDCJ for six months.
Offenders are required to surrender all money they have in their possession to officials at
the receiving location. The offender shall be given a receipt showing money relinquished.
Money found in the possession of an offender after the first day of confinement shall be
confiscated as contraband and the offender shall be charged with a disciplinary violation.
The offenders TDCJ number also serves as his Inmate Trust Fund account number. The
name on the account shall be the same as that listed in the official TDCJ records. An
offenders funds shall be disbursed solely at his request. Inmate Trust Fund reserves the
right to correct any error.
There are several ways for family/friends to deposit money in an offenders account.
Money orders or cashiers checks made payable to Inmate Trust Fund for
Offender Name and Number
Can be sent from anywhere in the United States. Deposit funds to an offenders
trust fund account for a service fee. For the nearest ACE location, call
1.866.734.2306 or visit the web site at www.acecashexpress.com.
4. eCommDirect
5. JPAY
JPay allows you to send money to an offender for service fee. Visit their web site
at www.jpay.com or call 1.800.574.5729 to send funds using Visa or
MasterCard credit/debit card. Senders can make cash deposits at any
MoneyGram location nationwide using an Express Payment form and using
RECEIVE CODE 3570.
Provides ways to get money to your loved ones for a service fee. Online:
www.tdcjpayment.com. Telephone (toll-free): 1.877.868.5358 MasterCard and
Visa credit/debit cards are accepted, as well as MoneyPak, which is a remote
cash option available at retailers nationwide.
Visit: https://www.moneypak.com/Partner/Payment.aspx/TouchPay for
details and locations.
Can be sent from anywhere in the United States. All three Quick Collect
products are subject to different fees, send amounts, and other restrictions in
certain states. Standard fee for over-the-counter Quick Collect transaction at a
Western Union location. Deposit shall post to offenders account within 24 hours.
Western Union at 1.800.325.6000, or visit www.westernunion.com to find the
nearest Western Union location Telephone (toll-free): 1.800.634.3422, press 2 to
send Q/C payment for credit card transactions. Web transactions: visit
www.westernunion.com for online transactions. For each Quick Collect
transaction the following information shall be provided:
Pay to: TDCJ - Inmate Trust Fund
Code City and State: TDCJ/TX
Account number with Facility: offenders TDCJ number and inmates last name
Attention: offenders last name and offenders first name
Personal checks are not accepted and shall be returned to the sender or destroyed.
Sending cash through the mail is not permitted. Money orders and cashier checks of
$500 or more, insurance checks and company checks require two weeks to clear before
the offender can use the funds. The Inmate Trust Fund does not pay interest. Therefore,
the account should hold no more than what is required to meet the offenders immediate
needs. Offenders with excess funds are encouraged to open a savings account with a
banking facility of their choice.
The Inmate Trust Fund does not forward personal mail or other items sent with money
deposits. Packages for offenders received at Offender Trust Fund shall be refused and
returned at the senders expense.
An Inmate Trust Fund Account is held under the authority of TDCJ. Anyone who
deposits or maintains funds in an Inmate Trust Fund thereby agrees to be bound by
agency policies concerning such funds which are in effect at the time these funds are
placed in the account or thereafter. These policies include the forfeiture and disposition
of the contents of such accounts. The agency may decide what funds shall be deposited,
what funds may be withdrawn and to whom these funds may be paid.
In general, offenders may not receive gifts or fees from other offenders. A deposit from
one offender to another may be made only by transfer from one Inmate Trust Fund (ITF)
account to another and shall have unit administrative approval. This approval shall be
obtained even if the depositing offender has made previous deposits to the receiving
offenders account.
Deposits from one offender to another, processed through an outside person or bank, are
considered a violation of the TDCJ Trafficking and Trading Rules regardless of whether
accepted for deposit or received by the ITF Department. Suspected violations shall result
in an investigation. Confirmed violations of deposits between offenders may result in
disciplinary action against any offenders involved in any unauthorized transactions,
whether depositors or recipients. If an offender reports unauthorized transactions that
are afterward determined to be in violation of the stated policy and voluntarily signs a
wavier for forfeiture of the funds received, no disciplinary action shall be taken.
Moreover, funds gained through extortion (by coercion, deception, or violence) may be
forfeited. If an offender is found guilty of extorting money that has been deposited in his
trust fund account, or has been received without authorization as described above, the
offender shall forfeit title to the funds.
O. ID Cards
Normally, within two to seven days after an offender is received, he shall be issued an
identification card. The ID card shall be used for commissary purchases, dispensing of
medication, meals served, access to authorized areas within the unit and participation in
various programs as well as other general security requirements. Offenders are required
to carry their ID card at all times. It is the responsibility of every offender to immediately
notify the security office, Commissary Officer or warden's office if his ID card is lost,
stolen or damaged. The ID card is property of the state and is furnished as identification
for offenders. The ID card may become the offender's property upon parole, discharge or
mandatory supervision, if needed for identification. Offenders shall give or show their ID
cards when asked by a correctional officer or staff. Offenders shall be charged five
It is a violation of the TDCJ offender rules and regulations for any offender to:
1. Not be in possession of his ID card. If an offender does not have his ID card with
him, it shall be considered a refusal or failure to obey orders;
2. Willfully damage, change the appearance of the card, abuse or destroy one's
own or another offender's ID card. Such actions are considered as damaging or
destroying property belonging to the state, or another offender;
4. Use or try to use another offender's ID card for any purpose. Offenders who try
to use another offender's ID card are considered in possession of contraband or
unauthorized property, or stealing property belonging to the state or another
offender;
5. Use, try to use or conspire to use any counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost,
stolen or fraudulently obtained ID card for any purpose, knowing the same to be
counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost, stolen or fraudulently obtained.
Offenders who commit these offenses are considered stealing property belonging
to the state, or another offender;
6. Receive or try to receive money, goods or any item of value by use of another
offender's ID card or by use of a counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost, stolen
or fraudulently obtained identification card. Offenders who knowingly commit
these offenses are considered stealing property belonging to the state or another
offender; or
P. Commissary
Commissaries are stores within the prison where items not furnished by the state may be
purchased. The ID card given to offenders can be used to make commissary purchases,
as long as they have funds in the Inmate Trust Fund to cover their purchases and they
are not on commissary restriction as the result of disciplinary action.
There are two types of purchases that can be made at the Commissary - regular and
registered property purchases.
a. G4/J4 custody offenders may spend $35 every two weeks. However,
SAT3, SAT4 and state jail offenders with one year clear major
disciplinary record are allowed to make purchases up to $85 every two
weeks.
b. G5/J5 custody offenders are allowed to spend $25 every two weeks.
a. 5 bars of Soap
b. 1 Shampoo
c. 1 Toothpaste
d. 1 Deodorant
e. 1 Toothbrush
f. 1 Comb
g. 1 Toilet Paper
h. 3 Boxes of Tampons
b. Level II & III offenders may make the same purchases as Level II and III
administrative segregation offenders.
The following have been designated as emergency items and may be purchased
by any custody of offender including commissary restricted offenders: Fans, gym
shorts, sun block, and shower shoes.
Not limited by dollar amount, but limited in quantity to one of each item per
offender. Availability of these items is at the wardens discretion. The following
items (available through the unit commissaries) require an approved Registered
Property Purchase Form approved by the warden and Property Officer. Items
which cost over $25 do not count against the offenders regular purchased dollar
amount.
a. Clip On Lamp
b. Clock
c. Curling iron
d. Fan
e. Hair dryer
f. Hotpot
g. Multi-plug Outlet
h. Radios
i. Tennis Shoes
j. Typewriter
k. Watch
l. Work boots
Note: Some of these items are not available on state jails and SAFPFs due to
the absence of available electrical plugs.
8. The Commissary prices are set by the Director of Commissary and Trust Fund
and can change at any time with proper notice. All items bought from the
Commissary shall be for the offender's personal use. Any item bought from the
Commissary shall be used for its intended purpose.
Q. Voter Registration
An offender may be eligible to vote. In order to vote, he shall meet the following criteria:
6. Is a registered voter.
Information regarding how to contact the Registrar of Voters in your county or the
Elections Division of the Secretary of States Office is available in the unit Law Library.
Offenders can ask for help by using the Offender Request to Official (I-60) form. I-60
forms are available in living areas and in various other places on the unit. An offender
asking for help should briefly write his problem or request on side 1 of the I-60 and fill in
his name, number, date of the request, unit of assignment, living quarters and work
assignment on the bottom. The offender should also complete side two of the form by
checking the appropriate box, if one applies, and addressing it to the individual or
department he is asking for help. If it is unknown which individual or department the I-60
should be addressed to, the Chief of Unit Classification has been appointed as the point
of personal contact for all offenders and shall provide assistance and/or advice as
needed. The I-60 can be sent through truck mail or placed in the appropriate box on the
unit. A response, an appointment or some action should be made to the I-60 as soon as
possible by the appropriate department or individual.
The purpose of the TDCJ Administrative Segregation Plan is to provide uniform rules and
regulations for the use of administrative segregation, and state jail offenders in SR
custody within the TDCJ. Administrative segregation, and state jail SR custody, non-
punitive statuses involving separation of an offender from the general population are for
the purpose of maintaining safety, security and order. Administrative segregation
consists of the following categories:
1. Security Detention;
Offenders undergoing the intake process and those on a transient unit assignment shall
not be treated as administrative segregation offenders except to the extent provided for in
the Plan. Specific information regarding the conditions and procedures relating to
administrative segregation and state jail offenders in SR custody can be obtained by
reviewing the TDCJ Administrative Segregation Plan. A copy of the TDCJ Administrative
Segregation Plan is available in the law library for review by offenders.
T. Institutional Lockdowns
A lockdown of an institution, wing, cell block or dorm may be imposed by the warden
when it is believed that such an action is necessary to suppress a major disruption of the
units safety and security. As a general rule, offenders are confined to their cell or dorm
area and all routine processes and certain privileges and rights are suspended until the
lockdown is lifted. Privileges and activities are restricted only to the degree necessary to
U. Impermissible Conduct
Offenders are restricted in their access to information about themselves, other offenders,
staff, or items which constitute security concerns. Offenders shall not have any
supervisory, administrative or disciplinary authority over other offenders: receive special
privileges, or obtain or have access to sensitive information. The information an offender
can have about himself is described in the TDCJ Public Information Act Manual, Chapter
3, Incarcerated Offender Information. The only information an offender may have about
an employee is payroll name, rank or title, and current business address. For more
information, see Administrative Directive 03.02, Impermissible Offender Conduct
available in the unit Law Library
A. General Procedures
1. Offenders in the TDCJ are required to obey all rules and regulations either issued
by TDCJ or those specific to their unit. If an offender violates a rule, he may be
punished through the Disciplinary Process. For more information, see the TDCJ
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders handbook (GR-106).
