TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

OFFENDER ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

as

Approved by the

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Director of the Correctional Institutions Division

Printed

APRIL 2016

I-202 (rev. April 2016)

TDCJCID Region I
1225 Ave. G
Huntsville, Texas 77340

TDCJ-CID Region IV
965 Ofstie St.
Beeville, Texas 78102

TDCJ-CID Region II
#2 Backgate Road
Palestine, Texas 75803

TDCJ-CID Region V
304 W. 6th St.
Plainview, Texas 79072

TDCJ-CID Region III

400 Darrington Road
Rosharon, Texas 77583

TDCJ-CID Region VI
1002 Carroll Street
Gatesville, Texas 76528

TDCJ Private Facility

Contract Monitoring and Oversight Division

Two Financial Plaza, Ste. 300

Huntsville, Texas 77340

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Units/Facilities

Allred
2101 FM 369 North
Iowa Park, TX 76367
Boyd
200 Spur 113
Teague, TX 75860

B. Moore
8500 North FM 3053
Overton, TX 75684
Bradshaw
P. O. Box 9000
Henderson, TX 75653
9000
C. Moore
1700 N. FM 87
Bonham, TX 75418

Bartlett
1018 Arnold Dr.
Bartlett, TX 76511
Bridgeport
4000 North 10th Street
Bridgeport, TX 76426

Beto
1391 FM 3328
Tennessee Colony, TX 75880
Briscoe
1459 W. Highway 85
Dilley, TX 78017-4601

Clemens
11034 Hwy 36
Brazoria, TX 77422

Clements
9601 Spur 591
Amarillo, TX 79107-9606

Cole
3801 Silo Road
Bonham, TX 75418

Connally
899 FM 632
Kenedy, TX 78119

Dalhart
11950 FM 998
Dalhart, TX 79022

Daniel
938 South FM 1673
Snyder, TX 79549

Darrington
59 Darrington Road
Rosharon,TX 77583

Coffield
2661 FM 2054
Tennessee Colony, TX
75884
Crain
1401 State School Road
Gatesville, TX 76599
2999
Diboll
1604 South First Street
Diboll, TX 75941

Dominguez
6535 Cagnon Road
San Antonio, TX 78252

Duncan
1502 South First Street
Diboll, TX 75941

Eastham
2665 Prison Road #1
Lovelady, TX 75851
Estes
1100 Highway 1807
Venus, TX 76084
Garza East
4304 Highway 202
Beeville, TX 78102
Glossbrenner
5100 S. FM 1329
San Diego, TX 78384

East Texas Treatment

900 Industrial Blvd.
Henderson, Texas 75653
Ferguson
12120 Savage Dr.
Midway, TX 75852-3654
Garza West
4250 Highway 202
Beeville, TX 78102
Goree
7405 Hwy 75 South
Huntsville, TX 77344

Ellis
1697 FM 980
Huntsville, TX 77343
Formby
998 County Road AA
Plainview, TX 79072
Gist
3295 FM 3514
Beaumont, TX 77705
Gurney
P. O. Box 6400
Tennessee Colony, TX 75861

Estelle
264 FM 3478
Huntsville, TX 77320-3322
Fort Stockton
1536 IH- 10
Fort Stockton, TX 79735
Goodman
Route 1, Box 273
Jasper, TX 75951
Halbert
P. O. Box 923
Burnet, TX 78611-0923

Hamilton
200 Lee Morrison Lane
Bryan, TX 77807

Havins
500 FM 45 East
Brownwood, TX 76801

Henley
7581 Hwy 321
Dayton, TX 77535

Hightower
902 FM 686
Dayton, TX 77535

Hilltop
1500 State School Road
Gatesville, TX 76598
Hospital Galveston
P. O. Box 48, Sub St. 1
Galveston, TX 77555
Jester I
1 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Jordan/Baten
1992 Helton Road
Pampa, TX 79065
Lewis
P. O. Box 9000
Woodville, TX 75990
Luther
1800 Luther Dr.
Navasota, TX 77868
McConnell
3001 S. Emily Drive
Beeville, TX 78102

Hobby
742 FM 712
Marlin, TX 76661-4685
Hughes
3201 FM 929
Gatesville, TX 76597
Jester III
3 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Kegans
707 Top Street
Houston, TX 77002
Lindsey
1137 Old Post Oak Road
Jacksboro, TX 76458
Lychner
2350 Atascocita Road
Humble, TX 77396
Michael
2664 FM 2054
Tennessee Colony, TX
75886

Hodge
379 FM 2972 W.
Rusk, TX 75785
Huntsville
815 12tth Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
Jester IV
4 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Kyle
23001 IH 35
Kyle, TX 78640
Lockhart
P. O. Box 1170
Lockhart, TX 78644
Lynaugh
1098 S. Highway 2037
Fort Stockton, TX 79735
Middleton
13055 FM 3522
Abilene, TX 79601

Holliday
295 IH 45N
Huntsville, TX 77320
Hutchins
1500 East Langdon Road
Dallas, TX 75241
Johnston
703 Airport Road
Winnsboro, TX 75494
LeBlanc
3695 FM 3514
Beaumont, TX 77705
Lopez
1203 El Cibolo Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78542
Marlin
2893 State Hwy 6
Marlin, TX 76661
Montford
8602 Peach Street
Lubbock, TX 79404

Byrd
21 FM 247
Huntsville, TX 77320
Cleveland
P. O. Box 1678
Cleveland, TX 77328
Cotulla
610 FM 624
Cotulla, TX 78014

Mountain View
2305 Ransom Rd.
Gatesville, TX 76528
Pack
2400 Wallace Pack
Navasota, TX 77868

Murray
1916 N. Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville, TX 76596
Plane
904 FM 686
Dayton, TX 77535

Neal
9055 Spur 591
Amarillo, TX 79107
Polunsky
3872 FM 350 South
Livingston, TX 77351

Ney
114 Private Road 4303
Hondo, TX 78861-3812
Powledge
1400 FM 3452
Palestine, TX 75803

Ramsey I
1100 FM 655
Rosharon, TX 77583
Sanchez
3901 State Jail Road
El Paso, TX 79938

Robertson
12071 FM 3522
Abilene, TX 79601
Sayle
4176 FM 1800
Breckenridge, TX 76424

Rudd
2004 Lamesa Highway
Brownfield, TX 79316
Scott
6999 Retrieve
Angleton, TX 77515

Segovia
1201 E. Cibolo Road
Edinburg, TX 78542

Roach
15845 FM 164
Childress, TX 79201
San Saba
206 S. Wallace Creek
Rd.
San Saba, TX 76877
Skyview
379 FM 2972 W
Rusk, TX 75785

South Texas ISF

1511 Preston
Houston, TX 77002

Stevenson
1525 FM 766
Cuero, TX 77954

Stiles
3060 FM 3514
Beaumont, TX 77705

Stringfellow
1200 FM 655
Rosharon, TX 77583

Telford
P. O. Box 9200
New Boston, TX 75570

Terrell
1300 FM 655
Rosharon, TX 77583

Torres
125 Private Road #4303
Hondo, TX 78861

Travis County
8101 FM 969
Austin, TX 78724

Vance
2 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406

Wallace
1675 S. FM 3525
Colorado City, TX 79512

Ware
1681 S. FM 3525
Colorado City, TX 79512
Willacy County
1695 South Buffalo Drive
Raymondville, TX 78580

West Texas ISF

2002 Lamesa Hwy
Brownfield, TX 79316
Woodman
1210 Coryell Road
Gatesville, TX 76528

West TX Regional Medical

8602 Peach Street
Lubbock, TX 79404
Wynne
810 FM 2821
Huntsville, TX 77349

Wheeler
986 County Road AA
Plainview, TX 79072
Carol S. Young Medical
Facility Complex
5509 Attwater Ave.
Dickinson, TX 77539

ADOPTION OF ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

This handbook contains general information and rules adopted by the Director of the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutions Division (TDCJ-CID).

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is to provide
public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate
offenders into society and assist victims of crime.

Board of Criminal Justice

The Board of Criminal Justice is made up of nine unpaid citizens. They are appointed by
the Governor of Texas. The Board helps the Department to plan, budget and make
policy.

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS HANDBOOK

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 will be provided with the latest revised copy of the
Offender Orientation Handbook. Offenders currently incarcerated within the TDCJ will
have access to revised copies when revisions to the Offender Orientation Handbook are
made. Handbooks written in Spanish will be given to offenders whose primary language
is Spanish. Rules will 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

Chapter 1: Offender Access to Services and Standards for Behavior

I.

Intake Process ....................................................................................... 1

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.

II.

Unit Classification.................................................................................. 5

A.

B.

C.
D.
E.
F.

G.
H.

III.

Receiving and Screening .......................................................................... 1

Photographs and Fingerprints................................................................... 1

Physical Examination ................................................................................ 1

Mental Health Screening ........................................................................... 1

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ...................................................... 2

Orientation................................................................................................. 2

Testing and Assessment........................................................................... 3

Intake and Sociology Interview ................................................................. 3

Prison Offenders ....................................................................................... 4

State Jail Offenders .................................................................................. 4

Transfer Offenders .................................................................................... 4

SAFPF Offenders ...................................................................................... 4

Foreign Nationals ...................................................................................... 5

Custody Levels.......................................................................................... 5

1.
Administrative Segregation or State Jail, SR Custody................. 6

2.
General Population Level 5 - State Jail, GP, Level 5 (J5) ........... 6

3.
General Population Level 4 - State Jail, GP, Level 4 (J4) ........... 6

4.
General Population Level 3.......................................................... 6

5.
General Population Level 2 - State Jail, GP, Level 2 (J2) ........... 6

6.
General Population Level 1 - State Jail, GP, Level 1 (J1) ........... 6

Committees ............................................................................................... 6

1.
Unit Classification Committee ...................................................... 7

2.
Administrative Segregation Committee ....................................... 7

3.
State Classification Committee .................................................... 7

4.
Security Precaution Designator Review Committee .................... 7

Inter-Unit Transfers ................................................................................... 7

Good Conduct Time .................................................................................. 7

Diligent Participation Credits for State Jail Offenders ............................... 9

Time Credit Dispute Resolution Process .................................................. 9

1.
Prison Offenders ........................................................................ 10

2.
State Jail Offenders ................................................................... 10

Individualized Treatment Plan................................................................. 10

Collection of DNA Blood Samples .......................................................... 10

Standards of Behavior ......................................................................... 11

A.
B.

C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

Personal Cleanliness and Grooming ...................................................... 11

Clothing and Necessities ........................................................................ 12

1.
Clothing ...................................................................................... 12

2.
Towels ........................................................................................ 13

3.
Linens ......................................................................................... 13

4.
Exchange Procedures for Necessities Items ............................. 13

Living Areas ............................................................................................ 13

Dining Hall ............................................................................................... 15

Shower Rules .......................................................................................... 16

Dayroom Rules ....................................................................................... 16

Recreation Yard Rules ............................................................................ 17

Commissary Rules .................................................................................. 17

Hall Rules ................................................................................................ 18

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J.
K.
L.
M.
N.

IV.

Offender Property.................................................................................... 18

Contraband ............................................................................................. 21

Tobacco Policy ........................................................................................ 21

Safety Regulations .................................................................................. 22

General Rules ......................................................................................... 24

Safe Prisons/PREA Program ............................................................... 26

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

TDCJ Zero Tolerance Policy ................................................................... 26

What is PREA? ....................................................................................... 26

What is sexual abuse? ............................................................................ 26

What is Sexual Harassment and Voyeurism? ........................................ 27

Cross Gender Knock and Announce Policy ......................................... 27

How does the Safe Prisons/PREA Program Help? ................................ 28

How Should I Report Threats to my Safety? .......................................... 28

Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategies ...................................................... 28

What should you do if you are sexually abused? ................................... 29

1.
Report the Abuse to any Staff Member Immediately ................. 29

2.
Investigations ............................................................................. 30

3.
Offender Perpetrator Consequences ......................................... 31

V.

Security Threat Groups ....................................................................... 31

VI.

Programs and Services ....................................................................... 32

A.

B.

C.
D.
E.

F.

