TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Visitation is important to maintaining a connection with family and friends. However, the safety and security of everyone in the facility is our top priority.

Prior to visiting your loved one, please make sure you are up to date on all the latest information and procedures.

TDCJ offers in-person and video visitation. In addition to in-person visitation, inmates are allowed one 60-minute video visit per month. Video visitation can occur through Securus ($10 a visit) or through tablet kiosks (no cost). The Unit Visitation Schedule will tell you the types of visitation as well as dates and times visitation is available at each unit.

To help you prepare for your visit, watch this short video on what to expect.

Who to Contact for Vending Machine Issues

Before You Travel to a Unit:

• Use the Inmate Search to confirm your loved one’s unit of assignment and that they have visitation privileges.
• Review the Unit Visitation Schedule to verify visitation has not been cancelled. Inmates are unable to attend visitation if it is cancelled.
• Verify you are an approved visitor. If you are unsure, you may contact the unit for verification.
• All visitors 18 and older must provide a current and official government issued identification (ID) that lists a current physical address. If the visitor ID is not acceptable, further verification may be required (example: birth certificate, pictured credit card, or other official ID). Children 17 years of age and younger, may be required to provide an ID (example: birth certificate, DPS ID, or student ID).
• All vehicles on TDCJ property are subject to search. All individuals shall ensure all vehicle doors, windows, and trunks are secured and locked. The beds of trucks shall be free of garden tools, clothes, or anything that could be used as a weapon or aide in an escape. All tools in the bed of the truck shall be secured.
• Special visits or visits requiring special accommodation should be arranged prior to the visit.

Unit Visitation Dress Code

• Visitors are encouraged to dress conservatively.
• Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toe shoes may be worn.
• Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics shall not be allowed.
• Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, but must cover the shoulders.
• Shorts and skirts no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing, capri pants, or long pants are allowed.
• Length is not restricted for pre-adolescent boys and girls, generally ages 10 and younger.
• Clothing with pictures or language that may be considered profane or offensive by current public standards shall not be allowed.
• Note: The duty warden shall make the final decision on whether clothing is appropriate.

Permissible and Prohibited Items

The following items are allowed inside the secured perimeter of a unit:

• A small wallet, clear plastic bag (Ziploc® type), or change purse
• $35 cash (in coins) or credit/debit card. Vending machines are available in the visitation areas.
• Inmate visitors with infants or small children may bring no more than three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles (“sippy” cup for toddlers). These items shall be stored in a clear plastic bag.

The following items are not allowed inside the secured perimeter of a unit:

Any food items, purses, diaper bags, briefcases, cameras, baby strollers, toys, dolls, photographs or photograph albums, paper money, knives, drugs, medication (exceptions are granted regarding prescribed medications on a case-by-case basis), tobacco, lighters, matches, cell phones, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders or any other type of electronic/wireless devices, or any other non-authorized items.

Items not allowed on TDCJ property:

• Any intoxicating beverages (i.e., a beverage containing any amount of alcohol or drugs used for the purpose of altering one’s mental state)
• Any controlled substance (as defined by Section 481.002, Texas Health and Safety Code) or dangerous drugs (as defined by Section 483.001, Texas Health and Safety Code) and not otherwise permitted by Article 38.11, Texas Penal Code
• Any firearm or instrument customarily used or designed to be used as a dangerous weapon or having explosive substance. A person who is licensed under Chapter 411, Subchapter H, Texas Government Code to carry a handgun, may possess the handgun on TDCJ property if the unloaded gun is in a: locked weapons box in a locked vehicle; locked compartment of a locked vehicle; trunk of a locked vehicle with a locking device attached to the firearm; or locked vehicle with the firearm concealed from view and a locking device attached to the firearm
• Any instrument that may be used in affecting or attempting to affect an escape.

Additional Information for Visitation

Each inmate is only allowed one visit per weekend. To the extent possible, individuals on an inmate’s Visitors List should coordinate with one another and with the inmate to prevent subsequent visitors from being declined when they arrive at the unit.

Visits may be terminated, and visitors may be removed from the inmate’s Visitors List because of improper conduct. Individuals who have been removed from an inmate's Visitors List can submit a written appeal to the Director's Review Committee (DRC), PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342. The appeal must be submitted within 14 days of the date on the written notice of removal from the unit.

For more detailed information about visitation, please refer to the following resource documents:

General Information Guide for Families of Inmates (PDF) Spanish (PDF)
Inmate Rules and Regulations for Visitation (PDF) Spanish (PDF)