2. Once a rule violation has been noted, if it is not settled informally, the rule
violation may be reported in the form of an offense report.
3. After an offense report has been written, the report shall be given a number and
shall be graded as major or minor. The offender shall be notified of the charges
filed against him.
7. For state jail offenders, the disciplinary history may be part of the report
submitted to the court (judge), the community supervision office, and the parole
authority under whose jurisdiction the offender is confined.
B. Solitary Confinement
Solitary confinement is a segregated housing status, which may be imposed as the result
of a major disciplinary hearing or a state jail offender disciplinary hearing. Solitary
confinement is ordinarily used when all other levels of discipline have been tried; where
the safety of other offenders or staff is concerned; or when the serious nature of the
offense makes it necessary. Offenders in solitary shall be allowed out of their cell only
one time each day to shower. Offenders may be placed in solitary for up to 15 days.
Consecutive terms shall be separated by 72 hours.
2. The Counsel Substitute does the following things for an offender when the
offender shall go before a major hearing:
b. Reads the charge to the offender and makes certain the disciplinary case
and the rights provided in the disciplinary process are understood.
D. Appeal Process
At the end of the disciplinary hearing, the disciplinary hearing officer shall advise the
offender of his right to appeal the decision, with respect to guilt or the punishment given,
through the offender grievance procedure.
The disciplinary decision may be appealed by filing a grievance. If the offender is not
satisfied with the decision, he may then file a Step 2 grievance for appeal purposes. The
Counsel Substitute shall assist offenders with an appeal if they request assistance.
A. Grievance forms are available from the law library, housing area, shift supervisors, or by
contacting the unit grievance office. After completely filling out the form, place it in the
grievance box yourself or hand it directly to the grievance investigator on your unit. Step
2 appeals shall be accompanied by the original, answered Step 1.
B. An attempt to informally resolve your problem shall be made before filing a grievance.
Informal resolution is defined as any attempt to solve the issue at hand and shall be
D. Complete your grievance using a typewriter or dark ink. If you need assistance filing a
grievance or understanding a response, contact your unit grievance investigator.
E. The following issues are grievable through the Offender Grievance Procedure.
Remember that you may only file a grievance on issues that PERSONALLY APPLY TO
YOU, with the exception of SEXUAL ABUSE or PREA related issues.
3. Any reprisal against you for the good faith use of the grievance procedure or
Access to Courts.
2. Parole decisions;
G. Grievances that do not meet the following established screening criteria may be returned
to you unprocessed; however, most grievances may be corrected and resubmitted within
15 days from the Date Returned to the Offender noted in the OFFICE USE ONLY box
on the back of the grievance form on the returned grievance.
2. Submission in excess of one every seven days. (All grievances received in the
grievance office shall be reviewed; however, only one grievance shall be
processed every seven days [with the exception of disciplinary and emergency
grievances].)
3. Originals not submitted. (Carbon copies are not considered originals even if they
have an original signature. The original answered Step 1 shall be submitted with
a Step 2 Appeal.)
9. Disciplinary appeals shall not be processed until after the disciplinary hearing.
10. Redundant. (You may not repeatedly grieve matters already addressed in a
previous grievance.)
11. The text is illegible or incomprehensible. (Write your grievance so that it can be
read and understood by anyone.)
12. Inappropriate. (You may not ask for monetary damages or any form of
disciplinary action against staff.)
H. Do not use a grievance form to comment on the effectiveness and credibility of the
grievance procedure; instead, submit a letter or I-60 to the administrator of Offender
Grievance Program.
A. Parole Information
Parole is a privilege, not a right! Parole is the discretionary and conditional release of an
eligible offender from physical custody of a jail or prison if the offender agrees to serve
the remainder of his sentence under the supervision of the Parole Division.
Some requirements for an offender to be released on parole are: (a) serves sufficient
time as required by law [Tex. Govt. Code 508.145]; (b) is not a risk to public safety;
and (c) meets work, program participation, and behavior standards.
Offenders approved for parole are allowed to leave the TDCJ and serve the remainder of
their sentences under the supervision of parole officers. Offenders who are approved for
parole may be released during their initial parole eligibility month/year (FI-1); may be
released during a specified month which is beyond their initial parole eligibility month/year
(FI-2); may be transferred to a Pre-Parole Transfer facility and released on a specified
month/year which is beyond their initial parole eligibility date (FI-4); or may be transferred
to an In-Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) for substance abuse treatment (FI-5).
The Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) has also passed parole vote options that
require rehabilitation treatment programs for certain offenders prior to parole. Specific
categories include FI-3R, FI-6R, FI-7R, and FI-18R. The numerical identifier in the vote
(3, 6 and 18) reflects the number of months the offender shall serve beyond a specified
release date, which shall be set by the BPP.
An offender approved for parole under an FI-5 or any of the FI-R votes shall be
reevaluated by the BPP if he fails to complete the treatment program successfully.
Offenders who are not approved for parole may be given new BPP review dates (Next
Review Dates).
Offenders who are denied parole and are given serve-alls shall be released to Mandatory
Supervision (MS) on their Projected Release Dates (minimum expiration dates). If an
offender has no Projected Release Date and is given a serve-all, he shall serve his/her
entire sentence in calendar time and shall be discharged from the TDCJ on his/her
maximum expiration date.
If the offender is incarcerated for an offense that occurred on or after 9-1-96, and is not
approved for parole release, the offenders file shall be reviewed by the BPP for possible
release to mandatory supervision (RMS) or denial of release to mandatory supervision
(DMS).
Offenders who are denied release to mandatory supervision (DMS) shall be given a new
BPP review date (Next Review Date). The review process shall be done 30 days prior to
the next review date. Offenders denied release to mandatory supervision (DMS) shall
receive annual BPP review until receipt of approval for release on mandatory supervision
(RMS) or upon release on expiration of their sentence on their maximum expiration date.
Offenders whose offenses occurred prior to 9-1-96, who are denied parole and receive a
serve-all from the BPP shall be released to mandatory supervision on their Projected
Release Date (minimum expiration date). If the offender is serving consecutive
sentences, he may be approved for parole on a specific cause number that is eligible for
review (CU-FI) or the BPP may deny parole for a specific cause number (CU-NR).
Parole and Mandatory Supervision allow an offender to be released from custody to the
supervision of a Parole Division District Parole Officer. Parole and Mandatory
In addition to the General Conditions of parole and mandatory supervision, the BPP may
also impose Special Conditions requiring treatment and other program participation,
travel and contact restrictions, and restitution reimbursement, Electronic Monitoring may
also be imposed by the BPP. Discharge from Parole or Mandatory Supervision occurs
on the maximum expiration date of the offenders sentence.
Offenders do not have to apply for parole or mandatory release consideration. Offenders
do not have to hire attorneys or parole consultants to represent them in the parole
process or to check on their parole status.
All offenders shall receive initial parole interviews regardless of disciplinary status (good
time lost/class demotion); however, to be eligible for subsequent parole interviews
offenders shall be classified in the same or higher time earning status assigned to them
when they entered TDCJ and shall not have had any major disciplinary infractions in the
six-month period prior to the dates they are reviewed for parole which resulted in loss of
good time or reduction in class below entry level.
During the parole interview, offenders are given the opportunity to present parole release
plans and employment plans. Release Plans to their family and friends are preferable
due to limited halfway house space available.
The law [Tex. Govt Code 508.181] requires that offenders shall reside in their Legal
County of Residence after release. Legal County of Residence is defined as the county
where the offender was living when he committed the present offense. If an offender is
incarcerated for multiple offenses, the legal county of residence is determined by the
residence at the time of the most recent present offense.
Offenders who are called to the unit parole office should bring the names, complete
addresses, including accurate zip codes and phone numbers of the person(s) in the
Legal County of Residence with whom they intend to reside while on Parole or Mandatory
Supervision. If the offender cannot provide addresses in his/her Legal County of
Residence, alternate addresses (including out-of-state release plans) may be submitted
and the BPP shall decide whether or not to allow the offender to be released to a non-
county of residence.
Out-of-state plans shall be accepted by the state to which placement has been requested
(via Interstate Compact Agreement). Since all parole plans are verified by parole officers,
it is important for them to be provided with complete and accurate addresses and phone
numbers (home, work, day, night, and weekend phone numbers) so they can quickly
verify each offenders parole plan.
The BPP may require electronic monitoring as a condition of release. In the event this
condition is imposed, special equipment shall be installed in the residence. Prior to the
offenders release, the sponsor shall sign an agreement to remove all features from the
phones (call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, etc). The BPP may require halfway house
placement as a special condition of an offenders release.
When an offender has been interviewed for parole consideration, a report is submitted to
the BPP for a decision. When a decision is reached, the offender is informed of the
decision. Remember, offenders do not have to apply for parole consideration. An
offender DOES NOT have to be in physical custody of TDCJ to be paroled. Texas law
Offenders serving sentences for offenses that precede the 70th legislature should contact
their Unit Institutional Parole Officer in reference to specific eligibility requirements.
a. Most offenders under this law become parole eligible when their flat time
served and good time credits combine to equal one-fourth of their total
sentences. Fifteen years total flat time and good time credit is the
maximum requirement in this example. (Flat time served + good time
credits = one-fourth of sentence = parole eligibility.)
c. Offenders under this law who have their parole denied shall be released
to Mandatory Supervision on their Projected Release Dates; however,
offenders convicted of certain offenses under this law do not have
Projected Release Dates (minimum expiration dates). These offenders
shall be released on parole, or on their maximum expiration dates. Any
good time earned by these offenders counts toward parole eligibility
only, and does not apply to Projected Release Dates. An offender may
not be released to Mandatory Supervision if the offender is serving a
sentence for:
(12) Burglary, 1st Degree [Section 30.02 Subsection (d) (3)]; (if
armed, in possession of explosives, or if threats or injuries to
another occurred during the commission of the burglary); and
(13) Any offense when the judgment for the offense contains an
affirmative finding of a deadly weapon.