Education ................................................................................................ 32

1.
Testing and Assessment............................................................ 32

2.
Counseling ................................................................................. 33

3.
Adult Literacy, Basic Skills and GED Preparation ..................... 33

4.
Special Education ..................................................................... 33

5.
English as a Second Language (ESL) ....................................... 33

6.
Title I .......................................................................................... 33

7.
Pre-Release Programs .............................................................. 34

8.
Cognitive Intervention ................................................................ 34

9.
Career and Technical Education ............................................... 35

10.
Libraries ..................................................................................... 35

11.
School Rules .............................................................................. 36

12.
Information on Education Programs .......................................... 36

Recreational Activities ............................................................................. 36

1.
Non-Programmatic ..................................................................... 37

2.
Programmatic ............................................................................. 37

Offender Craft Shop ................................................................................ 38

Basic In-Cell Art ...................................................................................... 38

Health Services ....................................................................................... 39

1.
Medical Services ........................................................................ 39

2.
Dental Services .......................................................................... 40

3.
Pharmacy Services .................................................................... 41

4.
Psychiatric and Psychological Services ..................................... 41

5.
Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) ............................... 42

6.
Complaints about Medical Services ........................................... 42

Rehabilitation Programs .......................................................................... 42

1.
Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) .......................................... 43

2.
Administrative Segregation Pre-Release Program (ASPP) ....... 43

3.
Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Process (GRAD) ..... 43

4.
Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) .......... 44

5.
Administrative Segregation Transition Program ........................ 44

6.
Baby and Mother Bonding Initiative (BAMBI) Program ............. 44

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7.

G.

H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.

N.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.

VII.

Faith-Based Programs ............................................................... 44

a.
Dorms ........................................................................... 44

b.
InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) ............................ 44

c.
Voyager ......................................................................... 45

8.
College Courses ........................................................................ 45

9.
College Technical Courses ........................................................ 45

10.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) ............. 46

11.
Religious Services ..................................................................... 46

12.
Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs and Evaluation ............. 47

a.
Minimum Requirements ................................................ 47

b.
Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-18) .............. 47

c.
Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-9) ................ 47

d.
Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP-4) ................ 47

e.
Risk Assessment .......................................................... 47

13.
Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators ....................... 48

14.
Sex Offender Registration Program Information........................ 49

15.
Orchiectomy ............................................................................... 50

16.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs..................................... 50

17.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Program .................................. 51

18.
In-Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) .................................. 51

19.
Pre-Release Substance Abuse Program (PRSAP) ................... 51

20.
Pre-Release Therapeutic Community (PRTC) .......................... 51

21.
State Jail Substance Abuse Program (SJSAP) ......................... 51

22.
Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) ........... 51

23.
Support Groups .......................................................................... 52

24.
Volunteer Programs ................................................................... 52

25.
Youthful Offender COURAGE Program ..................................... 52

State Counsel for Offenders ................................................................... 53

1.
Criminal Defense ....................................................................... 53

2.
Appellate .................................................................................... 53

3.
Civil Defense .............................................................................. 53

4.
Immigration ................................................................................ 54

5.
Legal Services ........................................................................... 54

6.
Innocence & Wrongful Convictions ............................................ 54

7.
Prisoners Civil Rights ................................................................ 54

8.
How Offenders Can Get Help .................................................... 54

Ombudsman Program. 55

Language Assistance (Asistencia de Lenguaje) ..................................... 56

Correspondence Rules... 56

Visitation .................................................................................................. 57

Offenders Access to Telephones ............................................................ 57

Emergency Absences ............................................................................. 63

1.
Emergency Absence .................................................................. 63

2.
Emergency Absence Eligibility Requirements ........................... 63

Inmate Trust Fund ................................................................................... 64

ID Cards .................................................................................................. 67

Commissary ............................................................................................ 68

Voter Registration ................................................................................... 70

Offender Request To Official (I-60) Form ............................................... 70

Administrative Segregation Plan ............................................................. 70

Institutional Lockdowns ........................................................................... 71

Impermissible Conduct ........................................................................... 71

Disciplinary Procedures and Rules .................................................... 71

A.
B.

General Procedures ................................................................................ 71

Solitary Confinement ............................................................................... 72

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C.
D.

Counsel Substitute Program ................................................................... 72

Appeal Process ....................................................................................... 73

VIII.

Grievance Procedures for Offenders.................................................. 74

IX.

Parole Information ............................................................................... 76

X.

A.
B.
C.

Parole Information ................................................................................... 76

The Parole Interview .............................................................................. 77

Parole Eligibility Requirements ............................................................... 78

1.
70th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 78

2.
71st & 72nd Legislature Requirements ........................................ 79

3.
73rd Legislature Requirements ................................................... 80

4.
74th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 81

5.
75th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 82

6.
76th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 82

7.
77th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 82

8.
78th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 82

9.
79th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 83

10.
80th Legislature Requirements ................................................... 83

11.
81st Legislature Requirements ................................................... 83

12.
82nd Legislature Requirements .................................................. 83

13.
83rd Legislature Requirements ................................................... 83

D.
E.
F.
G.

Offenders with Detainers Pending ......................................................... 84

Parole and Mandatory Supervision Violators .......................................... 84

Offenders who commit offenses while in custody .................................. 84

Questions about Parole-related issues ................................................... 84

Reentry ................................................................................................ 84

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.

XI.

TDCJ Crime Stoppers Behind the Walls ......................................... 87

A.
B.
C.
D.

XII.

Identification and Reentry ....................................................................... 84

Veterans Services ................................................................................. 85

TCOOMMI Services ................................................................................ 86

Continuity of Care (Mental Health and Medical) ..................................... 86

Adult Intensive Case Management ........................................................ 87

Adult Transitional Case Management ..................................................... 87

HIV/AIDS Continuity of Care ................................................................... 87

Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS) ....................... 87

Tips Communication Procedures ............................................................ 87

How do Offenders Report Information to Crime Stoppers ..................... 87

What Type of Information is Reported to Crime Stoppers ...................... 88

Important Information .............................................................................. 88

Proof of Incarceration Period.88

A.
B.

Discharge Certificates ............................................................................. 88

Proof of Incarceration Period for State Jail Offenders ........................... 88

Chapter 2: Offender Visitation Rules and Regulations .......................89

Introduction ....................................................................................89

Definitions ......................................................................................89

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I.

General Information ............................................................................. 91

Visitation Schedule............................................................................................... 91

A.
Periods of Visitation ................................................................................ 91

B.
Frequency of Visits ................................................................................. 92

C.
Visits Requiring Advanced Scheduling ................................................... 93

D.
Number of Visitors Allowed ..................................................................... 93

II.
III.

Who Can Receive Visits ...................................................................... 93

Rules for Visits ..................................................................................... 94

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.

IV.

Visits for Other Categories ................................................................ 101

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

V.

VII.

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) and Psychiatric In-Patient 101

Psychiatric Out-Patient ......................................................................... 101

Transient Status .................................................................................... 102

Safekeeping Status ............................................................................... 102

Pre-Hearing Detention .......................................................................... 102

Lockdown Status ................................................................................... 102

Solitary Confinement ............................................................................. 102

Administrative Segregation and Expansion Cellblock .......................... 102

Death Row ............................................................................................ 103

Level 5(G5/J5/P5) Offenders in the Main Compound ........................... 105

Contact Visitation...... ................ 105

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

VI.

Children Ages 17 and Younger ............................................................... 94

Approval Process ................................................................................... 95

Visitors Notification ................................................................................. 95

Visitor Identification ................................................................................. 96

Visitors and Vehicle Searches ................................................................ 97

Contraband Items.................................................................................... 98

Contraband Items Not Allowed Inside Secure Perimeter of a Unit ......... 98

Permissible Items .................................................................................... 98

Supervision of Visits ................................................................................ 98

Offender Rules ....................................................................................... 99

Visitor Rules ........................................................................................... 99

Denial of Visits/Visitors ......................................................................... 100

Termination of Visits in Progress .......................................................... 101

Suspension of General Visits ................................................................ 101

Contact Visits ........................................................................................ 105

Eligibility Criteria. 105

Contact Visitation Scheduling.. 105

Visitors Approved for Contact Visits...106

Contact Visitation Suspension .107

Administrative Suspension108

Extended Visits...... .................... 108

Special Visits...................................................................................... 108

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

General Procedures .............................................................................. 108

Long Distance Traveled ....................................................................... 108

Spiritual Advisors .................................................................................. 108

Prospective Employers ......................................................................... 109

Critically Ill List ...................................................................................... 109

Hospice Offenders ................................................................................ 109

Non-Legal Visits Between Offenders .................................................... 110

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VIII.

Current and Former TDCJ Employee Visits ... . 111

IX.

Attorney Visits...... ..................... 111

X.

Legal Visits Between Offenders..... . 111

Chapter 3: Uniform Offender Correspondence Rules .......................112

I.

General Rules and Instructions Regarding Correspondence ......... 112

A.
B.
C.
D.

II.

Special and Media Correspondence ................................................. 115

A.
B.

III.

Permissible Correspondence ................................................................ 116

Exceptions ............................................................................................. 116

Handling Offender Correspondence................................................. 116

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

V.

Permissible Correspondence ................................................................ 116

Exceptions ............................................................................................. 116

Legal Correspondence ...................................................................... 116

A.
B.

IV.

Permissible Correspondents ................................................................. 112

Restricted Correspondents ................................................................... 112

How to Correspond ............................................................................... 113

Publications ........................................................................................... 115

Content Inspection of General Correspondence .................................. 116

Contraband in General Correspondence .............................................. 117

Contraband in Legal, Media, or Special Correspondence .................... 117

Notices .................................................................................................. 117

Record of Legal, Special, or Media Correspondence ........................... 117

Content of Inspection of Publications.................................................... 118

Processing Incoming and Outgoing Offender Mail ............................... 119

Forwarding of Mail................................................................................. 119

Mailrooms.............................................................................................. 119

Treatment Programs ............................................................................. 119

Review Procedures for Denied Items ............................................... 120

A.
B.

Handling of Denied Items...................................................................... 120

Correspondence and Publication Appeal Procedure ............................ 120

Chapter 4: Rules Governing Offender Access to the Courts, Counsel

and Public Officials ..............................................................................121

I.

Policy .................................................................................................. 121

Procedures ......................................................................................... 121

Law Libraries...................................................................................... 121

A.
B.
C.

II.

Law Library Collections, Conditions, and Supplies ............................... 121

Direct Law Library Access (General Population) .................................. 123

Indirect Law Library Access, Administration Segregation, Lockdown,

G5/J5/P5, Medical Isolation, Temporary Detention, Trusty Camp, Work

Camp, and Death Row Offender Access to the Law Library (Indirect

Access) ................................................................................................. 124

Offenders Personal Legal Material .................................................. 125

A.
B.

Storage and Access .............................................................................. 125

Searches of Offender Legal Materials .................................................. 125

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III.

Performance of Legal Work............................................................... 125

A.
B.

IV.

Notary Public Services ...................................................................... 126

A.
B.

V.

Periods of Visitation .............................................................................. 127

Notice .................................................................................................... 127

Identification .......................................................................................... 127

Designated Representative's Application to Visit ................................. 128

Limits on Number, Persons, and Type of Visit ...................................... 128

Rejection by Offender of Visitation Request ......................................... 128

Procedures During Visit ........................................................................ 129

Rejection of Visitation Request or Termination of Visit ......................... 130

Suspension of Visitation Privileges ....................................................... 131

Attorney Visitation Review Procedure .................................................. 131

Consular Officials .................................................................................. 131

Attorney and Offender Telephone Calls ........... 132

A.
B.

VII.

Documents ............................................................................................ 126

Scheduling ............................................................................................ 126

Attorney Visitation ............................................................................. 127

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.

VI.

Locations and Times ............................................................................. 125

Offenders Assisting Other Offenders on Legal Matters ........................ 126

General Guidelines.132
Telephone Call and Attorney of Record Approval ............................... 132

Court Telephone Conference Calls. .134

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CHAPTER 1
OFFENDER ACCESS TO SERVICES AND
STANDARDS FOR BEHAVIOR
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 will be identified and will receive
the necessary type of language assistance during the intake process and later when assigned to
a unit.
A.

Receiving and Screening

Offenders will be searched upon arriving at a TDCJ facility. A receipt will be completed
for each offender's money and property. Medical care will be given, if care is needed
immediately. Offenders will be housed according to security needs. State clothing will be
issued; haircuts and showers provided.

B.

Photographs and Fingerprints

Each offender will go to the Photograph and Identification Department to be:
1.

Photographed;

2.

Fingerprinted;

3.

Examined for any identifying scars, marks, or tattoos; and

4.

Interviewed to obtain basic demographic and emergency contact information.

The fingerprints will 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 will be given a physical examination by medical and dental staff. The medical
and dental staff will ask each offender about his medical history. The medical and dental
staff will use the results to determine the special needs, if any, of an offender. The
special medical needs of an offender will be taken into consideration during the
classification process.

D.

Mental Health Screening

Each offender will undergo an initial mental health screening.
referred for further psychological evaluation.

