Office of the Independent Ombudsman
Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What is an Independent Ombudsman and what can it do?
- How can I find an inmate's location, TDCJ number, release date, or convictions?
- What if an inmate has concerns that are not being addressed?
- How do I file a complaint with the Independent Ombudsman?
- What information does the Independent Ombudsman need to complete a review?
- What will occur once the Independent Ombudsman’s office has received a complaint?
- What will occur once the Independent Ombudsman’s office has completed a review?
- If I complain, can the TDCJ retaliate?
- My loved one wrongfully received a disciplinary case; what can be done about this? My loved one rightfully received a disciplinary case, but I feel that the punishment is too harsh. How do I get a disciplinary case expunged/overturned?
- Who should I contact regarding my loved one allegedly being assaulted?
- When should an inmate contact the Independent Ombudsman’s office?
- What can I send to an inmate through the mail?
- How can I receive phone calls from an inmate?
An Independent Ombudsman is the official appointed by the TBCJ to receive, review, investigate, and respond to complaints and inquiries from the public, inmates, elected or appointed state officials, the TBCJ, or TDCJ leadership.
The Independent Ombudsman can act as a liaison between the TBCJ or the TDCJ and the public; respond to informational inquiries regarding agency policies, procedures, or actions; respond to questions concerning a specific inmate; facilitate problem resolution; make appropriate referrals to agency staff; act as a contact and information resource for special interest groups.
The Independent Ombudsman can act as a liaison between the TBCJ or the TDCJ and the public; respond to informational inquiries regarding agency policies, procedures, or actions; respond to questions concerning a specific inmate; facilitate problem resolution; make appropriate referrals to agency staff; act as a contact and information resource for special interest groups.
Information about an inmate can be found on the TDCJ website by conducting an inmate search.
An inmate should attempt to resolve his/her concerns at the lowest level possible. The inmate may discuss their concerns with any staff member and/or ranking supervisor. The inmate may present a formal complaint by filing a grievance through the inmate grievance process; there are two steps to the process. After all attempts to resolve the issue have been completed, contact may be made with the Office of the Independent Ombudsman.
You may file a complaint with the Independent Ombudsman by mail at PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342, by e-mail at io@tdcj.texas.gov, or by using the available webform Ombudsman Request Form.
Please provide as much pertinent information as possible to assist with the review; the name and TDCJ number of the inmate, unit of assignment, date of incident, the details of the incident, and if there were witnesses. You will want to include your contact information (e-mail address or mailing address) as well; the Independent Ombudsman will provide a response to your concerns.
The Independent Ombudsman shall gather information and respond to complaints and inquiries. Investigations shall be conducted according to policy and procedures of the Independent Ombudsman in a professional, thorough, timely, and unbiased manner.
The Independent Ombudsman will provide a response to the requester once the review is completed.
There should be no retaliation from TDCJ staff for any complaints filed. If such occurs and is confirmed, corrective action will be taken.
At the disciplinary hearing, all inmates are provided with information regarding how to appeal the decision of the disciplinary hearing officer. The appeal should be submitted by filing a grievance through the inmate grievance process. There are two steps to the process.
An assault or fear of an assault may be reported to any ranking staff member at the inmate’s unit of assignment. For review or investigation of the incident, contact the Office of the Independent Ombudsman.
It is expected that all administrative remedies (informal resolution and/or completion of the inmate grievance procedure) available to an inmate be completed before the Ombudsman’s office begins an investigation, except for issues regarding the possibility of imminent health, safety, or rights concerns.
Please see the offender correspondence rules FAQs.
Please see Inmate Technology Services.