2. 71st & 72nd Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-89 to 8-31-93); [House
Bill 93 amending Article 42.18 (TCCP)].
c. Offenders under this law who have their parole denied shall be released
to Mandatory Supervision on their Projected Release Dates. (See
Section I.C)
(1) The following offenses are not eligible for mandatory supervision
if the offense occurred ON OR AFTER 5-23-97: Murder 2nd
Degree [Section 19.02 of the Texas Penal Code]; Indecency with
a Child 2nd Degree, Indecency with a Child 3rd Degree [Section
21.11 of the Texas Penal Code].
(1) The following offenses are 3g and shall serve one-half of their
sentences in calendar time (flat time); minimum two years;
maximum 30 years.
(3) The offenses listed below are NOT eligible for Mandatory
Supervision:
Mandatory Supervision
a. Adds Criminal Solicitation, 1st degree, to list of offenses not eligible for
Mandatory Supervision.
All offenders with detainers should contact the agency that placed the detainer with TDCJ
and attempt to have their detainers resolved. Offenders with detainers who have been
approved for parole, or scheduled for Mandatory Supervision release, shall be released
to the agency that placed the detainer with TDCJ. Detainers are not ignored or forgotten
by TDCJ or the Parole Division.
Technical Parole Violators and Mandatory Supervision Violators shall be reviewed for
parole when their time credits reflect they are legally eligible for parole review. Parole or
Mandatory Supervision violators with new convictions shall be eligible for parole
consideration when they have accumulated sufficient time to become eligible for parole.
Offenders who commit felony offenses on or after July 1, 1994, while in the custody of
TDCJ, jails, contract facilities, transfer facilities, FCI, other state prisons, and other similar
facilities are not eligible for parole review until after those charges are adjudicated and
upon the offender meeting parole eligibility requirements.
To expedite responses, offenders who have questions about their parole eligibility dates
or any other parole/release matters should contact the Unit Parole Officer or the
Institutional Parole Office for assistance. Do not contact other departments, as they are
not trained in parole issues. Parole-related questions should be sent on an offender
request form (I-60) or letter to the Institutional Parole Office and should clearly state the
question on the I-60/letter. Appropriate responses to these requests shall be given as
quickly as possible.
X. REENTRY SERVICES
The Reentry and Integration Division provides reentry services for eligible offenders
through a three phase program. Reentry case managers conduct screening and contact
eligible offenders to offer each phase of the program. The case manager arranges
referrals to meet the highest priority needs and provides resources to help the offender in
addressing other, lower priority needs. Each phase of the reentry program is voluntary.
1. Phase I
2. Phase II
Food/Clothing
Housing
Drug/Alcohol treatment
Medical/Dental Care
Mental Health Care
Rent Assistance
Domestic Violence
Employment
Income/Benefits
Unemployment
Health Care Benefits
Medication Assistance
Aging and disability Services
Identification
Social Security
Coping Skills-Family/Children
Life Skills Training
Community Case Management
Transportation
Resource Management
Vocation Training
Education
B. Veterans Services
Through partnerships with the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN), Texas
Veterans Commission (TVC), Military Veterans Peer Network (MVPN), and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, Reentry and Integration Division staff:
2. Identify veteran offenders nearing release from TDCJ and provide referrals to the
appropriate VISN and MVPN representatives;
3. Complete veterans benefit applications and submit to the TVC and VISN;
4. Obtain DD214s and provide them to offenders at time of release from TDCJ;
7. Work closely to identify medically appropriate facilities through the VISN for
veterans receiving a Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision release or
in need of medically appropriate residence/care upon parole or discharge;
Mission Statement: To provide a formal structure of criminal justice, health and human
service and other affected organizations to communicate and coordinate on policy,
legislative, and programmatic issues affecting offenders with special needs (special
needs include offenders with serious mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, terminal or
serious medical conditions, physical disabilities and those who are elderly).
4. Court intervention.
Clients shall have a high criminogenic risk and high clinical need. Risk is determined by
the Risk Assessment performed by TDCJs criminal justice partners. Services include,
but are not limited to:
2. Rehabilitation/Psychological Services;
A program that provides transitional mental health services to offenders with severe and
persistent mental illness who have been served in Adult Intensive Case Management
caseload, and require ongoing services to reduce risk of recidivism, reduce or stabilize
symptoms while linking the offender to natural and/or alternative supports. Additionally,
this program may be provided to offenders with a severe and persistent mental illness
who present with very little risk of harm and a level of functioning that requires less
intensive levels of care to maintain community tenure.
To provide early release from incarceration for offenders who suffer from mental illness or
intellectual disabilities, or who are elderly, physically handicapped, terminally ill, or
require long-term care, and who pose minimal public safety risk. This program provides
immediate linkage to appropriate services, including medically appropriate residential
plans.
If an offender has information about a felony crime or wanted fugitive and this information
leads to the arrest, indictment and/or charges filed, he shall be eligible to collect a cash
reward of up to $1,000.
CRIME STOPPERS
P. O. BOX 1855
HUNTSVILLE, TX 77342-1855
Call: 800-832-8477
Offenders shall not be required to write their name, TDCJ number or return address on
the outside of this sealed correspondence. Correspondence shall not be logged or
inspected by TDCJ personnel. Writing to the TDCJ Crime Stoppers Program following
the above instructions shall assure informant anonymity.
D. Important Information
The TDCJ Crime Stoppers Program shall not be used to circumvent the grievance
system or to report problems that you may have with TDCJ or its operations that are not
criminal in nature.
A. Discharge Certificates
Upon release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offenders who either
discharge their sentence or complete parole shall be issued either a Discharge Certificate
or a Parole Certificate. These certificates are extremely important offenders MUST
keep these certificates. Upon release, these certificates may be required by potential
employers, housing authorities, military personnel, schools/college, state license board
and government agencies (Social Security Administration). These certificates are not
duplicated.
Upon release, state jail offenders shall be given a Proof of Incarceration Letter. State
jail offenders MUST keep these letters, which may be required by potential employers,
housing authorities, military personnel, schools/colleges, state license board and
government agencies (Social Security Administration).
INTRODUCTION
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ or Agency) encourages offender visits consistent with
security and classification guidelines. Offender visitation in TDCJ units shall be conducted in an
accommodating manner, in keeping with the need to maintain order, safety of persons and security of the
unit. However, visitation is a privilege and may be temporarily restricted for an offender or a visitor, if rule
violations occur or security concerns exist. Visitation may also be temporarily discontinued during
lockdowns and other serious incidents, such as escape, health related concerns or riot. The temporary
visitation suspension shall be posted on the TDCJ website. Offender visitation is managed under the
direction of each warden, and in accordance with the rules and guidelines outlined below in accordance
with the TDCJ Offender Visitation Plan. All offender visits covered by the TDCJ Offender Visitation Plan
are subject to be electronically monitored. Unless otherwise noted, these rules and guidelines apply to
both general (non-contact) visits and contact visits.
Effective, April 21, 2014, the TDCJ developed and implemented an online process in which family and
friends are able to check an offenders eligibility status to receive visits. The following steps shall allow
family and friends to look up an offenders visitation eligibility.
Click on Offender Search - enter information for one or more fields then click Search
Review the Offender Visitation page for helpful information before visiting
DEFINITIONS
Contact Visits are visits that are usually conducted inside the unit in a designated visiting area or
outside the main building, within the fenced perimeter. Physical contact between offenders and visitors is
allowed. Embracing and kissing is permitted once at the beginning and once at the end of each visit.
Holding hands is permitted during visitation, as long as hands remain on top of the table in full view of
staff. During visits, offenders and visitors are seated on opposite sides of the table, with the exception of
the offenders small children who may be held by the offender.
Contraband is any item not permitted into the secured perimeter of a unit, or in some cases, on TDCJ
property. Also, any item brought into, or taken out of a unit, or in the possession of an offender, visitor or
employee as defined in the Texas Penal Code, Section 38.11, is prohibited by the rules and regulations of
the TDCJ, may also be considered contraband. These items include, but are not limited to, alcoholic
beverages, controlled substances or any drug, firearms or deadly weapons, or any item brought onto
TDCJ property with the intent to deliver to an offender, such as paper money, tobacco, lighter, matches,
Current/Former Employee for the purpose of this plan, includes anyone currently or previously
employed by the TDCJ, or anyone currently or previously employed by an agent of the TDCJ, including a
private prison vendor, Windham School District (WSD), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB),
Texas Tech University of Health Science Center (TTUHSC), or any other similar entity.
Directors Review Committee (DRC) is the central and final authority for all appeals related to the
removal of persons from an offenders Visitors List and offender contact visitation restrictions.
Ex-Offender for the purpose of this plan, is an individual who has been incarcerated in a state or
federal institution, and released under mandatory supervision, parole, discharged, released from a
Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP) facility or released on shock probation.
Extended Visit may be permitted at the discretion of the warden or designee for individuals traveling in
excess of 250 miles one-way for visitation, if space allows. This may be for up to four hours in length.
Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is a TDCJ employee, such as a duty warden, who assists offenders
immediate family members and other persons during visits with offenders and aids those persons in
resolving problems that may affect permitted visits with offenders.
General Visits are conducted inside the main building of the unit in which no physical contact between
offenders and visitors is possible or allowed. These visits are usually held in a designated visiting area
where offenders and visitors are physically separated by a glass wall or partition. General visits are also
referred to as non-contact and regular visits.
Hardship Visits allow children ages 16 and 17, who are on the offender legal guardian/parent Visitors
List and do not have an adult to accompany them, to visit legally recognized guardians or parents who
are incarcerated in the TDCJ.
Immediate Family for the purpose of this handbook, is a ceremonial, proxy, or common-law spouse,
natural or adopted mother and stepmother; natural or adopted father and stepfather; natural or adopted
children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren; natural or adopted siblings stepsiblings;
natural or adopted grandparents and step-grandparents; aunts, uncles, and persons related by marriage,
which are in-laws: father, mother, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and grandparents.
Offender for the purpose of this handbook, is an individual in the custody of the TDCJ.
Ombudsman Office is a single point of contact for offender family members, elected officials, and
members of the general public.
Significant Other for the purpose of this handbook, is a surrogate parent or a special relationship,
such as a foster parent or legal guardian of an offenders minor child that is verified by the warden.
Special Visits are visits that allow the warden or designee to permit contact or general visits or
authorize special conditions of visits outside of the ordinary course of established visitation rules. The
warden may delegate the authority to review and approve requests for special visits to a designee, such
as duty warden, assistant warden, building major, or Unit Classification Committee (UCC) member.
Offenders or visitors requesting a special visit shall submit the request in writing or via telephone or e
mail, for applicable units to the warden or designee.