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E.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

It is the intent of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). Offenders must 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 will cover the following:
Part 1 Directors Introduction

Part 2 Intake Process

Part 3 Classification

Part 4 Emergency Absence

Part 5 Spanish Language

Part 6 Health Services

Part 7 Security Threat Group Management Office (STGMO)

Part 8 Safe Prisons/PREA

Part 9 Office of the Inspector General

Part 10 Offender Visitation

Part 11 Offender Discipline

Part 12 Collection of DNA

Part 13 General Rules

Part 14 Contraband & Shakedowns

Part 15 Count Procedures

Part 16 Access to Courts

Part 17 Grievance Procedures

Part 18 Risk Management

Part 19 Offender Mail and Correspondence Rules

Part 20 Food Service and Laundry

Part 21 Commissary and Trust Fund

Part 22 Windham School District

Part 23 Recreation and Non-Programmatic Activities

Part 24 Chaplaincy

Part 25 Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Part 26 Sex Offender Treatment Program

Part 27 State Counsel for Offenders

Part 28 Parole Process, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Part 29 Field Services/Release

Part 30 Voter Registration

Part 31 Closing Remarks

Offenders will also participate in Peer Education classes addressing Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) awareness, and medical issues. During intake, offenders will
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 will 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.

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Current offenders who have not received such education will be educated within one year
of the effective date of the PREA standards, and will receive education upon transfer to a
different unit to the extent that the policies and procedures of the offender's new unit
differ from those of the previous unit. The agency will provide offender education in
formats accessible to all offenders, including those who are limited English proficient,
deaf, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled, as well as to offenders who have limited
reading skills. The agency maintains documentation of all offender participation in these
education sessions. Key information is continuously and readily available or visible to
offenders through posters, offender handbooks, or other written formats. (Safe
Prisons/PREA Office)
Offenders will view a video provide by the Veterans Health Administration, Suits: Support
for Incarcerated Veterans. Female offenders will also view a video on fetal alcohol
syndrome.
G.

Testing and Assessment

All offenders will be tested to determine educational, psychological, and substance abuse
treatment needs, except on SAFP intake facilities.

H.

Intake and Sociology Interview

During the intake interview and the sociology interview, information is gathered to create
the classification record. During these interviews, offenders will 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;

8.

Drug and/or alcohol histories; and

9.

Any other pertinent information.

Offenders will be interviewed to verify information in their records. Offenders may be

punished through the disciplinary process for giving false information during interviews.
A summary of all information collected on each offender will be used to help in the
classification process.
Sociology Interviews are not completed on SAFP intake facilities.

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I.

Prison Offenders
The State Classification Committee (SCC) and designated staff of the Classification and
Records Office (CRO) will determine the first unit to which each offender sentenced to
prison will 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 will make its
decision based on:
1.

All information collected;

2.

The offender's safety needs;

3.

The offender's security needs; and

4.

The offender's treatment needs.

Based on 1-4 above, the SCC may also recommend the offender's:

J.

1.

Level of supervision (custody level);

2.

Housing assignment; and

3.

Job assignment.

State Jail Offenders

Under legislation that established the State Jail felony, state jail offenders are:

K.

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.

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.

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).

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M.

Foreign Nationals
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.
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Brunei
Bulgaria
China
Costa Rica
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Dominica
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada

II.

Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Nigeria
Philippines
Poland (non-permanent Residents Only)
Romania
Russia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint
Vincent
and
the
Grenadines

Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago

Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Zambia
Zimbabwe

UNIT CLASSIFICATION
A.

Custody Levels
On the unit of assignment, an offender is given a custody designation which indicates
several things. It tells where and with whom he can live, how much supervision he will
need, and what job he can be assigned to.
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.

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Prison Offender Custody Levels:

State Jail Offender Custody Levels:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Administrative Segregation
General Population Level 5 (G5)
General Population Level 4 (G4)
General Population Level 3 (G3)
General Population Level 2 (G2)
General Population Level 1 (G1)

Administrative Segregation (SR)

General Population Level 5 (J5)
General Population Level 4 (J4)
General Population Level 2 (J2)
General Population Level 1 (J1)

1.

Administrative segregation, SR custody for state jail offenders, refers to offenders

who must be separated from the general population because they are
dangerous, either to other offenders or staff, or they are in danger from other
offenders. Offenders who, according to the Security Threat Group Management
Office (STGMO), are members of security threat groups designated by TDCJ,
may be given this custody level. These offenders leave their cells, for the most
part, only for showers and limited recreation.
Offenders assigned to
administrative segregation in expansion cellblocks shower in their cells.

2.

General population Level 5 (G5) or (J5) custody refers to offenders who have
assaultive or aggressive disciplinary records. G5 or J5 custody offenders must
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 must 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
will 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 will 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
In TDCJ, a classification committee determines an offenders custody.

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1.

Unit Classification Committee (UCC)

Responsible for assigning an offender a custody level. This custody level
designates where offenders will live on the unit and what job(s) they are eligible
for. Offenders appear before this committee when they arrive on a new unit.
They also meet with the UCC when routine classification decisions are needed.

2.

Administrative Segregation Committee (ASC)

Responsible for the process of reviewing offenders for placement in
administrative segregation and routine reviews of those offenders.

3.

State Classification Committee (SCC)

A central administrative classification committee that makes final decisions with
regards to agency-wide issues and unit classification committee
recommendations. During the intake process, the SCC makes decisions
concerning the initial assignment of an offender to a unit. The SCC also makes
final decisions regarding administrative segregation, safekeeping, and requests
for protection.

4.

Security Precaution Designator Review Committee (SPDRC)

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 must first recommend transfer requests. If
approved at the unit level, the unit will then contact the State Classification Committee for
final approval.
Transfer requests for medical or educational reasons must be made to the appropriate
department. For example, the Education Department must 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 will 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 will be contacted.
Hardship transfer requests may be considered to accommodate immediate family
members listed on the offenders approved visitation list if medical documentation can be
obtained. The request must come from the offenders immediate family member.

D.

Good Conduct Time

Note: Only prison-sentenced offenders convicted of first, second, or third degree
felonies receive good conduct time.

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Good conduct time is a privilege, not a right. Offenders must follow the rules in order to
receive good conduct time. Some or all of the good conduct time awarded to an offender
may be taken away for disciplinary infractions.
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

2.

State-Approved Trusty (SAT) status (ranging from SAT IV to SAT II).

Newly received offenders will be assigned to Line Class I status and must wait six (6)
months before they are eligible for promotion in time-earning status. They will 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 must 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 will not receive any of the 15
days diligent participation good conduct time credits. They will 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:
1.

The type of crime the offender was convicted of; and

2.

The laws in effect when the crime was committed.

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Offenders returned to the TDCJ for parole or mandatory supervision violations, whether
those violations are for technical violations or new offenses, will not receive credit for past
good conduct time. They start earning new good conduct time from the date of re-arrest.
Violators back in the TDCJ will be assigned to Line Class I status regardless of their
previous status. An offender who starts a new sentence without leaving the custody of
TDCJ will retain his time-earning status.
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.
E.

Diligent Participation Credits for State Jail Offenders

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.
Diligent participation is defined as (A) successful completion of an educational,
vocational, or treatment program; (B) progress toward successful completion of an
educational, vocational, or treatment program that was interrupted by illness, injury, or
another circumstance outside the control of the defendant; and (C) active involvement in
a work program. The law requires TDCJ to report the number of days an offender
diligently participates to the sentencing judge no later than 30 days prior to the offender
completing 80% of their sentence. Once a state jail felon, who is serving a sentence for
an offense committed on or after September 1, 2011, is received by TDCJ, the agency
will report one day of diligent participation for each day in custody, with the following
exceptions. Offenders found guilty of a disciplinary offense for refusing to work (25.0);
refusing to attend school or complete school assignments (25.1); or refusing to attend or
participate in a required treatment program (25.2) will not be eligible for diligent
participation credit for the day(s) of the refusal. Also, offenders assigned to state jail level
4 (J4), state jail level 5 (J5), solitary confinement or SR custody are ineligible for diligent
participation credit.
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, must be submitted by the
sentencing judge to the TDCJ. The TDCJ will recalculate the maximum discharge date
and send notification to the offender. A time credit under this law is a privilege, not a
right.

F.

Time Credit Dispute Resolution Process

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.

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1.

Prison Offenders
Offenders must contact the CRO by submitting an Offender Time Credit Dispute
Resolution Form (CL-147) to the CRO.

2.

State Jail Offenders

Offenders must submit the CL-147 form to the unit intake coordinator for
resolution.

Upon receipt of correspondence, the CRO or intake coordinator will investigate the
allegations. If a correction to time is made, the offender will be provided a new time slip
or a commitment data form after the correction. If the CRO finds no error in the timeserved credits, the offender will 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:

G.

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.

Individualized Treatment Plan

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 will 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 will 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.

H.

Collection of DNA Blood Samples

Government Code 411.148 requires all TDCJ offenders or offenders incarcerated in a
facility under contract with TDCJ to submit a DNA specimen unless such has previously
been collected.

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An offender who refuses to provide a DNA specimen may be charged with Disciplinary
Code 24.3, Refusal to Submit to a DNA Specimen Collection, and subject to the loss of
good time.
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.
III.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
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:
A.

Personal Cleanliness and Grooming

1.

Offenders will be given the opportunity to shower. Offenders will maintain good
personal hygiene.

2.

Offenders will brush their teeth daily.

3.

Male offenders must be clean-shaven. No beards, mustaches, or hair under the

lip will be allowed, unless the offender has been approved to grow a beard for
religious purposes.

4.

Offenders with religious belief who want to grow a beard must:

5.

a.

Submit an I-60, Inmate Request to an Official to the wardens office

requesting to be approved for a religious beard;

b.

Remain clean-shaven until they receive a response, approving them to

grow a religious beard;

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

e.

Be required to shave once a year, during the month of the offenders

birthday and have a clean-shaven picture taken for current identification
purposes, after which time the offender will be allowed to regrow the
religious beard.

Religious Beards Specifications

a.

Religious beards must not extend more than one-half (1/2) inch in length
outward from the face.

b.

Religious beards must not have any lines, designs, patterns, symbols cut
or shaped, or have any alterations from the natural hair growth.

c.

Religious beards must not be sculpted and must remain neatly trimmed
and clean.

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B.

d.

Offenders who refuse to comply with the religious beard specifications

outlined in this policy will be charged with offense code 24.1, Refusing to
Adhere to Grooming Standards, and disciplined in accordance with the
TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders.

e.

Offenders who are allowed to grow a religious beard, but receive

disciplinary for hiding contraband within their beards, or who have a
history of escape, will not be allowed to maintain a religious beard.

f.

If, at any time, an offender decides to no longer grow a religious beard,

the offender must notify the wardens office to change their status and
the offender will not be approved again for a religious beard for 12
months.

6.

Male offenders must keep their hair trimmed up the back of their neck and head.
Hair must be neatly cut. Hair must be cut around the ears. Sideburns will not
extend below the middle of the ears. No block style, afro, or shag haircuts will be
permitted. No fad or extreme hairstyles/haircuts are allowed. No mohawks, tails,
or designs cut into the hair are allowed.

7.

Female offenders will not have extreme hairstyles. No mohawks, "tailed"

haircuts or shaved/partially-shaved heads will be allowed. Female offenders may
wear braids in accordance with unit policy. Female offenders may go to the
beauty shop on their unit; however, going to the beauty shop is a privilege.
Female offenders may be restricted from going to the beauty shop as the result
of disciplinary action.

8.

Offenders' fingernails will be neatly trimmed. Fingernails will not exceed more
than one-eighth of an inch past the tip of the fingers. Fingernails will not be filed
to a point, but will be rounded.

Clothing and Necessities

Offenders will not alter, destroy or mark on any TDCJ-issued clothing or necessities item.
Offenders will not possess any extra clothing or necessities unless specifically
authorized, for instance medically authorized.
1.

Clothing
a.

Offenders will be provided the opportunity to have a daily change of

socks and under garments.

b.

Offenders will be issued enough clothing to keep warm during cold

weather.

c.

Offenders will be provided the opportunity to have a change of pants and

shirts on each working day, but not less than three (3) times per week.

d.

Offenders must wear TDCJ-issued clothing in the manner stated below

when leaving the living area.
(1)

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Pant legs must not be rolled up or tucked inside socks or

footwear. Pants will not be worn below the waist level.

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2.

3.

4.

C.

(2)

Collars may not be tucked inside the shirt. Male offenders must
wear shirt-tails tucked inside pants. Female offenders must wear
shirt-tails as stated in unit policy.

(3)

Male offenders must wear socks with TDCJ-issued footwear.

Female offenders must wear socks with TDCJ-issued shoes.

(4)

Shoes must be worn and must 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 will be coordinated
with the laundry manager and the warden with unit-specific
procedures on footwear issuance.

Towels
a.

Offenders will be provided the opportunity to have a minimum of three

shower towels per week.

b.

Cell towels must be traded in at least once a week.

Linens
a.

Offenders must be issued a clean and sanitized mattress/pillow combo

when assigned to the unit. Linen exchange will be conducted weekly and
must include two sheets and one pillowcase or if a mattress/pillow
combo is used, two sheets only.

b.

Offenders will be issued a blanket(s) to use during cold weather.

c.

Each offender must trade his dirty sheets and pillowcase for clean sheets
and a pillowcase at least once a week.

Exchange Procedures for Necessities Items

a.

Necessity items must be exchanged one-for-one, clean-for-dirty.

b.

During the exchange, offenders will be afforded the opportunity to

examine items for proper fit and damage. If items do not fit properly or
are damaged, the item should be turned in for replacement.

c.

Offenders will be held responsible for dirty items exchanged. Returned

items will be checked for intentional damage. Offenders found to have
intentionally damaged TDCJ-property will be subject to disciplinary action
as outlined in the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders.

Living Areas
1.

Each offender will be assigned to a bunk in a cell or a dormitory. Offenders must

not change bunks without permission. Each offender will be assigned a locker or
a shelf for storing personal property. No offender will use a bunk, shelf or locker
not assigned to him.

2.

Each offender must keep his living area neat, clean and free from contraband.
Beds must be made when not being used for sleeping.

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3.

All property must fit in a box provided that is approximately 1.75 cubic feet but
must not exceed 2.0 cubic feet. Some exceptions such as radio, typewriter, and
fan can be stored outside the box.

4.

An offender is not allowed to go into another offender's cell. An offender will be

considered in violation of this rule if:
a.

Any part of his body enters the cell of another offender; or

b.

Any object, held in any way by an offender, enters the cell of another
offender.

5.

Offenders must 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 will
not be placed, stored or hung in the windows, on doors, on cubicle walls, or in
front of vents.

6.

An offender must get permission from the correctional officer on duty before
passing any item:
a.

Through the bars or windows of any dormitory or cellblock area;

b.

From cellblock to cellblock;

c.

From dormitory to dormitory; or

d.

From cell to cell.

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.

8.

Offenders are not allowed to sleep on the floor.

9.

Offenders must play radios in a low volume or with the use of headphones or
earphones. The correctional officer on duty will determine when a radio is not
being played at an appropriate volume.

10.

Offenders must 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 must 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 must 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 must be sealed or
wrapped while being stored in living areas.

14.

Offenders must not be loud or boisterous. Offenders must not use vulgar or
abusive language.

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15.

D.

When leaving the living area, each offender must:

a.

Make sure his bed is made;

b.

Turn off all electrical appliances, except the clock in a clock radio;

c.

Pick up all garbage and empty all garbage containers;

d.

Dress properly;

e.

Make sure he has his identification card with him; and

f.

Make sure property is stored appropriately.

16.

Offenders must not loiter in the hallway outside of the living areas.

17.

Offenders must not throw trash or other items into the hallway outside the living
area or out the window. Trash will be put in trash cans.

18.

Offenders must not have items sticking out of the cells or windows.

Dining Hall
1.

Offenders are provided with three wholesome meals daily. However, on selected
units, two meals will be provided on Saturdays and Sundays that meet the same
nutritional requirements as three meals.

2.

Offenders must not talk loudly or cut in line.

3.

Meals are normally served cafeteria style. No food may be wasted or stolen.
Offenders will 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.

4.

An offender may go through the serving line once per meal.

5.

The correctional officer on duty will direct offenders where to sit. Offenders must
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 will 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 will be told to leave the dining hall.

10.

Offenders must stay seated until ready to leave the dining hall. Each offender
will 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 will be

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taken from the dining hall. No food will be taken from the dining hall, except as
allowed by unit policy.

E.

F.

11.

Offenders who are denied access to the dining hall due to disruptive behavior will
be served a sack lunch.

12.

Offenders prescribed therapeutic diets by a health care provider will not be

allowed to receive food from the regular food line.

Shower Rules
1.

Offenders normally will shower one time each day; however, paraplegic
offenders may be allowed to shower whenever necessary, as determined by the
medical provider.

2.

Offenders are allowed to wear boxers when showering.

3.

Offenders will not shower during normal working hours unless authorized by a
supervisor.

4.

Offenders must not loiter in the shower area.

5.

Offenders using centralized shower locations must not carry towels or extra
clothing from the shower area.

6.

Offenders must not save shower stalls for other offenders.

Dayroom Rules
1.

Television will be kept at a low volume.

2.

Offenders will choose television programs by majority vote of the offenders

watching television or through established unit procedure.

3.

Offenders may talk at a low level as long as the offenders do not disturb those
who are watching television.

4.

Loud talking, arguing, horseplay, slamming dominoes, and other types of

disturbances will not be allowed.

5.

Offenders must be seated while in the dayroom.

6.

Offenders must not save chairs for other offenders in the dayroom.

7.

Offenders must be properly dressed while in the dayroom (see section III B.1.d).
Female offenders must wear bras while in the dayroom.

8.

Offenders must not wear caps, hats or headgear in the dayroom, with the
exception of headscarves worn by female offenders for religious purposes.

9.

Offenders must not take blankets, pillows or linens into the dayrooms.

10.

Offenders must not take radios, typewriters, fans, or other electric devices into
the dayrooms.

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11.

Offenders must not take stingers, hot pots, or any other type of heating element
into the dayrooms.

12.

Offenders may have:

13.

G.

H.

a.

One canned drink or cup of drink;

b.

One opened container of food, enough for self-consumption, such as

chips, cookies, candy, no canned food;

c.

One newspaper, book, magazine, or reading material;

d.

One Bible;

e.

Board games;

f.

Writing materials, pen, pencil, no stamps, no legal materials; and

g.

Brush or comb

Rules concerning television viewing may be different in a therapeutic community,

including SOTP and IPTC, hospice and infirmary settings, and rules will be
determined by treatment staff.

Recreation Yard Rules

1.

Offenders must be properly dressed while going to or returning from the

recreation yard. Offenders may wear regulation T-shirts and shorts in place of the
outer shirts on the recreation yard, but must be fully dressed while going to and
coming from recreation. Female offenders must be appropriately dressed, to
include wearing bras, while on the recreation yard.

2.

Offenders must not take linens, towels, or blankets into the yard.

3.

Offenders must not come in contact with the fence.

4.

Offenders must not place clothing on the fence.

5.

Horseplay is prohibited.

6.

Physical contact not related to approved recreational activity is against the rules.

7.

Offenders must immediately report any injury to an employee.

8.

Offenders must not damage or abuse recreational equipment.

9.

Offenders must not urinate anywhere other than in toilets provided on the
recreation yard or toilets in the building.

10.

Offenders must not carry food items or beverages to the recreation yard.

Commissary Rules
1.

Offenders must not go to the commissary during the offenders regular working
hours.

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I.

J.

2.

Offenders must not talk in the commissary line.

3.

Any item bought from the commissary must be for personal use only.

4.

Offenders must have enough money in their trust fund accounts to cover the cost
of all commissary items ordered.

5.

Commissary purchase slip (SO-7) must be filled out completely before

approaching the commissary window. DO NOT USE RED INK.

6.

Merchandise is to be listed on the SO-7 in order of need or preference.

7.

Offenders will be charged a spend trip to the commissary anytime the offenders
card is scanned.

8.

Offenders should check commissary items before leaving the commissary

window. No changes will be made after an offender leaves the commissary
window area.

9.

Offenders are not allowed to return items to the commissary unless the items are
defective.

10.

Offenders must 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

must carry their own commissary items; no helpers or carriers will 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.

Hall Rules
1.

Offenders must walk single file next to the wall.

2.

Offenders must be properly dressed while out of the housing area.

3.

Offenders must not drink or eat in the hallway.

4.

Offenders must not throw trash or spit on the floor.

5.

Offenders must not speak loudly or engage in horseplay.

6.

Offenders must not loiter or run in the hallway or walkway. Offenders must not
sit against or lean on the wall in the hallway or walkway.

Offender Property
TDCJ policy establishes what personal and TDCJ-issued property an offender may
possess, and obtain, while in custody and how it must 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 will be inventoried and stored in the unit property room.
1.

Newly-received offenders are permitted to bring the following items:

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a.

Educational items one item each, such as substance abuse literature,

and one religious text, specific to the offenders declared faith, if those
items are consistent with chaplaincy guidelines;

b.

Health care devices and supplies, medically prescribed items will be

evaluated for approval by medical staff, contact lenses (colored or clear)
will be allowed only until TDCJ-issued eye glasses are provided to the
offender (items must be registered);

c.

Jewelry items - One wedding ring and one wrist watch, which may be
denied if determined to be excessive in value or size;

d.

Legal material - no unused stationery items;

e.

Personal Hygiene Items - One pair of shower shoes;

f.

Photographs, except those of a sexually explicit nature;

g.

Personal Shoes - If TDCJ-issued footwear is unavailable in the correct

size, a newly-received offender will retain the shoes in the offenders
possession at the time of intake. The shoes must be registered and
once a TDCJ-issued pair is available, the personal shoes must be
disposed of in accordance with AD-03.72;

h.

Visitors address list and phone numbers; and

i.

Gender-related items - female offender may retain up to seven (7) white

bras without underwire;

j.

Inmate Trust Fund Account Cash or negotiable items, such as money

orders, cashiers or law enforcement checks must be deposited in the
offender trust fund account, no personal checks accepted. Negotiable
items must be endorsed and thumb-printed by the offender. Cash is only
accepted at the time of intake.

Note: Items of Identification, such as birth certificate, social security card,

drivers license and similar items, will be forwarded to the Reentry and Integration
Division (RID) and returned to the offender at the time of release from TDCJ; and
2.

An offender returning to TDCJ following a bench warrant or emergency absence

is not permitted to return with food or hygiene items; however, any other property
taken with the offender at the time of departure from TDCJ may accompany him
when returning, if there is no threat or risk to security. Items requiring registration
must be supported by a TDCJ Registered Property Receipt.

3.

At the time of an offenders arrival at TDCJ, and at times when an offenders

property is taken or returned, inventory forms must be completed. Items not
allowed at intake will be mailed at the offenders expense to anyone the offender
chooses within the designated time limits. If this is not possible, the items will be
destroyed or donated to charity. Parcels must not be sent cash on delivery
(COD).

4.

Certain items must be registered and engraved, if possible. An offender is

responsible for keeping the registration papers as proof of ownership. Items
which must be registered are wedding ring; wrist watch, other than one

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purchased at the commissary; shoes, except TDCJ-issued; radio; electric fan;

typewriter; religious items; health care devices other than TDCJ-issued; clamp on
lamp; alarm clock; AM/FM booster; multi-outlet; and hotpot. In addition, female
offenders will receive registration papers for a curling iron and hair dryer.
5.

Metal, fire-resistant, closable storage containers are provided for storage of an

offenders property. An offender will have no less than 1.75 cubic feet available
but will not be authorized to use more than 2.0 cubic feet of a container that is
larger than the maximum 2.0 cubic foot size. Nothing other than cell or dormitory
fixtures may be placed on the walls, windows or doors of an offenders housing
area. NOTE: After approval by the warden, additional storage may be provided
for legal material needed for current litigation and for approved religious
materials, including religious text and study material.

6.

An offender may not participate in the inventorying of another offenders property

and property transactions between offenders are prohibited. Staff may only
provide an offender with items as authorized by agency policy.

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 must be pursued through the
Offender Grievance procedure. Loss or damage that is determined to be the
responsibility of the TDCJ will generally be paid at no more than $50 per item; no
more than $500 total.

9.

An offender may have property restricted due to his classification, custody or

disciplinary status.
NOTE: If an offender remains in Level 3 administrative segregation status for
nine consecutive months and fails to make arrangements for the restricted
property, it will be disposed of by the agency.

10.

When departing a unit on a temporary basis or due to re-assignment, an offender

must choose wisely what property he takes with him as it must be placed into
*one TDCJ-issued mesh bag and fit into a two cubic foot storage space. If
permanently reassigned to another unit, an offender will generally receive the
remaining property within 21 days following arrival at the unit of assignment.
NOTE: Offenders authorized additional legal storage may take one additional
mesh bag of legal material; if going out on bench warrant or to court, they may
take one mesh bag of legal material for each authorized legal storage container.

11.

If an offender departs due to parole or emergency absence, property left behind

will be stored for a maximum of thirty days; if out on bench warrant, property will
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 will 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.

13.

When an offender departs his cell or bunk area, his property must be stored in
the following manner:

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K.

a.

A photo and one of each hygiene items may be stored on a shelf, if

available.

b.