Split Visits are visits that allow offenders and visitors to divide or breakup a visit in one- or two-hour
increments. For example, during one two-hour special visit, two adults can visit during the first hour and
two different adults can visit during the last hour; or during one four-hour special visit, two adults can visit
during the first two hours and two different adults can visit during the last two hours. Both regular and
Visitor Identification for visitors ages 18 and older, is a pictured and signed identification (ID) of one of
the following: (1) state driver license; (2) state Department of Public Safety (DPS) ID card; (3) Armed
Forces ID card; (4) passport; or (5) ID card issued by the United States Department of Homeland
Security, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), such as Visa Border Crossing ID Card (USA
B1/B2 Visa BCC). If an identification document other than a passport is used, the identification document
shall contain a current physical address. Children 17 years of age and younger may be required to
provide ID, such as birth certificate, ID card, or student ID card (student ID card shall be used only for
children ages 17 and younger). Identification is required for hardship visitors. An exception is allowed for
victims of family violence who are certified as a crime victim to use a post office box address instead of a
physical address.
Victims of Family Violence for the purpose of this handbook, are the victims of family violence who
may be issued a card that indicates the individual has been certified as a crime victim and is entitled to
protection. These individuals may visit using a post office box in lieu of a physical address, when
presenting the certification card and a government ID. In particular, the attorney general is authorized
under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 56.82 to protect the address information of victims of family
violence.
Visitors List is the official approved list of names, phone numbers, and physical addresses of persons
with whom the offender wishes to visit during authorized visiting hours. Each offender is allowed to have
a maximum of 10 names on the Visitors List.
Visitors List Change for the purpose of this handbook, is the process of adding or deleting names
from an offenders Visitors List once every six months for institutional offenders and once every 60 days
for state jail offenders.
Visitors List Status Change for the purpose of this handbook, is the process of updating information
on an offenders Visitors List at any time without the updated information being counted as a Visitors List
Change. For example, changes to an address, phone number, relationship, adding a different last name,
or any other similar updated information may be done at any time.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
While it is recognized that unit assignments may create hardships for visiting, assignments are
based on considerations other than offender or family convenience.
Each units designated FLO, usually the duty warden, shall ensure offenders immediate family
members and other persons are given assistance during visits with offenders and given
assistance in resolving problems that may affect permitted contact with offenders. The duty
warden has the ultimate responsibility for resolving any visitation problem. Other employees and
TDCJ approved volunteers shall assist the duty warden in providing assistance to visitors. The
volunteer may be able to offer general information regarding unit operations and rules for visitors.
Copies of the I-218, Offender Rules and Regulations for Visitation booklet are prominently
displayed at locations in the unit that are accessible to offenders and in areas accessible to
visitors.
Visitation Schedule:
A. Periods of Visitation
1. Visits usually occur on Saturday and Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
2. Normally one visit per visiting cycle for eligible offenders are allowed.
4. A regular visiting period is two hours in duration and begins when the offender is
seated.
5. Due to visitation demand, the CID director may designate units to expand normal
visitation days and hours to include Fridays.
Updated and regularly maintained Unit Visitation Schedules are located on the
TDCJ website, under Offender Search.
B. Frequency of Visits
Generally, all offenders are permitted to have a total of one general or contact visit for a
two-hour period each week, except during the Intake Process; Lockdown Status; Solitary
Confinement; Administrative Segregation; and G5/J5/P5 custody offenders housed in the
main compound.
Administrative segregation, death row, and G5/J5/P5 custody offenders housed in the
main compound and other areas of visitation are detailed in Section IV. Visits for Other
Categories, of this handbook.
The following offenders are eligible for visits, with the frequency as indicated:
The number of contact visits allowed each month shall count toward the total number of
visits as outlined above. Except in unusual circumstances, an offender shall not be
scheduled for both a contact visit and a general (non-contact) visit on the same day or
during the same week.
1. Visits may occur on holidays, except Christmas Day, that fall on a Monday or
Friday, if scheduled in advance. Arrangements to schedule these visits may not
be made on any holiday.
2. All arrangements to schedule visits shall be made through the wardens office
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least one day but not more than seven days
prior to the visit.
3. Unit administration shall make every effort to accommodate visitors arriving late,
if time and space is available.
1. Each eligible offender is allowed to have two adults, ages 18 and older, per visit.
Children ages 17 and younger may visit without being counted in this number.
The number of children allowed per visit is based on the amount of space
available and the visitors ability to manage and control the children.
3. Eligibility Criteria
A. Intake Processing
During the Intake process, each offender is asked to submit a list of not more than ten
names of proposed visitors to the warden or designee, using the RO-1, request for
placement on Visitors List. Each name submitted shall include the physical address and
phone number of the proposed visitor and the visitors relationship to the offender. An
offender, not a visitor, shall request to have a visitor added to the Visitors List. The visitor
cannot request to be placed on an offender Visitors List. Offenders do not receive visits
until the intake processing is complete and offenders are classified and assigned a
custody.
The offender is required to identify all individuals on the proposed Visitors List who are on
parole, mandatory supervision or have discharged a sentence for which the individuals
were incarcerated. Persons with a criminal record are not automatically precluded from
visiting. The nature and extent of the criminal record and the time lapse since the
criminal activity are taken into consideration.
C. Newly-received offenders shall be given sufficient time to obtain visitors addresses and
phone numbers for inclusion on the initial Visitors List.
1. Institutional offenders may request additions and deletions to the Visitors List
once every six months. State jail offenders may make additions and deletions to
the Visitors List once every 60 days.
2. Offenders are allowed to request Visitors List Status Changes on the Visitors
List, using the RO-1, Request for Placement on Visitors List at any time without
affecting a Visitors List date change. For instance, changes to an address,
phone number, relationship, adding a different last name or any other similar
updated information may be done at any time without causing a Visitors List date
change. The procedures to change the offenders Visitors List are outlined in the
Visitors List Change/Status Change Update Procedures, Attachment A, TDCJ
Offender Visitation Plan.
Children ages 17 and younger shall be accompanied by an adult who is listed on the
offenders Visitors List.
1. Hardship Visits
With prior written approval from the warden, children ages 16 and 17 and are on
the offenders Visitors List, may be allowed to visit a legal guardian or parent-
offender, alone without an adult accompanying them. These accommodations
are allowed for children ages 16 and 17 who do not have an adult to accompany
them when visiting incarcerated legal guardian or parents.
A copy of the wardens written approval obtained prior to the visit shall
accompany the 16 or 17 year old when visiting and shall be filed in the offenders
unit file.
An offender convicted and sentenced for current or prior crimes involving sexual
offenses against children or offenses causing bodily injury to a child, during
which the child victim was age 17 and under, is restricted from having contact
visits with children 17 and under. The offender may have a general visit with a
child age 17 and under only if the offender is the legally recognized parent of the
child and the child was not the victim of the sexual offense or bodily injury.
Before the visit may occur, the legal guardian or parent shall complete a Child
Victim Restriction Affidavit attesting that the offender is the legally recognized
parent of the child and the child was not the victim of any sexual offense or
bodily injury for which the offender has been convicted or placed on deferred
adjudication.
The Chief of Unit Classification shall enter the appropriate administrative denial
(VR) in the offenders records. This restriction is based on the propensity for
repetitive acts of this nature, and the nature of the intimacy involved in contact
visits with children. This restriction is imposed in the interest of visitor safety and
the security of the institution, as well as to ensure that criminal acts against
children which are of a sexual or assaultive nature do not occur during contact
visitation.
Offenders may file a grievance or appeal to the DRC for removal of a VR code.
B. Approval Process
1. The warden or designee shall review the list of names submitted by the offender
and approve or deny these persons for visitation using the RO-1, Request for
Placement on Visitors List.
2. Each offender is given a copy of the offenders approved Visitors List. The
original offenders Visitors List shall remain with the offenders travel card. The
names, addresses, relationship and phone numbers of each offenders approved
visitors shall also be maintained on the TDCJ Mainframe computer system.
C. Visitor Notification
2. The offender is responsible for notifying ex-offenders, who are not immediate
family members that they are required to wait 24 months from their release date
before being eligible to visit.
The offender is also responsible for notifying immediate family members who are
ex-offenders to bring written permission from the individual or agency supervising
the conditional release and also notify the respective warden prior to visiting.
Permission from the supervising agency shall be filed in the offenders unit file
and is only required once.
The duty warden has the authority to make the final determination whether an ex-
offender is allowed or not allowed to visit an offender based on safety and
security concerns.
3. Visitation Restriction
b. In the event an offender is placed on the Critically Ill List, unit medical
staff shall notify the warden or designee who shall make the appropriate
notifications to the next of kin in accordance with AD-06.10, Notification
Regarding Critically Ill Offenders.
D. Visitor Identification
1. Prior to entering the visitation area, all visitors ages 18 and older shall provide
the required ID as defined by this handbook.
VISITATION CRITERIA
Shall be Accompanied
Age On Visitors List ID Required by an Adult
Yes No Yes No Yes No
17 & younger
18 & older (Adults)
*Children ages 16 and 17 who have been approved for a Hardship Visit shall be on the
offender Visitors List and are required to provide ID, such as student ID card, birth certificate,
or state Department of Public Safety ID card.
3. Visitors shall provide the following information prior to entering the unit or the
units designated security checkpoint:
4. The correctional officer in charge of visitation shall verify all visitors approval
prior to allowing the visit. Questions regarding identity shall be referred
immediately to the duty warden.
1. All vehicles and visitors are subject to search prior to entering TDCJ property.
Visitors shall be screened by a metal detector prior to entering the visitation area
in accordance to TDCJ policies. Pat search shall be conducted by a security
staff of the same gender; however, metal detector screening may be performed
by either gender. Visitors shall be screened in a sheltered area during inclement
weather.
Children under 18 shall not be pat searched by TDCJ security staff but shall be
screened by TDCJ security staff using a hand-held or walk-through metal
detector.
Any visitor refusing a search procedure shall be required to leave TDCJ property.
Each unit shall have a sign listing these procedures posted at the vehicle check-
in point at units that use vehicle check-in points and the visitor check-in point.
The signs shall be posted in both English and Spanish. It is a mandatory
requirement that all visitors shall be screened and searched inside a sheltered
area if inclement weather exists.
2. All visitors shall leave any metal objects or material capable of causing injury,
abetting escape, or otherwise causing a threat to the safety or security of the unit
in a secure vehicle. The duty warden has the authority to make a final
determination whether an object is prohibited. All hand-carried items shall be
searched.