Shoes, TDCJ-issued necessity items, non-combustible items, such as

typewriter, radio, fan, or other similar allowed items must be neatly
stored in the housing area as designated by unit administration.

c.

All remaining offender property must be stored in closeable containers.

Contraband
Possession of contraband is a violation of TDCJ rules.
1.

Possession includes having an item on the body of an offender, among his

belongings or in his cell or immediate living area, no matter who owns the item.

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;

b.

Any item altered from its original condition;

c.

Any item which, in the judgment of TDCJ personnel, unreasonably

hinders the safe and effective operation of the facility;

d.

Items in excess of the amounts authorized or stored in an unauthorized

manner;

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:

g.
3.

L.

(1)

Money;

(2)

Items used for gambling, such as dice and playing cards;

(3)

Books, magazines or newspapers that are not approved;

(4)

Clothes that are not approved; or

(5)

Tobacco or tobacco related items.

Any item used to violate a TDCJ rule.

Any contraband found on TDCJ property may be taken and disposed of

according to procedures set forth by the TDCJ and the State of Texas.

Tobacco Policy
All facilities within the TDCJ are designated as tobacco free.

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Offenders found in possession of tobacco products, paraphernalia, or similar products

may be charged with a disciplinary offense.
M.

Safety Regulations
1.

Every effort must 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 must immediately report all injuries to the appropriate work supervisor
or staff member.

3.

Offenders must immediately report all safety hazards to the appropriate work
supervisor or staff member, and must 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.

4.

Appropriate safety related personal protective equipment must be provided to

offenders where necessary. It is the responsibility of each offender to use
personal protective equipment to protect against physical injury and health
hazards. Offenders must wear safety goggles when performing operations such
as: grinding, hammering, mowing and other similar functions. Hearing protection
must be worn in all work areas designated with high noise levels. Work or safety
shoes must be worn while performing assigned job functions, and safety shoes
must be worn in all designated areas or job functions.

5.

Offenders must 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.

6.

Offenders must not remove safety guards from machinery or equipment or

operate machinery and equipment without required safety guards in place.
Offenders must not adjust, oil, clean, repair or perform any maintenance on
machinery or equipment that is in motion or energized.

7.

Offenders must not ride on the drawbars of farm vehicles and must not ride on
tractors, forklifts, or other vehicles unless an authorized manufacturer installed
seat is provided. Offenders must not stand in moving vehicles and must not sit
where their legs hang over the sides of vehicles and trailers. Offenders must not
dismount any vehicle until it has come to a complete stop.

8.

The fabrication or repair of personal offender items on TDCJ equipment is

prohibited, unless authorized in the Unit Craft Shops.

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.

10.

Shower Rules
Offenders must exercise caution when entering and exiting shower areas in an
effort to prevent slip, trip, and fall injuries.

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11.

Temperature Extremes
Heat Precaution - Offenders must be cautious of heat during the summer
months; especially offenders working in areas of extreme heat such as, field,
maintenance, and yard squads.
Hypothermia - COLD Related Illness Offenders should consider appropriate
clothing for working in cold weather, to include: thermal underwear, insulated
jackets, cotton or leather gloves, insulated hoods, work shoes, and socks.
Appropriate clothing must be issued even when the index indicates little danger
of exposure injury.
Be alert of the signs and symptoms of heat and hypothermia illnesses; see chart
below.

REGCOGNITION OF HEAT ILLNESS

HEAT CRAMPS
Involuntary muscle spasms following hard,
physical work in a hot environment
Heavy sweating
Cramping in the abdomen, arms, and
calves

RECOGNITION OF HYPOTHERMIA
(COLD RELATED ILLNESS)

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Weakness, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness,

headache, nausea
Profuse sweating, rapid pulse, rapid
breathing
Possible confusion or loss of coordination
May lead to heat stroke if not treated

HEAT STROKE
(EMERGENCY!!! Death is imminent)
Diminished or absent sweating
Hot, dry, and flushed skin
Increased body temperature, delirium,
convulsions, seizures, possible death
Headache, mental confusion, dizziness
Extreme fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
Incoherent speech progressing to coma
Rapid pulse, weakness
Medical care is urgently needed

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF

HEAT ILLNESS
TREATMENT OF HEAT ILLNESS (ALL TYPES)
Move person out of direct sunlight into airconditioned environment, if possible

Remove clothing, maintaining modesty

Have them drink water, if conscious

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HYPOTHERMIA CATEGORY 1
Loss of body heat
Shivering
Lack of interest or concern
Speech difficulty
Forgetfulness
Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking
Loss of manual dexterity
Lips turn blue
HYPOTHERMIA CATEGORY 2
(EMERGENCY!!! Death is imminent)
Shivering stops
Exhaustion
Drowsiness
Confusion
Sudden collapse
Slow pulse and breathing
Pupils dilated
Cardiac arrest
May lead to category three if not treated
HYPOTHERMIA CATEGORY 3
(EMERGENCY!!! Death is imminent)
Individual is comatose
No palpable pulse
No visible respiration

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF

HYPOTHERMIA
(COLD RELATED ILNESS)
TREATMENT OF COLD ILLNESS (ALL TYPES)
Move person into a warm environment,
if possible

Remove wet clothing

Insulate the person by adding clothing

APRIL 2016

Sprinkle water on them; fan them if there

is no breeze
Get medical attention ASAP

HIGHER RISK FOR HEAT ILLNESS

Newly assigned to job
On psychiatric medications and certain
other medications
Elderly
High temperature and humidity conditions
No breeze
PREVENTION OF HEAT ILLNESS
Increase frequency of fluid intake when
working in hot environments
Take a break every 30-60 minutes
Decrease intensity of work under extreme
conditions

or blankets
If frostbite exists, gently heat affected
area with warm water or towels, a
heating pad, or hot water bottles
If conscious, encourage consumption of
water, sweetened liquids
Monitor breathing
If heart has stopped, then judge the
possibility of administering CPR
Get medical attention ASAP
HIGHER RISK FOR COLD ILLNESS
Newly assigned to job
Elderly
Exposed to below freezing
temperatures for a long period of time
without adequate clothing/blankets
Wet when exposed to cold weather
PREVENTION OF COLD ILLNESS
Dress appropriately when working in
extreme cold conditions
Drink warm, sweet fluids
Move extremities often to keep
enhanced blood circulation

Report all incidents of temperature related illness to a staff member immediately.

N.

General Rules
Offenders must make themselves aware of and follow all written rules and posted signs.
1.

The possession or use of any tobacco products, paraphernalia, or related

products is prohibited.

2.

No loud or boisterous talking, no vulgar or abusive language will be allowed.

3.

When talking to an employee or official, offenders must 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 will show respect when talking with employees, officials,
visitors and other offenders. Offenders will 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.

5.

No fighting, scuffling, horseplay, or similar activities are allowed.

6.

Offenders must not litter. Trash and garbage will be placed in trash cans.

7.

Offenders must not alter, disfigure, damage or destroy any state property.

8.

Offenders must not have playing cards, dice or any other item that can be used
for gambling.

9.

Offenders must not tamper with hand restraints, or any security equipment.

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10.

Offenders must not take posted information from bulletin boards.

11.

Offenders and their living areas may be searched at any time by staff.

12.

Offenders are not allowed in unauthorized areas.

13.

Offenders must not be allowed in their work areas except during their work hours,
unless approved due to special circumstances.

14.

Offenders must 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 will be no tardiness allowed by offenders.

16.

Offenders are allowed to carry the following items to their job assignment:
a.

One authorized comb or brush;

b.

One handkerchief (may not extend out of the pocket); and

c.

Personal Identification card

All other items are prohibited in the workplace. In addition, offenders must not be
allowed to take any item from the workplace back to the living area.
17.

Offenders must 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 will 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.

19.

An offender should be aware of how to handle situations in which he perceives

himself to be the object of sexual advances by staff members. Any type of
sexual advancement by any staff member directed toward any offender is a strict
violation of policy. Similarly, it is a violation of the rules for offenders to direct
advances towards correctional officers or staff. Correctional officers or staff may
not solicit offenders in any way for any type of sexual favors. The same applies
towards offenders. This includes any conversation(s) that might lead to sexual
involvement or relationship of a personal nature. Personal correspondence with
a staff member is prohibited.
In the event that an offender feels he is being pressured for sexual favors or to
violate any institutional rule, the offender must refuse to do the prohibited act and
either:
a.

File a formal grievance;

b.

Contact a ranking correctional officer;

c.

Contact Classification Staff;

d.

Contact the warden;

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IV.

e.

Contact the chaplain;

f.

Contact the Office of the Inspector General;

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.

SAFE PRISONS/PREA PROGRAM

A.

TDCJ Zero Tolerance Policy

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 will 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 will 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.

C.

What is Sexual Abuse?

1.

2.

Sexual abuse (offender-on-offender) includes any of the following acts performed

on an offender by another offender, if the victim does not consent, is coerced into
such act by overt or implied threats of violence, or is unable to consent or refuse:
a.

Contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and anus, including
penetration, however slight;

b.

Contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, or anus;

c.

Penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person, however

slight, by a hand, finger, object, or other instruments; and

d.

Any other intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of

the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or the buttocks of another
person, excluding contact that was incidental to a physical altercation.

Sexual abuse (staff-on-offender) includes any of the following acts performed on

an offender by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer with or without the
consent of the offender:
a.

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Contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and anus, including
penetration, however slight;
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b.

Contact between the mouth and penis, vulva, or anus;

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;

d.

Penetration of the anal or genital opening, however slight, by a hand,

finger, object, or other instrument, that is unrelated to official duties or
where the staff member, contractor, or volunteer has the intent to abuse,
arouse, or gratify sexual desire;

e.

Any attempt, threat, or request by a staff member, contractor, or

volunteer to engage in the activities described above; and

f.

Any display by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer of his or her

uncovered genitalia, buttocks, or breast in the presence of an offender.

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.
D.

What is Sexual Harassment and Voyeurism?

1.

2.

Sexual harassment is:

a.

Any repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, or verbal comments, gestures, or actions of a derogatory or
offensive sexual nature by one offender directed at another; and

b.

Any repeated verbal comments or gestures of a sexual nature to an

offender by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer, including
demeaning references to gender, sexually suggestive or derogatory
comments about body or clothing, or obscene language or gestures.

Voyeurism
Voyeurism by a staff member, contractor, or volunteer means an invasion of
privacy of an offender by staff for reasons unrelated to official duties, such as
peering at an offender who is using the toilet in his or her cell to perform bodily
functions; requiring an offender to expose his or her buttocks, genitals, or
breasts; or taking images of all or part of an offenders naked body or of an
offender performing bodily functions for the purpose of sexual gratification.

E.

Cross Gender Knock and Announce Policy

TDCJ facilities are supervised by both male and female staff. On occasion, male
offenders will be supervised by female correctional officers, and female offenders will be
supervised by male correctional officers. Correctional officers of the opposite gender will
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 will not be repeated during the course
of the shift. Offenders will treat staff of the opposite gender with respect. Any
inappropriate behavior or comments directed toward staff of either gender will be subject
to disciplinary action.

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F.

How Does the Safe Prisons/PREA Program Help?

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.

G.

H.

How Should I Report Threats to my Safety?

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 will make
investigating an incident more challenging.

3.

You may privately and confidentially report incidents of sexual abuse to the
agency PREA Ombudsman, who will 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 will 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 will be
subject to disciplinary action. This type of behavior is also a violation of the
Texas Penal Code.

Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategies

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.

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I.

2.

Do not accept commissary items or other gifts from offenders. Placing yourself in
debt to another offender can lead to the expectation of repaying the debt with
sexual favors.

3.

Do not accept an offer from another offender to be your protector.

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.

What Should You Do If You Are Sexually Abused?

1.

Report the abuse to any staff member immediately.

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 will immediately separate you from the alleged
perpetrator and move you to a safe place.

c.

You will be examined by a qualified medical professional and will receive

treatment for any injuries. You may undergo a forensic medical
examination utilizing the sexual assault evidence collection kit. This kit
allows for the collection of evidence necessary for identifying and
prosecuting the alleged perpetrator.

d.

Depending on the type of abuse, you may be provided with a community

rape crisis advocate (where available) or an offender victim
representative (chaplain, psychologist, sociologist, or case manager) to
provide emotional support services during the forensic examination and
any investigatory interviews. You are not obligated to accept the
services; however, it is highly encouraged.

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2.

e.

An offender protection investigation will be conducted following report of

the incident by a correctional officer or staff if the assault was
perpetrated by another offender. Additionally, the Office of the Inspector
General may investigate the incident for criminal violations.

f.

The Office of the Inspector General is generally responsible for

conducting investigations regarding staff members who are ranked as a
supervisor.

g.

You will 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 must 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.

h.

If no qualified medical or mental health practitioners are on duty at the

time a report of abuse is made, correctional staff first responders will
take preliminary steps to protect the victim and immediately notify the
appropriate on-call medical and mental health practitioners.

i.

Offenders who become victims of sexual abuse while incarcerated will be

offered timely information about and access to emergency contraception
and sexually transmitted infections prophylaxis, according to
professionally accepted standards of care, where medically appropriate,
in accordance with CMHC policies.

j.

Treatment services must be provided to offender victims without financial

cost and regardless of whether the victim names the abuser or
cooperates with any investigation arising from the incident.

k.

All offender victims of sexual abuse must be offered access to forensic

medical examinations, whether on-site or at an outside medical facility,
without financial cost, where evidentiary or medically appropriate. Such
examination must be performed by a sexual assault forensic examiner
(SAFE) or sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) when possible. If
neither a SAFE nor SANE can be made available, the examination may
be performed by other qualified medical practitioners in accordance with
CMHC policies.
Efforts to provide a SAFE or SANE must be
documented.

Investigations
a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Investigations will be conducted promptly to collect facts and evidence

surrounding the reported incident. You may be placed in another
location on the facility until the investigation is complete. Once
completed, you will be reviewed by the Unit Classification Committee
who will determine if the offender protection investigation conducted by
security staff is substantiated, unsubstantiated, or unfounded. The
committee will also assess your protective needs and determine the best
course of action (if any) on a case-by-case basis.

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b.

3.

V.

OIG or the Safe Prisons Management Office will provide you with
information regarding any criminal investigations. You may also submit a
request for information through the OIG.

Offender Perpetrator Consequences

a.

All allegations of sexual abuse will be taken seriously. Offender

perpetrators that are found to have engaged in sexual abuse or sexual
harassment will be disciplined.

b.

You will be issued a disciplinary case; if you are found guilty,

sanctions will be harsh. Additionally, your classification level will be
reviewed and likely downgraded, which could mean a transfer to a higher
security prison or housing unit with significantly less freedom of
movement and limited privileges. If you have family, this will affect your
loved ones and their ability to visit you.

c.

All cases of sexual abuse are subject to criminal investigation by the

OIG. You may be prosecuted for a criminal offense and if found guilty of
a felony, any additional prison time will be stacked on top of your current
sentence in accordance with Texas law.

d.

If you are convicted, your victim will have an opportunity to write a

statement which can impact your sentence length and can affect your
ability to parole. Also, you will be required to register as a sex offender
upon release from prison.

e.

Engaging in any form of sexual conduct in prison significantly increases

your risk of HIV infection, along with exposing you to other sexually
transmitted infections.

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.

SECURITY THREAT GROUPS

Offenders who participate in gang related activities may be confirmed as a security threat
group member. Those confirmed as a security threat group member will be assigned to
administrative segregation. If placed in administrative segregation, you will be separated
from the general population and you will 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 will 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 must 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.

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VI.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

A.

Education
Windham School District (WSD) provides appropriate educational programming and
services to meet the needs of the eligible offender population within the TDCJ. All
programs emphasize skills for offenders that potential employers demand, such as
personal qualities, teamwork, decision making, cultural sensitivity/tolerance, and problem
solving. Selection for WSD programming is based on an ITP which prioritizes
participation in recommended programs based on the offenders age, program
availability, projected release date and need for academic, vocational and life skills
programs.
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:

Testing and Assessment

Counseling

Academic Programs

Adult Basic Education (Literacy)

GED Preparation

Special Education

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Title I

Personal and Social Development Programs

CHANGES

Cognitive Intervention

Parenting and Family Wellness

Career and Technical Education (Vocational)

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.
1.

Testing and Assessment

Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are administered to incoming offenders to
determine each offenders educational level. Offenders enrolled in WSD literacy
programs are tested throughout the school year to monitor student progress.

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The GED exam is administered to eligible offenders when they attain a level of
proficiency that indicates a likelihood of passing the GED.
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.

3.

Adult Literacy, Basic Skills and GED Preparation

Eligible offenders may enroll in literacy programs. Students are assigned to
literacy classes based on their individual achievement level as demonstrated on
the TABE. Adult basic education classes are offered to offenders functioning
below the sixth grade level and secondary level adult education classes are
offered to those offenders working toward the attainment of a high school
equivalency certificate (GED).

4.

Special Education
The Special Education program provides educational services to eligible
offenders with disabilities. Offenders may be evaluated for this program by self
referral; or their teachers or principal may refer them. Disabilities that affect
learning may qualify a student for special education. These include:
a.

Learning disability;

b.

Emotional disturbance;

c.

Intellectual disabilities;

d.

Orthopedic or other health impairment;

e.

Visual or hearing impairment;

f.

Speech impairment; and

g.

Traumatic brain injury.

The special education program provides many services including special

assistance in academic and vocational classes, computer-assisted instruction,
speech therapy, Braille and large print materials, and sign language interpreters.
5.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language program (ESL) is provided to offenders who
exhibit limited English proficiency. Eligible offenders are provided intensive
instruction in English language development, reading and writing.

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.

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7.

Pre-Release Programs
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:

8.

a.

Personal Development;

b.

Healthy Relationships;

c.

Living Responsibly;

d.

Drug Education;

e.

Living Well;

f.

Putting Together a New Start; and

g.

Going Home

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;

d.

Franklin Reality Model;

e.

Problem Solving Steps;

f.

Stop and Think;

g.

Problems and Goals;

h.

Gathering Information and Insight;

i.

Choices and Consequences;

j.

ChoosePlanDo; and

k.

Relapse Prevention

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9.

Career and Technical Education

Windham offers training in numerous vocational trades to eligible offenders.
Programs prepare students for employment after release. Most of the programs
are approximately 600 hours long. Students can earn certificates of achievement
from WSD and industry certificates from various certifying agencies. Students
attend class six hours per day, five days per week. Most units or facilities offer
several trades, some of which include:
a.

Automotive Trades;

b.

Construction Trades;

c.

Horticulture/Landscape Trades;

d.

Truck Driving;

e.

Culinary Arts;

f.

Welding and Other Metal Trades;

g.

Diesel Mechanics;

h.

Computer Related Trades; and

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 will 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 must 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
The Windham School District maintains libraries to support its educational
programs and provide recreational reading opportunities for eligible offenders.
The libraries offer a wide variety of reading materials, including reference books,
library books, magazines and newspapers.
Offenders must follow established unit library rules and procedures posted in the
library. The rules and procedures will 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 will be taken for
loss, theft, damage, or destruction of books, reference books and magazines.
Overdue library books are considered contraband.

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11.

School Rules
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:

12.

a.

Students will arrive for class on time;

b.

Students will not leave the classroom or school without permission;

c.

Sleeping in class is not permitted;

d.

Eating, horseplay and profanity are not permitted;

e.

Students must be neatly groomed and properly dressed;

f.

Cheating on any schoolwork or test is not permitted;

g.

Students must do all their assigned work and take all required tests;

h.

Students are not permitted to bring personal property to the school;

i.

Excessive noise and other disruptive behaviors are not appropriate;

j.

Students must not steal, damage or destroy school property;

k.

Students must follow all the TDCJ, unit, and school rules;

l.

Vocational students must read the standard operating procedures (SOP)

before operating power equipment and read Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) before handling chemicals;

m.

Vocational students will wear eye protective gear and all personal
protective equipment when required;

n.

Students are not allowed to work on personal projects in class;

o.

Vocational students will check out tools according to established

checkout procedures; and

p.

Violation of any of these rules may result in disciplinary action and the
possible removal from school.

Information on Education Programs

Contact the unit Principal or Windham Counselor for information on any
educational program or service.
Enrollment in Windham School District
programs is based on ITP priorities.

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.

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1.

Non-Programmatic Recreational Activities

Non-programmatic recreational activities may include, but not be limited to:

2.

a.

Television viewing;

b.

Recreational games such as chess, checkers, Scrabble, dominoes, or

any other warden approved recreational activity;

c.

Basketball, volleyball, table tennis (in gymnasium only), handball, and

weight lifting. Depending on the size and lay-out of the facility, additional
recreational activities may be provided;

d.

Basic in-cell art activities; and

e.

Craft Shop.

Programmatic Recreational Activities

a.

b.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Programmatic recreational activities include:

(1)

Intramural sports

(2)

Participation in the intramural sports program is available to all

eligible general population offenders, and participation is a
privilege.

(3)

The purpose of intramural sports is to promote individual, dual,

and team activities.

(4)

Examples of individual intramural sports are chess, checkers,

horseshoes, and handball.

(5)

Examples of dual intramural sports are badminton, pickle ball,

and table tennis.

(6)

Examples of team intramural sports are softball and basketball.

Out-of-cell time requirements for non-programmatic and recreational

activity
(1)

G1/J1/OT, G2/J2/P2, and G3/P3 Custody offenders must be

allowed a minimum of four hours on weekdays to participate in
non-programmatic activities. At least one hour must be spent in
the gym or recreation yard.

(2)

G1/J1/OT, G2/J2/P2, and G3/P3 Custody offenders must be

allowed a minimum of seven hours on weekends to participate in
non-programmatic activities. At least two hours must be spent in
the gym or recreation yard.

(3)

G4/P4 Custody offenders must be allowed four hours on

weekdays to participate in non-programmatic activities. At least
one hour must be spent in the gym or recreation yard.
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C.

(4)

G4/P4 Custody offenders must be allowed four hours on

weekends to participate in non-programmatic activities. At least
one hour must be spent in the gym or recreation yard.

(5)

J4 Custody offenders must be allowed two hours on weekdays to

participate in non-programmatic activities. At least one hour
must be spent in the gym or recreation yard.

(6)

G5/P5 Custody offenders must be allowed two hours each day in

the gym or recreation yard.

(7)

J5 Custody offenders must be allowed one hour each day in the

gym or recreation yard.

Offender Craft Shop

Note: State jails do not have craft shops.
The use of the unit craft shop is a privilege and will be treated as such. The warden may
take away an offenders craft shop privilege at any time. Craft shop cards will be issued
on a firstcome firstserved basis. To participate in the craft shop program, an offender
must:
1.

Have a time-earning status of at least Line Class I;

2.

Be classified as G1, G2, or G3 minimum custody;

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:
Required start-up funds:
a.

Basic Arts:

Minimum of $ 25

b.

Woodworking:

Minimum of $ 50

c.

Leather working:

Minimum of $100

d.

Jewelry:

Minimum of $100

e.

Other crafts:

Minimum of $ 25

Offenders must 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 must meet the above rules in order to participate in the craft shop program.

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The Craft shop program is a privilege. The warden may take away an offenders piddling
privileges at any time.
D.

Basic In-Cell Art

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 will be
considered personal property with the appropriate restrictions applied regarding storage
and use. The following provisions also apply:

E.

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 must 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.

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 will be provided at unit orientations and will
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 will 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 will be deducted
from your Trust Fund. You will 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:
a.

An emergency or life-threatening situation;

b.

Follow-up services recommended by the health care staff;

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c.

Chronic care (including communicable diseases such as HIV, AIDS and

TB);

d.

Prenatal care;

e.

Health screening and evaluations related to the diagnostic and reception

process; or

f.

Health care services necessary to comply with State law and regulations.

Any complaint about the annual health care services fee must 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 will 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 must be reported within ninety days of the date you were seen in
clinic for which the charge occurred. Failure to do so will result in your inability to
grieve the issue because you will 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 must 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 will be given information about oral
hygiene aids available. Offenders will get instructions on how to keep their teeth
and gums in healthy condition. Offenders must be able to demonstrate that they
can keep their teeth and gums healthy before receiving dental care other than
emergency or urgent dental care.
The type of dental care offered includes:
a.

Examination;

b.

X-ray;

c.

Cleaning;

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d.

Dental care and health education;

e.

Silver and tooth-colored fillings;

f.

Stainless steel temporary crowns; and

g.

Pulling of teeth and oral surgery.

Dental services NOT provided include:

3.

a.

Gold or porcelain crowns or bridges;

b.

Braces; or

c.

Dentures (unless there is a severe medical condition requiring them).

Pharmacy Services
Prescribed medications may be obtained at the pill window. Some over-the
counter medications are provided in the commissary for purchase. Prescriptions
may be picked up at the pill window after 24 hours of being ordered by a
provider. Some prescriptions may take longer to arrive. The offender will need
his ID card to get medicine at the pill window. The person at the pill window can
answer questions about the medication.
Offenders are allowed to carry some medications on their persons, as
determined by the prescribing doctor. The offender may be given the entire card
of medication to be locked up with his personal belongings. Submit a sick call
request for any medications that need to be refilled.
Medications such as vitamins and some over-the-counter medicines can be
purchased in the commissary. The commissary officer can tell offenders, what
medicines are sold there.