Visitors shall not possess or introduce into the secured perimeter of a unit, or in some
cases, on TDCJ property, any items defined as contraband or any articles, instruments or
substances specifically prohibited by state law or policies and rules of the TDCJ.
If there are questions regarding an item, the duty warden has the authority to make a final
determination. The following are defined as contraband items and are distinguished as
items not allowed on TDCJ property or items not allowed inside the secured perimeter of
a unit:
Knives, drugs, medications, except medication with written authorization from the visitors
physician. Food items, purses, diaper bags, briefcases, baby strollers, toys, dolls,
photographs or photograph albums, paper money, tobacco, lighters, matches, cell
phones, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders, or any other type of
electronic or wireless devices or any other non-authorized items.
H. Permissible Items
1. Visitors are permitted to bring into the unit a small wallet, clear plastic bag,
Ziploc type or change purse.
2. Visitors may bring coin money in an amount not to exceed $25 Visitors who
violate this rule may have the visit denied and may be removed from the
offenders Visitors List.
3. Visitors with infants or small children may bring no more than three diapers, a
supply of baby wipes and two baby bottles or a sippy cup for toddlers into the
unit. These items shall be stored in a clear plastic bag.
4. Visitors are allowed to purchase soft drinks and snacks from the vending
machines for offenders during general and contact visits, but the items shall be
consumed during the visit.
I. Supervision of Visits
1. Each warden shall establish procedures to ensure all visits are conducted in a
quiet and orderly manner.
4. Offenders who are allowed to take a restroom break during the visit shall be strip-
searched when exiting and pat or strip-searched when re-entering the visitation
room. Time taken for restroom breaks shall be considered as part of the visiting
period.
J. Offender Rules
1. Offenders shall wear TDCJ-issued pants, with shirts tucked in, and TDCJ-issued
or commissary-purchased shoes. Offenders may wear TDCJ-issued or
commissary-purchased t-shirts, thermals, and wedding rings (band-type only with
property papers) during visits. If the offender wears commissary-purchased
shoes to a visit, the offender shall have proof of ownership for the shoes in their
possession. Any offender not producing proof of ownership for the commissary-
purchased shoes may have the visit terminated, the shoes confiscated, or be
provided a pair of TDCJ-issued shoes to complete the visit.
K. Visitor Rules
1. Dress Code
a. Conservative dress is encouraged for all visitors. The duty warden shall
make the final decision on whether the visit should be denied based on
clothing.
b. Shorts and skirts no shorter than 3 above the middle of the knee when
standing, capri pants, or long pants are allowed.
c. Length is not restricted for pre-adolescent boys and girls; generally ages
ten and younger.
e. Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, however the shirts and
dresses shall cover the shoulders.
a. Loitering around the units front gate, parking lot, or perimeter pickets;
e. Yelling at offenders.
4. Visitors are not allowed to switch from visiting with one offender to another. This
conduct may cause the visit to be terminated and possibly the visitors name
removed from the offenders Visitors List.
a. Without approval from the duty warden, no visitor may take any article
from TDCJ property, such as gifts from offenders, excess personal
property items, or craft items.
L. Denial of Visits/Visitors
2. The specific reasons for cancelling a visit, denying a visitor or removing a visitor
from an offenders Visitors List shall be documented on the TDCJ Offender
Visitation Denial Form and the Denial Log. A copy of the TDCJ Offender
Visitation Denial Form shall be provided to the denied visitor and the offender,
and the original shall be filed in the offenders unit file.
3. A visitor shall be denied permission to visit and may have the visitors name
removed from the offenders Visitors List if, the visitor:
1. The duty warden has the authority to terminate an offenders general or contact
visit while the visit is in progress, if the offender violates established TDCJ
offender rules and regulations. Visits may also be terminated if the offenders
visitors do not comply with the rules and regulations established for visitors,
including but not limited to failure to prevent children from disturbing other
individuals in the visiting area.
1. Psychiatric in-patients are allowed contact visits in accordance with the computer
recommended custody. Offenders who have no disciplinary for 12 consecutive
months shall be allowed to receive contact visits with immediate family members.
These offenders shall be reviewed and approved by the Program Treatment
Team which consists of a psychiatric or rehabilitation aide supervisor or
designee, and with the wardens approval.
2. Visitation for all psychiatric in-patient facilities may be scheduled for any day of
the week, at the discretion of the warden or designee and the Program
Treatment Team.
B. Psychiatric Out-Patient
Psychiatric out-patients are eligible for general and contact visits in accordance with the
offenders custody.
Offenders in transient status or housing except those undergoing intake processing are
eligible for general visits in the same manner as all other general population offenders.
Contact visitation for these offenders is allowed in accordance with the criteria and
procedures outlined in these rules and at the discretion of the warden or designee, as in
cases where offenders are being housed in transient status due to a protection
investigation.
D. Safekeeping Status
Offenders in safekeeping status are eligible for general and contact visits in accordance
with the same criteria and procedures as all other general population offenders.
E. Pre-Hearing Detention
Offenders in pre-hearing detention are not allowed to have contact visits while in this
status, irrespective of custody level or time-earning status. However, these offenders are
allowed to have general visits in accordance with the same criteria and procedures as
general population offenders.
F. Lockdown Status
Offenders on lockdown status may not be allowed visitation in accordance with AD-03.31,
Unit Lockdowns Procedures and the units progressive release lockdown schedule.
G. Solitary Confinement
All visitation privileges are suspended while offenders are in solitary confinement. In
cases where the offender is placed in solitary confinement, and timely notification to the
visitor by mail is not possible the offender should notify the warden or designee, who
shall attempt to contact the visitors by telephone.
1. General Visits
2. Expansion Cellblocks
I. Death Row
1. Death Row offenders are not allowed contact visits. Generally, visits are two
hours in duration. Special security procedures may be used during visitation
periods to ensure the safety and security of all offenders, visitors, and staff as
well as the security of the unit.
4. Attorney Visits
Death row offender visits with attorneys are governed by BP-03.81, Rules for
Governing Offender Access to the Courts, Counsel, and Public Officials. An
attorney visit shall not count against a death row offenders visits.
c. A death row offender may have a spiritual advisor visit and a regular visit
on the same day. However, the spiritual advisor may not have a spiritual
advisor visit and a regular visit with the same offender on the same day.
d. A spiritual advisor visit shall not count against a death row offenders
regular visits.
(1) Each death row offender may designate in writing one outside
spiritual advisor for witnessing purposes.
(4) Spiritual advisors requesting visits shall contact the unit Offender
Records Department on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m. by calling 254-865-7226 (Mountain View) or 936-967-8020
(Polunsky) to schedule a visit.
6. Media Visits
Press interviews of death row offenders are scheduled through the Public
Information Office.
Special security procedures, such as security cages may be used during the visitation
periods to ensure the safety and security of offenders, visitors, staff and the unit.
Offenders with the below custody who are housed in the Main compound shall receive
visits as indicated below.
All visits are limited to two hours in duration and occur on Saturday and Sunday
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Units identified with high visitation frequency shall allow visitation Saturday and Sunday
between 7:00 am. and 5:00 pm.
V. CONTACT VISITATION
A. Contact Visits
Both indoor and outdoor contact visitation are located on most TDCJ units. For outdoor
contact visits, covered picnic type tables or similar seating arrangements are available.
Contact visits may be held outdoors if weather permits. The duty warden shall determine
when inclement weather conditions or some other uncontrollable situation which would
prohibit the use of outdoor contact visitation.
1. Offenders shall complete the intake process and be incarcerated in the TDCJ for
a minimum of 60 days from the current TDCJ receive date prior to becoming
eligible for contact visitation. General visits are allowed anytime during this
process as specified by the warden.
2. State jail offenders shall complete the intake process and be incarcerated in the
TDCJ for a minimum of 30 days from the current TDCJ receive date prior to
becoming eligible for contact visitation. General visits are allowed at anytime
during this process as specified by the warden.
B. Eligibility Criteria
An offender is eligible for a contact visit if the offenders eligibility is reflected in the
Mainframe computer records.
1. Offenders eligible to receive contact visits may select the week for the visitation;
they shall not be restricted to a designated week for contact visitation.
2. In the event the computer becomes inoperable prior to or during any part of the
contact visiting hours, and a unit is unable to determine which offenders are
eligible to have contact visits, the duty warden shall have the authority to provide
offenders with general visits on that day. Eligible offenders are permitted to have
contact visits on a subsequent day (which may be during the same week at the
wardens discretion).
1. Contact visits are limited to the eligible offenders immediate family to include the
following procedures for ceremonial, proxy, common-law spouse and significant
other categories.
2. Spouse
a. Ceremonial
b. Proxy
c. Common-law
3. Significant Other
5. Offenders assigned to G1/J1/OT custody are allowed to have a contact visit with
any person on the offenders Visitors List.
Disciplinary Process
Offenders who are eligible for contact visits and found guilty of minor disciplinary
violations by a minor hearing officer may have contact visitation privileges
suspended for a minimum of one visit or a maximum of two months from the date
of conviction. Offenders whose contact visitation privileges are suspended shall
continue to be eligible for a general visit.
Offenders who are eligible for contact visits and found guilty of major disciplinary
violations by a Disciplinary Hearing Officer (DHO) through the major disciplinary
hearing process, may have contact visitation privileges suspended for a minimum
of one visit or a maximum of four months from the date of conviction.
Permission for extended visits of a maximum of four hours may be requested through the warden
or designee for visitors whose residence is 250 or more miles in distance, one-way, from the
offenders unit of assignment, as indicated by the Bing mileage guide found at
http://bing.com/maps/. The warden shall make every effort to allow extended visits, if time and
space allow.
A. General Procedures
The warden or designee may permit special visits, contact or general, or authorize
special conditions for visits outside of the ordinary course of established visitation rules.
The warden may delegate authority to review and approve special visits to a designee
such as, duty warden, assistant warden, building major or the UCC. Visitors requesting a
special visit shall submit the request in writing or via telephone or e-mail, for applicable
units, to the warden or designee. Offenders requesting a special visit shall submit the
request in writing or via telephone or email, for applicable units, to the warden or
designee.
The warden or designee shall review the request and notify the requestor of the denial or
approval of the special visit.
Special visits may be granted for a total of eight hours visiting with a maximum of four
hours per day on two consecutive days, for visitors traveling over 250 miles one way.
Visitors are encouraged to call during the week to verify special arrangements; however,
the duty warden shall make every effort to allow special visits, if time and space allow.
Only one special visit may be held each month. Permission for a special visit due to
distance traveled shall not usually be granted if the visitor has visited more than once in
the past month.
C. Spiritual Advisors
Permission for visits with spiritual advisors may be obtained from the warden. Spiritual
advisors shall provide one of the following forms of identification in order to obtain
permission to visit as outlined in AD-07.30, Procedures for Religious Programming:
D. Prospective Employers
Permission for visits with prospective employers who are not listed on the offenders
Visitors List may be obtained from the warden. Prospective employers shall provide ID in
order to obtain permission to visit. A standard picture ID is required, as previously
described, and proof that the individual represents a viable business, such as company
letterhead, business card or letter from the companys headquarters or human resources
department.
Critically ill is the gravest medical condition, when death is an acute concern. The
determination of the status of an offender is to be made by a physician only and not
based on the assumptions of security staff.
1. TDCJ Units
Offenders who are placed on the critically ill list by a licensed physician, to
include offenders listed as non-ambulatory, are allowed to receive visitors in the
unit infirmary or medical department at the wardens discretion with the presiding
physicians medical consensus. The presiding physician shall make the
determination regarding the offenders ability to receive visitors. The warden
may provide alternate means for visiting these offenders on a case-by-case
basis, such as scheduling a visit during the week by special arrangement.
2. Free-World Hospitals
If the offender is in a free-world hospital, visitation usually does not take place.
However, in exceptional circumstances, family visitation may occur as
considered appropriate by the warden, chaplain, and free-world hospital
administration. Factors taken into consideration shall include the seriousness of
the illness, as determined by the presiding physician, security needs, and the
hospitals physical structure or location.
3. Hospital Galveston
Critically ill offenders are allowed visits seven days a week at Hospital Galveston.
The presiding physician determinates whether an offender is critically ill.
F. Hospice Offenders
Offenders in the Hospice Program, or offenders diagnosed as terminally ill who receive
only palliative (comfort) care, are allowed to receive visits seven days a week between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., within the unit infirmary setting, subject to approval
of the warden and medical provider. All visits shall be coordinated through the
Chaplaincy Department.
1. Infirmary
b. Offenders receiving visits in the existing visiting area may visit with
anyone on the offenders Visitors List.
Permission for special, non-legal visits between offenders may be granted under the
conditions outlined below. Final approval from the State Classification Committee (SCC)
shall be obtained in those cases where the offenders are assigned to different units and
approval of the visit necessitates a temporary unit transfer.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Offenders shall meet the following criteria in order to be approved for a visit with
another offender.
b. Both offenders shall have been in the TDCJ for a minimum of six months
and have demonstrated satisfactory institutional adjustment, such as no
major disciplinary cases for six months;
d. The offenders shall not have had a non-legal visit with another offender
in the TDCJ within the last 12 months; and
2. Approval Process
b. If both wardens approve the visit, the request shall be submitted to the
SCC via e-mail for review. If approved, the SCC shall schedule the visit
and notify the wardens involved. If the visit is denied, the SCC decision
A. Current and former employees may be included on an offenders Visitors List if the
following conditions exist:
1. The relationship between the offender and the current or former employee or
between the current or former employees spouse and offender was established
prior to the offenders incarceration;
B. If a former employee does not meet all of the above three criteria, the former employee
shall not be allowed to visit for 24 months after the employees date of separation from
employment with the Agency. After expiration of the 24-month time period, the former
employee may be reviewed for visitation privileges by the DRC. The offender shall
submit an RO-1, Request for Placement on Visitors List and RO-2, Visitation Approval
Form-Current/Former TDCJ Employee to request that the former employee be added.
Documented security concerns the former employee delivered or attempted to deliver
contraband to the offender while still an employee or had an inappropriate relationship
with the offender while employed may cause disapproval of the request. If the former
employee is approved, the visitor may be added to the list immediately, even if the
offender is not eligible for a Visitors List change. If denied, the offender may appeal
through the Offender Grievance Procedures or the DRC.
Offender visits with attorneys shall be governed by BP-03.81, Rules Governing Offender Access
to the Courts, Counsel, and Public Officials.
In accordance with BP-03.81, Rules Governing Offender Access to the Courts, Counsel, and
Public Officials, offenders are permitted to assist or advise each other on all legal matters.
A. Permissible Correspondents
B. Restricted Correspondents
1. Other Offenders
d. Victims of the offender with whom the court prohibits contact during
confinement; and
3. Victims
(2) The victim was younger than 17 years of age at the time of the
offense; and
(3) Written authorization for the contact was not obtained prior to the
initiation of the contact.
C. How to Correspond
1. Authorized Channels
Offenders may only send First Class, Certified, Media Rate or Priority United
States mail through the offender mail system. Inter-agency truck mail may only
be used by offenders when communicating with TDCJ officials.
No COD mail shall be accepted for any offender and no offender shall be
authorized to send mail COD. Unauthorized items arriving by mail shall be
returned to the sender at the expense of the offender if ordered by said offender,
unless the offender is without funds, in which case the mail shall be returned at
the senders expense. Offenders shall be notified when COD mail is returned to
the sender.
3. Packages
All outgoing packages may not be sealed for mailing until inspected by TDCJ.
Packages shall be free of contraband or material which constitutes a threat to
security or which cannot be lawfully sent through the mail. Inspection of this mail
shall be done in the presence of the offender. Outgoing packages may be mailed
at media mail rate if the contents of the package meet the media mail rate
guidelines established by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). These rules shall not
apply to outgoing packages to special, legal, and media correspondents, which
shall be governed by the rules relating to such correspondence.
Offenders may not embellish their outgoing envelopes with illustrations or written
messages other than the return address, the name and address of the intended
recipient, and a notation that the envelope contains legal, special, or media mail,
photos do not bend; or fragile.
After consultation with the MSCP, mailroom officials shall not mail any outgoing
correspondence from an offender that mailroom officials reasonably believe shall
be deemed non-mailable by the United States Postal Service pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1716. This includes envelopes or packages having obnoxious
odors or containing liquids or powders.
5. Stationery
Postage and stationery for mail from indigent offenders may be secured through
the wardens designee. Postage and stationery shall be made available at
regular intervals to indigent offenders, including those in administrative
segregation. Postage and stationery shall furnished to an indigent offender for
correspondence to any special correspondent listed in these Rules and to any
attorney or legal aid society. An indigent offender may use indigent postage to
send five one-ounce domestic letters per month to general correspondents and
five items per week to legal or special correspondents. An offender may send
extra letters to general, legal, or special correspondents using indigent postage if
requested for a legitimate reason and approved by the warden.
Funds expended by TDCJ for postage and stationery for indigent offenders shall
be recouped by the TDCJ from funds later deposited in the offenders ITF
account.
D. Publications
An offender may receive publications in the mail only from the publisher or publication
supplier, including bookstores. Offenders ordering publications shall forward payments
for subscription to individual publications with the order. Offenders shall not receive
publications of any kind on a trial basis with payment postponed. Persons desiring to
give publications directly to individual offenders shall have the publication mailed directly
to the offender only from the publisher or publications supplier, including bookstores.
Publications received by offenders may be in languages other than English.
Media Correspondent is any member of the editorial and reporting staff of any newspaper or
magazine listed in the Gale Directory of Publications or the Editor & Publisher Year Book or the
editorial and reporting staff of any radio or television station. Other members of the media,
including freelance members, may petition the DRC to be included within the definition of media
correspondent.
Special Correspondent is any member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice; the executive
director; the deputy executive director; any division directors, deputy directors, Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) ombudsman, or wardens of the TDCJ; any court or district or county clerk
of the United States or any of the states of the United States; any member of the legislature of the
states or the United States; the President of the United States or the governor of any state of the
United States; the attorney general of the United States or any attorney in the United States
Department of Justice; the director or any agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or any
official of any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, including offices of inspector
general, the directors of state departments of corrections, the Bureau of Prisons, and parole
commissioners from other states; the attorney general or any assistant attorney general of any
state; any member or commissioner of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles; any foreign
consulate, which includes the consul general, vice consul, deputy consul, or honorary consul of
any country of which the offender is a citizen; or the Texas State Law Library or any county law
library in the state of Texas.
Offenders may send sealed and uninspected letters directly to special and media
correspondents. All incoming correspondence from any special or media correspondent
shall be opened and inspected only for contraband, except under the special
circumstances noted in these Rules. The inspection shall be in the offenders presence.
All incoming special correspondence envelopes shall be prominently stamped as
received by TDCJ or cancelled so that postage-free government envelopes cannot be
reused.
B. Exceptions
Legal Correspondent is any attorney licensed in the United States or a legal aid society,
which is an organization providing legal services, that contacts an offender in order to provide
legal services.
A. Permissible Correspondence
In order to facilitate the attorney-client privilege, an offender may send sealed and
uninspected letters directly to legal correspondents. No correspondence from an
offender to any legal correspondent may be opened or read. All incoming
correspondence from any legal correspondent may be opened and inspected for
contraband only. The inspection shall be in the offenders presence. No correspondence
to an offender from any legal correspondent may be read.
B. Exceptions
When an offender violates the law or the correspondence rules using legal
correspondence, the offender may have legal mail privileges suspended except to the
offenders attorney of record, upon obtaining written permission of the CID director or
designee. The attorney of record shall submit a written statement naming them as the
attorney of record for the offender. The CID director shall approve the restriction of legal
correspondence privileges.
All general correspondence are subject to the right of inspection and rejection by the unit
mailroom staff. All outgoing or incoming letters to and from offenders and enclosures
such as clippings, photographs or similar items, shall be disapproved for mailing or
receipt if the content falls as a whole, or in significant part, into any of the categories
listed below:
7. Uses code and its contents are not understood by the person inspecting the
correspondence;
8. Solicits gifts of goods or money under false pretenses or for payment to other
offenders;
12. Contains information, which if communicated would create a clear and present
danger of violence or physical harm to a human being; or
13. Contains records or documentation held by TDCJ which are not listed in the
attachment to the TDCJ Open Records Act Manual Chapter 3.
D. Notices
The offender and the sender or addressee shall be provided a written statement of the
disapproval and a statement of the reason for the disapproval within three business days
after receiving the correspondence. The notice is given on Correspondence Denial
Forms. The offender is given a sufficiently detailed description of the rejected
correspondence to permit effective use of the appeal procedures. The offender, sender,
or addressee may appeal the mailroom staffs decision through the procedures outlined
in this policy. The offender or sender may submit a written argument as to why the item
should not be denied for the DRCs considerations.