4.

Psychiatric and Psychological Services

Psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other trained professionals are available
to help with mental health issues. Offenders can use form I-60 to ask for mental
health services. For immediate assistance, offenders may contact a correctional
officer or supervisor who will notify the mental health or medical department.
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.
Mental Health Services provides the following:
a.

Evaluates offenders for potential mental health problems;

b.

Determines mental health diagnosis, mental illness and determines

which method(s) of treatment will be most effective and beneficial to
offenders;

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 will
include routine and crisis intervention. Access to mental health services
may include follow-up appointments;

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d.

Provides treatment to mentally ill offenders. This may or may not include
medication; and

e.

Ensures confidentiality, but recognizes its limits within the prison.

Mental Health Staff cannot:

5.

a.

Approve, authorize or make telephone calls for offenders;

b.

Change custody levels, line classes, or any similar changes;

c.

Run the unit or judge unit operations or employees; or

d.

Tolerate threats. Offenders are responsible for their own behavior.

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP)

The Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) helps offenders with severe
learning problems. Test scores and other information help staff decide who
needs this special help. Offenders learn to read and do math. They learn to
work and to live with other people. Services include:
a.

Case management;

b.

Basic school work;

c.

Job training;

d.

Psychological (mental health) help;

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.
6.

Complaints about Medical Services

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 Rehabilitation Programs Division provides rehabilitative programs, pre-release
programs, religious programs, and volunteer programs as well as activities to all eligible

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offenders and confinees within the TDCJ. Each program establishes eligibility criteria
that an offender must meet in order to participate.
1.

Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP)

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.
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, Section 508.152. Some of these programs are mandatory and non
attendance can result in disciplinary action, loss of good conduct time or negative
parole consideration.

2.

Administrative Segregation Pre-Release Program (ASPP)

The ASPP program is for Detention Level 1 and Level II administrative
segregation offenders who have 3 months until release (to parole, projected
release or discharge date) from TDCJ. It is an in-cell program that provides 120
hours of lessons covering anger management, thinking errors, cultural diversity,
and substance abuse education, along with other self-help worksheets.
This 90 day program targets administrative segregation offenders prior to release
into the community. The curriculum utilizes cognitive behavioral interventions to
address attitudes, thought processes and enhance coping skills, and addresses
reentry planning and opportunities. The program curriculum incorporates the use
of technology to deliver portions of the materials.

3.

Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Process (GRAD)

The GRAD Process offered to Security Threat Group (STG) members to
disassociate from their gang membership and transition from administrative
segregation custody into general population (GP). The GRAD process is
comprised of three phases lasting approximately 9 months. Once completed,
these offenders are provided the opportunity of being assigned a job and the
ability to participate in all regularly scheduled unit academic, religious, and
volunteer programs.
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 will be returned to
administrative custody.

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Interested offenders should send an I-60 to the Unit STG Officer.

4.

Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI)

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.
To participate, an offender must be assigned to Security Detention Level 1 and
have a FI-7R parole vote or volunteer. To volunteer, offenders must: be eligible
for mandatory supervision OR have a flat discharge date with at least 7 months
remaining OR be a HB 1433 case.

5.

Administrative Segregation Transition Program

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.

6.

Baby and Mother Bonding Initiative (BAMBI) Program

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 will 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 will
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.

b.

InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI)

The 24-month pre-release program teaches offenders how to apply
biblical values to daily life. An additional 6 months is spent in aftercare

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(after release from prison) to assist with successful reintegration into

society.
Prison offenders with a parole (FI) vote, who volunteer, are within 24
months to release and who meet the established criteria may be
approved.
c.

Voyager
Voyager offers a faith-based, non-denominational curriculum that
includes life skills for developing self-esteem, being responsible for
actions, understanding values, overcoming bad habits, managing
emotions, and building and maintaining healthy relationships. The
program varies from 3 to 12 months and is dependent upon available
programming space.
Offenders must 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 will either be
paid at registration or upon release, per legislative requirement effective
September 1995.
The state will provide the cost of two academic courses each semester, which
must 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 will 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) will make all decisions on unit
assignments.
Minimum requirements for enrollment in college programs are:

9.

a.

A verified high school diploma, GED, or at least 12 hours of transferable

college credit from an accredited institution;

b.

Appropriate classification and disciplinary status;

c.

Appropriate release date for course completion; and

d.

Appropriate medical classification for unit assignment.

College Technical Courses

The state will 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.

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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
will be paid by the offender at registration from personal funds or by other
financial aid arrangements between the offender and the college or university.
College vocational courses are available on a wide variety of units. Offenders
are placed on a waiting list for the requested vocational course. Offenders with
the least amount of time remaining on his/her sentence receive priority
placement in the requested course. Offenders housed on a unit that does not
offer the vocational training course for which they qualify will be placed on a
waiting list. The RPD Operations Department in Huntsville will request unit
transfers for offenders through the SCC. The SCC makes all decisions on unit
assignments. An offender may participate in two college-level vocational courses
while incarcerated. Only one college vocational course may be taken while the
offender is outside of 5 years of a projected release or maximum expiration date.
Minimum requirements for enrollment in college vocational programs are:

10.

a.

A verified high school diploma, GED or at least 12 hours of transferable

college credit from an accredited institution;

b.

Appropriate composite TABE score;

c.

Appropriate classification and disciplinary status;

d.

Appropriate release date for course completion; and

e.

Appropriate medical classification for unit assignment.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS)

The SWBTS provides successful offenders a fully accredited, four-year Bachelor
Degree in Biblical Studies upon completion of 230 college hours.
Prison offenders must 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.
Minimum requirements for enrollment are:

11.

a.

A verified high school diploma or GED;

b.

An EA score of 11 or higher;

c.

Appropriate classification and disciplinary status;

d.

Appropriate release date for course completion (10 years of confinement

remaining before parole eligibility); and

e.

Must volunteer to participate.

Religious Services
Religious services and support are provided to all interested offenders. There is
at least one chaplain assigned to each unit. Chaplains provide general spiritual

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support. Chaplains listen, advise, guide and help offenders during family
emergencies.
At times, volunteers help Chaplains with their duties. Volunteer groups also come
into the prison to sing, preach, teach, and to provide other help.
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.
12.

Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs and Evaluation

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.
a.

b.

Minimum requirements for eligibility are:

(1)

G2 or G3 custody.

(2)

Within 15-24 months of release.

(3)

Appropriate parole vote (FI-18R, 9R, or 4R)

Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-18)

The SOTP-18 is a high intensity treatment program for sex offenders
who have been assessed to pose a high sexual re-offense risk.
Participants may be required to attend sex offender treatment for the
duration of their supervision after release.

c.

Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-9)

The SOTP-9 is a moderate intensity treatment program for sex offenders
who have been assessed to pose a moderate sexual re-offense risk.
Participants may be required to attend sex offender treatment for the
duration of their supervision after release.

d.

Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP-4)

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.
The Static measure uses the STATIC-99R (Revised). This instrument
utilizes static (unchangeable) factors that have been correlated with

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sexual reconviction in adult males and is completed for all offenders

required to register as a sex offender prior to release from the TDCJ.
The Dynamic measure uses the STATIC-99R plus two additional
instruments (typically through an interview process). Combined, these
yield a dynamic level which takes into account factors such as
education and treatment, allowing for a variable risk level. A Dynamic
Risk Assessment (DRA) is completed for all offenders serving a
sentence for which sex offender registration is required prior to release
from the TDCJ.
13.

Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators

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 must be currently serving a conviction for one of these
offenses.
The Texas civil commitment process is based on outpatient treatment and
supervision. The Office of Violent Sex Offender Management (OVSOM) is
responsible for case management and treatment services.
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
will 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 will receive a copy. State Counsel for Offenders will be appointed to
represent indigent offenders.
a.

Offense Codes Requiring Registration

In Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, reportable
conviction or adjudication is a conviction or adjudication, including an
adjudication of delinquent conduct or a deferred adjudication, regardless
of the pendency of an appeal, for:

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14.

(1)

A violation of Penal Code 21.02 (continuous sexual abuse of

a young child or children); 21.11 (indecency with a child), 22.011
(sexual assault), 22.021 (aggravated sexual assault), or 25.02
(prohibited sexual conduct);

(2)

A violation of Penal Code 43.05 (compelling prostitution),

43.25 (sexual performance by a child), or 43.26 (possession or
promotion of child pornography);

(3)

A violation of Penal Code 20.04(a)(4) (aggravated kidnapping,

if the defendant committed the offense or engaged in the
conduct with intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually);

(4)

A violation of Penal Code 30.02 if the offense is punishable

under subsection (d) (burglary of a habitation, if the defendant
committed the offense or engaged in the conduct with intent to
violate or abuse the victim sexually);

(5)

A violation of Penal Code 20.02 (unlawful restraint), 20.03

(kidnapping), or 20.04 (aggravated kidnapping), if the judgment
contains an affirmative finding under art. 42.015, Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure that the victim was younger than 17 years of
age at the time of the offense or the order in the hearing or the
papers in the case contain an affirmative finding that the victim or
intended victim was younger than 17 years of age;

(6)

The second violation of Penal Code 21.08 (indecent exposure,

unless the second violation results in a deferred adjudication);

(7)

An attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation, as defined by Penal Code

15.01-.03, to commit an offense or engage in conduct listed in
a-e, or k;

(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;

(10)

A violation of Penal Code 33.021 (online solicitation of a minor,

except for a violation under subsection (b)); or

(11)

A violation of Penal Code 20A.02(a) (3), (4), (7), or (8)

(trafficking of persons).

Sex Offender Registration Program Information

Sex offender registration is required in all 50 states. Offenders convicted of
certain sexual offenses on or after September 1, 1970, are required by law to

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register with local law enforcement authorities. TDCJ will complete the
registration paperwork at the time of your release from prison and send it to the
Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement agency in the
community where you will live. Within 7 days of your release, you must report to
the local law enforcement agency and verify the information. Failure to do so
may result in a new felony conviction.
TDCJ will 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 will 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 must 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 will be
placed in the 18-month SOTP which must be completed before the surgery will
be performed.
During the course of treatment, a psychiatrist and psychologist will 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 will 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 will 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.

16.

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

The Substance Abuse Treatment Programs provide evidence-based substance
abuse treatment services appropriate to the needs of individual offenders by
utilizing assessment tools developed specifically for the populations served.
Treatment goals for all of the substance abuse programs include rehabilitation,
recovery, and reduction of recidivism.

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17.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Program

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 parolevote or by the State Classification Committee (SCC).

18.

In-Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC)

The IPTC is a 6-month intensive therapeutic community treatment program for
prison offenders required to participate as a condition of their parole and voted by
the Parole Board. Female prison offenders identified with special needs will
participate in the program for 9 months.
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.

19.

Pre-Release Substance Abuse Program (PRSAP)

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.

20.

Pre-Release Therapeutic Community (PRTC)

The PRTC is a 6-month intensive program with the primary purpose of
integrating and maximizing services to male prison offenders within a therapeutic
community environment. Services include educational and vocational programs,
substance abuse treatment, and cognitive restructuring. The substance abuse
track targets those with serious substance abuse issues as well as those who are
non-chemically dependent.

21.

State Jail Substance Abuse Program (SJSAP)

The SJSAP is a cognitive-behavioral intervention process which includes
fellowship and peer support activities as an integral component. There are two
tiers available. One tier is 60-90 days in length; the other is 90-120 days.
Confinees must have a sufficient length of confinement to complete appropriate
tier. Participants may be placed in the SJSAP program by the UCC process
(with a SJSAP representative); a screening process conducted by SJSAP staff;
or, volunteer for the program.

22.

Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF)

Offenders are sentenced to a SAFPF by a judge as a condition of community
supervision in lieu of prison or state jail, or, voted in by the Board of Pardons and
Paroles as a modification of their parole. The SAFPF is a 6-month intensive

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therapeutic community (9-months for special needs offenders). Offenders

charged with or convicted of certain sex offenses are not eligible.
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
First Class:

23.

RPD Substance Abuse

P.O. Box 99
Huntsville, Texas 77342

Support Groups
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, decisionmaking skills and self-worth. Eligible offenders may participate in these groups
regardless of their faith affiliation.

24.

Volunteer Programs
The TDCJ places a significant focus on volunteer services, realizing volunteers
are essential to the rehabilitation of offenders, as well as to their reentry into the
community. Volunteers assist by providing literacy and educational programs, life
skills training, job skills training, parent-training, health awareness, prevention
training, arts and crafts, drug and alcohol groups, faith-based programming, and
other activities that improve institutional adjustment, aid in the transition between
confinement and society, and reduce recidivism.