The mailroom shall keep a record showing the source and destination of all incoming and
outgoing legal, special, and media correspondence.
All publications are subject to inspection by the MSCP and unit staff. The MSCP has the
authority to accept or reject a publication for content, subject to review by the DRC. The
MSCP shall render decisions on publications reviewed within two weeks of receipt at the
MSCP office. Unit mailroom staff shall review books not previously reviewed and render
a decision within two weeks of receipt at the mailroom. Offenders do not have to be
notified when magazines or books are being held for review. Publications shall not be
rejected solely because the publication advocates the legitimate use of offender
grievance procedures or urges offenders to contact public representatives about prison
conditions or contains criticism of prison authorities.
2. Notice
A list of publications disapproved for receipt by offenders during the last two
months are noted on the Law Library Holdings List at each institution. The list is
updated every month.
All mail and e-messages, including delivery, pick-up, or notifications, are processed by
TDCJ employees or private operated facility staff only and during normal business hours,
when possible. An offender shall not handle another offenders mail, except to assist
staff when loading and unloading mail in bulk deliveries. Staff shall maintain direct
supervision of these offenders.
All incoming mail, except packages, are delivered within two business days of receipt,
except on weekends or holidays. Incoming packages are delivered within three business
days of receipt, except on weekends or holidays.
All outgoing mail, except packages, are delivered to a USPS employee within two
business days, except on weekends or holidays. Outgoing packages shall be delivered
to a USPS employee within three business days of receipt, except on weekends or
holidays.
Records are maintained to indicate the source and destination of outgoing mail from
death row offenders.
Exception: Incoming and outgoing mail for offenders whose mail is being monitored may
be processed within three business days of receipt, if necessary, to allow unit staff to
properly examine the correspondence.
H. Forwarding of Mail
Mail received is forwarded to an offender immediately in the event the offender has left
the unit and a forwarding address is available. Newspapers are forwarded by truck mail
for seven days and other subscriptions are forwarded by truck mail for 45 days after an
offender is transferred between TDCJ institutions, if truck mail is available between the
two institutions. Should an offender leave the unit of assignment for temporary medical
treatment, correspondence, newspapers, and magazines are held by the unit mailroom
until the offender returns.
I. Mailrooms
All unit mailrooms shall be open and provide mail service Monday through Friday, except
on holidays recognized by the USPS.
J. Treatment Programs
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program, the Sex Offender Treatment Program, the
COURAGE Program for youthful offenders, and other treatment programs, as approved
by the Correctional Institutional Division Director and the Rehabilitation Programs
Division director and maintained by the MSCP, may have more restrictive content-based
requirements for general correspondence and publications, as long as those more
restrictive requirements are directed at the treatment goals and needs of the treatment
program or serve to keep the agency in compliance with established laws governing
access to certain types of publications by minors.
Any incoming or outgoing correspondence or publications that are rejected shall not be
destroyed, but shall remain with the mailroom staff subject to examination and review by
those involved in the administration of appeal procedures outlined herein. Upon
completion of the appeal procedures, if the correspondence or publication is denied, the
offender may request that it continue to be held in the custody of the mailroom staff for
use in any legal proceeding contemplated by the offender, or it be disposed of in one of
the following manners unless security concerns mandate the offender not have a choice
in the disposition:
Any offender, other correspondent, or sender of a publication may appeal the rejection of
any correspondence or publication. They may submit written evidence or arguments in
support of their appeal. An offender or a correspondent may appeal the placement of the
correspondent on the offenders negative mailing list. An offender or a correspondent
may appeal to the DRC for reconsideration of the negative mailing list placement after six
months.
1. Appeal Procedures
A written notice of appeal, including justification, shall be sent to the DRC within
two weeks of the notification of rejection. Upon receipt of notification, the
correspondence or publication in question shall be sent to the DRC.
2. Final Decision
The DRC shall render its decision within two weeks after receiving the appeal,
and shall issue written notification of the decision to the parties involved within
two business days.
3. Delegation
POLICY:
The Rules Governing Offender Access to Courts, Counsel and Public Officials were developed for the
purpose of assisting offenders in gaining access to the courts. These rules are intended to guide staff
and offenders in matters related to offenders legal work.
Every offender has the right of access to state and federal courts and to legal counsel and public officials
and agencies. Every foreign national offender has the right to communicate with an official from the
consulate of the offenders country. Offenders may present any issue, including challenges to the legality
of their confinement, redress for improper conditions of confinement, remedies for civil law problems,
claims against correctional officials and other governmental authorities, and any other right protected by
constitutional or statutory provisions, or by common law. Offenders may confer about legal matters
subject to regulation of time, place and manner necessary to maintain the security and order of the
institution. Officers, employees or agents of TDCJ shall not interfere with, harass, punish or otherwise
penalize any offender as a result of participation in litigation, either as a party or a witness, or for filing or
threatening to file a lawsuit, grievance, appeal or other complaint about prison conditions or official
misconduct, or for discussing with others or writing in accordance with TDCJ rules and regulations to
others about actual or potential legal action or other forms of grievance and complaint. TDCJ rules and
regulations regarding offender legal mail are contained in the TDCJ Correspondence Rules and are not
addressed within this policy.
PROCEDURES :
I. LAW LIBRARIES
A law library collection is maintained at every unit. If a specific legal research item is not
available at an offenders unit of assignment, the offender may submit a written request to the
units access to courts (ATC) supervisor stating the need for the item as well as justification for a
legal accommodation. The following legal materials are available in paper form or electronically.
Each of the items below or its equivalent shall be made accessible either as part
of the units law library collection or through the Intra-Law Library Loan Program.
a. Federal Reporter 2d
b. Federal Reporter 3d
c. Federal Supplement
d. Federal Supplement 2d
i. Vernons Texas Annotated Statutes and Codes: the Civil Practices &
Remedies Code, Family Code, Government Code, Code of Criminal
Procedure, and Penal Code
j. Texas Digest
k. Pamphlets:
w. Court-provided forms
In lieu of the law library collection, units may provide legal reference materials
through an electronic legal research database.
The room designated by the warden as the law library shall be of sufficient size to
accommodate the law book collection and to provide adequate workspace for the
number of offenders permitted to attend the law library at one time.
Each unit shall make available to offenders, including offenders in any form of
segregation, writing instruments, paper, carbon paper, postage, and envelopes
necessary and appropriate for the processing of legal matters through a
commissary purchase or the indigent supply program. Indigent offenders are
provided supplies in accordance with AD-14.09, Postage and Correspondence
Supplies.
1. Schedule
Each unit shall have a posted schedule for law library attendance ensuring the
opportunity for 10 hours of access per week. The schedule shall take into
account offenders work assignments and other programmatic activities offered at
the unit. The schedule assures that at least one law library period occurs on the
weekend.
Any offender who demonstrates the need for extra time for law library use should
submit an I-60, Offender Request to an Official, to the unit ATC Supervisor.
Except for good cause, such requests shall be granted for use of the law library
during the period an offender is not involved in programmatic activities.
An offender who has been found guilty of a major disciplinary offense under
Code 18.0 of the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders related
to stealing or damaging law library books or materials may be denied physical
access to the law library for a period not to exceed 30 days. During such period,
the offender shall be provided access to law books in accordance with the rules
regarding segregated offenders.
4. Strip Searches
a. Offenders in any of the above categories are not afforded direct access
to the law library. They are allowed to request and receive up to three
items of legal research materials per day, delivered on three alternating
days per week, such as, M-W-F, from the units law library collection for
in-cell use.
2. Legal Visits
Offenders may request a legal visit for the purpose of conferring with another
offender on legal matters by sending an I-60, Offender Request to an Official, to
the unit ATC Supervisor.
Offenders may store legal materials in their cell or dormitories in accordance with AD
03.72, Offender Property, and the Access to Courts Policy Manual. Offenders have
access to their legal material on a daily basis.
1. General Procedures
An offender's legal materials may only be searched for written contraband if there
is a reasonable suspicion the offender is in possession of written contraband.
This shall be documented in writing and approved by the warden or assistant
warden prior to search, using the I-186, Authorization to Search Legal Material
for Written Contraband. Scanning shall be done in the presence of the offender
in accordance with the Access to Courts Procedures Manual.
3. Written Notice
1. Locations
Offenders may perform legal work in the units law library, in their cells, or in
other areas designated by the warden. Offenders may not perform legal work in
the dayroom, but may possess their legal documents in the dayroom while
awaiting departure from or upon return to the housing area.
Offenders may perform legal work in their cells or in other areas designated by
the unit during their off-work periods. Offenders may perform legal work in the
law library in accordance with the units law library schedule.
1. Assistance Permitted
Offenders who wish to confer with each other in the unit law library shall obtain
verbal permission from the officer in charge, unless unit policy permits such
assistance without prior permission. Offenders are required to confer quietly so
as not to disturb other offenders.
4. Legal Visits
Offenders who wish to confer with each other regarding legal matters, but are
unable to do so without special arrangements, shall submit an I-60, Offender
Request to an Official, to the unit ATC Supervisor. A desk or table and chairs are
provided when such legal visits are held. The reason for any denial of a request
to confer is provided in writing.
A. Documents
Under both federal law (28 U.S.C. 1746) and state law (Texas Civil Practice and
Remedies Code 132.001-132.003), offenders incarcerated in Texas may use an
unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury in place of a written declaration, verification,
certification, oath, or affidavit sworn before a notary public. Documents for which
notarization is requested by an attorney, documents specifically exempted from the laws
on unsworn declarations, and documents destined for another state or country requiring
notary public service shall continue to require notary public service.
B. Scheduling
Offenders may request notary public service by submitting an I-60, Offender Request to
an Official, to the unit ATC Supervisor. Offenders requesting notary public service shall
explain why an unsworn declaration shall not be legally sufficient. Requests are acted
upon, either denied or provided, within 72 hours of the receipt of the request.
A. Periods of Visitation
Except as limited by this policy, an offender may have a visit from an attorney or
designated representative on business days for any length of time between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., including lunch and dinner hours. In cases where there is a compelling
circumstance, the warden or designee may permit the visit to extend past 5:00 p.m. On
Saturdays, Sundays, and state and national holidays, attorneys or designated
representatives may visit subject to the rules governing non-attorney visits. At the
wardens discretion, an attorney seeking to visit an offender on death row on a non
business day may be permitted to do so if the attorney offers a reasonable explanation,
without violating the attorney-client or work product privileges, why the visit shall occur
before the first business day following the date of the requested visit.
B. Notice
By 3:30 p.m. of the business day immediately preceding the date that an attorney or
designated representative wishes to visit an offender, the attorney shall give the name
and profession of each visitor, the name of each offender to be visited, and an estimated
arrival time to the warden or designee of the offenders unit of assignment . The attorney
shall also give the estimated time at which the attorney or designated representative
would like to visit each offender in the case of multiple offenders assigned to the same
unit. After the attorney or designated representative has arrived at the unit and provided
proper identification, the warden or designee shall produce the offender for the visit
without unreasonable delay.
C. Identification
This section does not apply to SCFO attorneys or employees of the Office of the Attorney
General
1. Attorneys
2. Designated Representatives
The TDCJ shall maintain the confidentiality of all information provided on all completed
applications. If the answer to any question leads TDCJ to reasonably believe that a visit
by the representative may pose a legitimate threat to security, TDCJ may ask such
additional questions of the representative as are reasonably calculated to lead to the
discovery of information that would prove the existence or extent of such security threat.
If it is determined that such security threat exists, the application may be denied and a
written response detailing the reason for denial shall be provided to the sponsoring
attorney.
The I-164 form shall be resubmitted annually and the unit staff shall contact the ATC
manager to verify the representatives eligibility. If the attorneys designated
representative has previously completed the I-164 form in the last 12-month period for
the same attorney and it was approved (this form shall be re-submitted annually) and
submitted it to any TDCJ unit for the same attorney, it need not be re-submitted before a
visit to a unit.
Offenders are not limited in the number or length of visits by attorneys. One or more
attorneys may visit one or more offenders at the same time, subject to reasonable
regulation of the time, place, and number of participants and subject to the warden or
designees determination whether such a visit would threaten security. The attorney may
visit with other offenders on the same day at the same unit, subject to the same
considerations listed above.
Attorney visits shall be non-contact, unless the units configuration provides only contact
visitation or in the case of an expert visiting as a designated representative. Before the
contact visit by an expert is granted, the expert and the experts sponsoring attorney shall
provide a completed I-165S, Attorney Initiated Contact Visit for Specialized Professional,
to the warden or designee explaining that a contact visit is necessary for the validity of
the examination or test and also provide a detailed list of the items the expert shall need
to conduct the examination or test. Only the expert, each partys attorney, and the
offender may participate in an attorney-initiated expert contact visit.
Immediately after an attorney who has been approved for a visit with an offender arrives
at the unit of assignment and completes the I-163, Attorney Application to Visit TDCJ
Offender, or when appropriate, the I-166, Attorney Authorization for Approved
Representative to Visit, or the I-165S, Attorney Initiated Contact Visit for Specialized
Professional, the warden or designee shall notify the offender of the requested visit. If
the offender objects to such a visit, the warden or designee shall deny the attorney or the
designated representative the right to visit with the offender, provided that immediately
after the offenders objection is communicated to the warden or designee, the offender, or
two witnesses in case the offender refuses to sign, signs and swears to a completed copy
of the I-167, Refusal to Visit Attorney or Attorney Representative, form. Immediately after
completion of the form, a copy of the completed and signed form shall be given to the
offender refusing the visit and to the attorney whose visit was refused.
1. Privacy
The warden or designee may open and inspect any item, such as briefcases,
attach cases, and tape recorders, but only in the attorneys or designated
representatives presence and only for the purpose of detecting contraband. The
warden or designee may also search the attorney or designated representative
for weapons and contraband.
Offenders may only bring pertinent legal documents, writing paper, and a writing
utensil into the visiting area. Those documents may be inspected by the warden,
but only in the offenders presence and only for the purpose of detecting
contraband.
4. Exchange of Items
The area used for the attorney-offender visit shall have a pass-through slot
available for the attorney or designated representative and the offender to
directly and confidentially exchange documents. The exchange of voluminous
legal documents may require the assistance of staff.
6. Removal of Items
An attorney may remove from the unit any document received from an offender.
An offender may remove from the visitation area any document received from an
attorney unless the item is deemed contraband.
7. Writing Utensils
If writing utensils and paper are not available in the visiting area for use by
offenders, an attorney is permitted to transmit these items to the offender. After
completion of the visit, staff shall return the writing utensils and unused paper to
the attorney, but the offender is permitted to choose whether to retain all paper
used during the visit or to give it to the attorney.
8. Depositions
Due to the limited space and availability of locations within a correctional setting
in which depositions can be securely accommodated, attendees are limited to
attorneys, designated representatives, court reporters, videographers, and the
offender. Depositions may be non-contact if security consideration requires it
and the unit configuration permits it. Requests shall be provided in writing at
least one week in advance of the schedule event and include a list detailing the
equipment that shall be used and the name and title of each person expected to
attend. Should video equipment be used to conduct a deposition, the video
camera shall remain in a fixed place and shall be in operation only during the
deposition. Before, during, and after the deposition, a deposed offender shall
adhere to the TDCJ clothing standards as outlined in the Offender Orientation
Handbook .
The warden or designee may deny an attorney or designated representative the right to
visit with any offender or terminate such a visit immediately if that visit would cause a
legitimate threat to security, but only for as long as such a threat exists and only if no
lesser action would alleviate the threat. The attorney or designated representative may
not waive any threat perceived by the warden or designee. If a decision denying an
attorneys request to visit an offender or an attorneys request to have a designated
representative visit the offender is made later than 4:00 p.m. of the day preceding the
date of the requested visit, the warden or designee shall immediately attempt to notify the
attorney and offender of the denial. Within 24 hours after denying an attorneys request
to visit with an offender, a request by an attorney to have a designated representative
visit the offender, or terminating such a visit, the warden or designee shall send the
offender and the attorney a written explanation of all reasons for said denial or
termination, notification of the right to appeal, and an explanation of the procedure for
appeal. The warden or designee shall also provide a copy of the denial documentation to
the ATC manager.
A regional director may prohibit any attorney or designated representative who commits a
serious violation of visitation regulations from any further visits with any offender or
impose restrictive conditions regarding future visits that are reasonably appropriate to the
violation. Within 72 hours after an attorney or designated representative is prohibited
from or restricted in further visits, the warden or designee shall send the attorney and the
offender being visited at the time of the violation a notice containing the following
information:
2. Notification that both the attorney and the offender have the right to appeal and
an explanation of the procedure for appeal. Attorney visitation rights shall not be
suspended or restricted except as provided by this policy.
K. Consular Officials
Consular officials, to include the Consul General, Vice Consul, and Honorary Consul, are
afforded the same rights and privileges as attorneys, except that consular officials may
be permitted to meet with groups of their foreign national offenders with the permission of
the appropriate regional director after consideration of security concerns. A consular
official requesting a visit shall complete and fax a copy of the I-163C, Consular Official
Application to Visit TDCJ Offender, a legible copy of the United States Department of
State issued identification card, and their driver license to the offenders unit of
assignment no later than 3:30 p.m. on the business day before the requested visit. The
unit shall verify United States Department of State issued credentials by contacting the
U.S. Department of State, Office of Protocol at 202-274-1217. Any other individuals
accompanying a consular official shall be approved as a representative by the ATC
central office, which requires that a completed, signed I-164 form be filed. Upon being
approved as a representative, the consular is required to submit an I-166, Attorney
Authorization for Approved Representative to Visit TDCJ Offender, form to the visiting
unit. Upon arrival, official identification shall be required.
A. General Guidelines
1. Attorneys are not permitted to use an attorney and offender telephone call to
provide contact between the offender and any other person, other than the
attorneys designated representatives.
2. Attorneys may not send faxes to, nor receive faxes from, offenders.
3. Offenders may place telephone calls to their attorney of record using the
Offender Telephone System (OTS). If the attorney is registered as the attorney
of record with the OTS vendor, the call shall not be recorded or monitored. OTS
telephone calls shall be placed in accordance with this policy.
4. All other requests for telephone contact shall be made in writing by the offenders
attorney using the I-162, Attorney/Offender Telephone Call Application, and the
attorney shall provide the unit with at least 24 hours notice, unless the need is
preempted by a legal emergency.
7. A specific time may be arranged for the telephone call either on the same day as
the request or on a day that is convenient for all parties.
8. The rules regarding attorney and offender Telephone calls do not apply to SCFO
or OAG attorneys.
Attorneys of record shall register with the OTS vendor by submitting, on the
attorneys letterhead, a letter stating the attorneys name, phone number which
shall be verified as matching the number registered with the Texas State Bar
Association, attorneys state bar association number and state of registration, a
list of TDCJ numbers and offender first and last names, and a statement that the
attorney has an attorney-client relationship with the listed offenders. If the
attorney is not listed with the Texas State Bar Association, the phone number of
the bar association where the attorney is licensed shall be included.
b. The attorneys full name, address, bar card number, telephone number,
and fax number;
e. The general reason, such as impending court deadline the call could not
be precluded by a personal visit or correspondence;
g. A date and time for the return telephone call convenient to the TDCJ unit
and the attorney; and
3. The warden or designee receiving the request shall verify the attorneys identity
by requesting a faxed copy of the attorneys bar card and drivers license. Upon
verification of the attorneys identity, the State Bar Association shall be contacted
by telephoning (800) 204-2222 or checking the Texas State Bar Association
internet database at http://www.texasbar.com to ensure the attorney is in good
standing and to verify that the telephone number that shall be called is that of the
requesting attorney. The Texas State Bar website should note that the attorney
is Eligible to Practice in Texas. If an attorney is not licensed in Texas, the other
state bar information site should indicate current eligibility to practice. When
questions arise, inquiries should be coordinated with the ATC manager.
4. Approvals for attorney and offender telephone calls shall be made by the warden
or a designee, who shall be an employee with rank of major or higher.
A judge may request that a court hearing be conducted via a telephone conference call or video
conference rather than bench warrant the offender to the courtroom. The TDCJ requires a court
order or a letter signed by the judge, on official letterhead, requesting the offender participate in a
telephone or video conference. The court order or signed letter should be sent to the offenders
unit of assignment. The court order or letter shall state the offenders name, number, date, time,
and collect telephone number where the call can be facilitated in the case of a telephone
conference call. In the case of a video conference, the court order or letter shall provide
appropriate information so that the video conference may be facilitated. No collect telephone
number need be provided if the court intends to initiate the telephone conference call. The TDCJ
shall verify the order or letter and facilitate the call using a speakerphone or a regular handset
phone if a telephone conference has been requested. Attorney-client confidentiality does not
apply to court hearings.