25.

Youthful Offender COURAGE Program

Prison offenders ages 14 to 17 are placed in the Youthful Offender COURAGE
(Challenge Opportunity Understanding Respect Acceptance Growth Education)
Program after initial intake. While housed on the program unit, in addition to
school and work assignments, the offender will participate in one of two tracks.
One track is designated for those who will be releasing from TDCJ to community
and the other to those who will be releasing to general population within TDCJ.
Both tracks function with a level system: the higher the offender advances in
levels is directly related to the privileges that may be received.
Youthful offenders are housed in TDCJ prisons and state jails that are equipped
with Youthful Offender Programs. Youthful offenders identified with special
needs will be assigned to an appropriate facility designed to meeting their needs;
such as offenders who are mentally impaired or physically disabled.

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G.

State Counsel for Offenders

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 will
frequently visit with offenders first to gather information about the alleged crime,
interview witnesses and take photographs. Attorneys will 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 will prepare briefs and argue the
case before the appropriate appellate courts.
Attorneys will 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.

3.

The Civil Defense Section represents indigent offenders facing commitment

under Chapter 841 of the Health and Safety Code, commonly known as the
Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) statute. Attorneys, legal assistants and
investigators work together to help provide a defense to civil commitment.
Attorneys will handle all parts of the case, including discovery, depositions and
trial. If an offender is civilly committed, the Appellate Section will determine
whether there are any issues to appeal. Under some circumstances SCFO may

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continue its representation of the offender in the appellate process, and during
biennial reviews.
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 will receive a notice if a TDCJ-CID offender is the subject
of a removal proceeding and will 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 will represent the offender during the removal
proceeding.
The Immigration section will 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.

6.

Innocence and Wrongful Convictions

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.

7.

Prisoners Civil Rights

Claims of alleged civil rights violations are addressed in Chapter 1 - Introduction,
Section 1.4, Areas Beyond State Counsel for Offenders' Scope of Assistance in
the SCFO Legal Handbook. Offenders are informed of a number of areas,
including civil rights claims and conditions of confinement or supervision, that are
outside of the scope of SCFO representation. A number of other areas also are
listed under Section 1.4, including internal TDCJ matters, disciplinary actions,
classification disputes, grievances, and parole matters. Offenders are
encouraged to seek outside counsel or to pursue the matter on their own. Legal
materials addressing this topic are available in the law library.

8.

How Offenders Can Get Help

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
Librarian. If the SCFO Legal Handbook does not answer the offenders question,

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the offender should write SCFO with the specific issue or problem they are
having by using an I-60. If the issue or problem cannot be adequately explained
on the I-60, the offender should write on regular paper, place the contents in an
envelope marked Truck Mail and send the letter to SCFO.
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 must 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 will 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.
1.

2.

An Ombudsman can do the following:

a.

Act as a liaison between TDCJ and the general public;

b.

Respond to informational
procedures, or actions;

c.

Respond to questions concerning a specific offender;

d.

Facilitate problem resolution;

e.

Make appropriate referrals to agency staff; and

f.

Act as a contact and information resource for special interest groups

inquiries

regarding

agency

policies,

An Ombudsman cannot:
a.

Override decisions made by appropriate authorities (i.e., Judges, Board

of Criminal Justice, Office of Inspector General, etc.); or

b.

Handle issues outside the oversight of the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice.

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I.

Language Assistance (Asistencia de Lenguaje)

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
Offenders involved in the disciplinary process who need language assistance will
be provided such assistance as required. The counsel substitute assists
offenders in preparing for the hearing by gathering witness statements, securing
any relevant documentary evidence and other relevant information as necessary.
The counsel substitute will represent the offender during the hearing.

3.

Documents in Spanish
The TDCJ provides many documents and informational notices in Spanish. If an
offender needs a document or notice in Spanish, he should contact a Spanish
Staff Interpreter who will determine if the information is already available in
Spanish and get the offender a copy, if appropriate.

4.

Law Library
Offenders in need of language assistance in the law library should contact the
Law Library Supervisor.

5.

State Counsel for Offenders

Offenders who need language assistance to communicate with a state counsel
attorney or paralegal should contact the unit law library and request language
assistance.

6.

Windham School District

The Windham School District offers English as a Second language at a number
of facilities for offenders who speak little or no English.

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 must 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 must 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

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newspapers, from the publisher or store that sells them. Offenders may not receive
packages containing writing paper.
Stationery must be purchased through the
commissary, provided through the indigent supply program or purchased by offender
families and friends through the eCommDirect program.
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 will 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.
While it is recognized that visitation is an integral component of the rehabilitation process
and every effort will be made to ensure that visits are conducted under the least
restrictive protocol available, offenders will not be assigned to a unit solely for
convenience of visitation privileges. While it is recognized that unit assignments may
create hardships for visitation, these assignments are based on many considerations in
addition to offender or family convenience.
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.

L.

Offenders Access to Telephones

1.

Methods
Three methods, based on eligibility criteria, are available for an offender to place
outgoing telephone calls:
a.

A call placed through the Offender Telephone System (OTS).

b.

A collect call placed from a TDCJ-owned unit telephone.

c.

Telephone calls placed in accordance with BP-03.81, Rules Governing

Offender Access to Courts, Counsel, and Public Officials.

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2.

Procedures for the Offender Telephone System

a.

Eligible Criteria
Offender access to the OTS will be validated and initiated by the
telecommunications contractor based on the following eligibility
requirements:

b.

3.

(1)

Offenders classified as general population Levels 1, 2, 3, or 4 or

protective safekeeping will be authorized to access the OTS;

(2)

Each eligible offender must have a Personal Biometric Identifier

(PBI) which must be used to access the OTS and a unique
Personal Identification Number to verify the PBI. An exception is
an eligible offender who has been identified by medical as
having a hearing impairment, and these offenders would need
the voice biometric requirement is removed;

(3)

Offenders in a psychiatric inpatient program or Developmental

Disabilities Program (DDP) are allowed access to the OTS in
accordance with the offenders treatment plan; and

(4)

Eligible offenders in the infirmary will have access to the OTS.

Ineligible Criteria
(1)

Offenders in transient status, prehearing detention, solitary

confinement, cell restriction, or special cell restriction will not be
permitted access to the OTS, regardless of custody designation.

(2)

An offenders access to the OTS may be suspended if the

offender is found guilty of a major disciplinary violation in
accordance with the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for
Offenders.

Outgoing Calls
All outgoing calls through the OTS must be placed using one of the following
methods:
a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Debit Calls - To complete a call through the OTS using the debit option,
funds must be available in the offenders telephone account.
(1)

The funds located in the offenders telephone account may be

transferred from the offenders Inmate Trust Fund (ITF) account
by the offender or offenders friends and family may deposit
funds directly into the offenders telephone account.

(2)

An individual does not have to be on an offenders Approved

Calling List to deposit money in an 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.
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b.

c.

4.

Collect Calls - Collect calls may be placed through the OTS and billed
directly to the party called. Prepaid accounts are available to friends and
family members by contacting the telecommunications contractor.
An offenders telephone account will be separate from the offenders ITF
account. Funds in an indigent offenders telephone account will not
affect the offenders indigent status, and the TDCJ will not seize funds in
an offenders telephone account as the result of a disciplinary action.

General Guidelines for Offender Telephone System Calls

a.

Offenders must conduct telephone conversations in an acceptable

manner. Loud, boisterous conversations are not permitted. Offenders
are prohibited from speaking in code, passing gang related information,
planning criminal activity, or using the telephone in furtherance of any
criminal conduct. Threats, obscenities, and other types of abusive
language may result in immediate termination of the telephone call,
suspension of future telephone privileges, and disciplinary action.

b.

Unauthorized contact with a victim or a member of a victims family by an

offender is prohibited.

c.

Offenders are prohibited from dialing or answering any telephone calls

on TDCJ-owned telephones.

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 will 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
will 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 must be located within the dayrooms or living areas of the
cellblock or dormitories and other designated locations.

h.

Eligible offenders are permitted to place calls to their attorney(s) of

record once the attorney has successfully registered to receive calls from
the offender.

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 will 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.

k.

All offender complaints and concerns regarding the OTS, other than
eligibility criteria, will be addressed by submitting an Offender Assistance

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Request Form to the telecommunications contractor. Forms will be

provided by the telecommunications contractor to all facilities where the
OTS is available.
l.

5.

The following types of calls and conversations will not be permitted.

(1)

Placing calls to pre-paid cell phones;

(2)

Calls to businesses;

(3)

International calls;

(4)

Forwarded calls;

(5)

Three-way calls;

(6)

Calls to victims, a member of a victims family, or individuals with

whom the court has ordered no contact;

(7)

Conversations with anyone not on the Approved Calling List;

(8)

Placing calls on speakerphones; and

(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.

m.

Offenders found having or soliciting these types of calls or conversations

are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the TDCJ
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders.

n.

Friends or family members discovered facilitating these types of calls or

conversations may be blocked or removed from the offenders Approved
Calling List. Friends or family members may be blocked by the warden
from receiving calls from the offender for a period of time not to exceed
45 days.

o.

An individual removed from an offenders Approved Calling List may

appeal the decision by submitting a written appeal to the Directors
Review Committee within 14 days from the date on the written notice. If
the appeal is denied, the individual may submit another appeal in six (6)
months.

Calls Placed on TDCJ-Owned Telephone Equipment

a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Eligibility Criteria
(1)

Offenders who are not eligible for the OTS due to custody
designation will 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
members, except in extraordinary circumstances and at the
discretion of the warden.
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(3)

b.

In order to be eligible to place a call using a TDCJ-owned

telephone, offenders must not have been found guilty of any
major disciplinary violations within the last 90 days, or 30 days
for state jail and substance abuse felony punishment (SAFP)
offenders. Offenders whose medical condition precludes work
and who meet all other requirements are eligible to place a call
using a TDCJ-owned telephone.

Request and Approval Procedures

(1)

To request a phone call using a TDCJ-owned telephone,

offenders must submit an Inmate Request to an Official (I-60) for
the wardens approval.

(2)

If no security concerns exist, offenders in Level I administrative

segregation may request and receive authorization for a
telephone call at the wardens discretion.

(3)

Calls placed to an offenders attorney of record or the General

Consulate must be requested and approved in accordance with
BP-03.81, Rules Governing Offender Access to the Courts,
Counsel, and Public Officials.

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.

8.

Calls placed on TDCJ-owned telephones are limited to five minutes in duration.

Calls may be further restricted during high traffic periods, such as Christmas
holidays, when a three minute limit would allow more calls to be made.

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 will 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.

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12.

Attorney Registration
a.

An offenders Attorney of Record may register by going to the

texasprisonphone.com website; or

b.

The attorney may send a notice, on the attorneys letterhead, containing

the following information in the body of the letter.
(1)

Attorney Name

(2)

Attorney Phone Number

(3)

Attorney state bar association number, and state registration. If

not the Texas bar, the phone number of the appropriate bar
association.

(4)

The Offenders TDCJ number and the offenders first and last
name.

(5)

A statement that the attorney has an attorney-client relationship

with the listed offender.

Mail to: CenturyLink Friends and Family Enrollment

720 Western Blvd
Tarboro, NC 27886
13.

Friends and Family Registration

a.

To receive calls, the telephone number must be listed on the offenders

Approved Calling List and must be registered with the Telephone
Contractor to receive calls.

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.

Offender Orientation Handbook

(1)

Offenders TDCJ ID number;

(2)

The friend or family members drivers license or state ID; and

(3)

The friend or family members telephone number

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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.
An Emergency Absence is a privilege, not a right. It is granted to offenders who are
trustworthy, work hard and who are considered acceptable security risks by TDCJ to be
temporarily released to the general public and who meet the basic criteria set forth by
TDCJ.
1.

Emergency Absence
Emergency absences are granted to:
a.

Attend funerals, or visit a funeral home to view a deceased immediate

family member

b.

Visit critically ill immediate family members. Immediate family is

defined as an offender's parents, spouse, children, siblings, half-siblings
and grandparents.

Offenders cannot request an emergency absence. Only doctors or Funeral

Home Directors on behalf of the offenders family can make requests for
emergency absences. These absences are granted for no longer than one day.
2.

Emergency Absence Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for an emergency absence, an offender must meet the current
TDCJ established criteria and be approved by the SCC and other parties
concerned. The basic eligibility requirements are:
a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

No convictions for any of the offenses listed below, including soliciting,

attempting, conspiring, or aiding others to engage, solicit, attempt, or
conspire to commit any of the listed offenses, or have been incarcerated in
or sentenced to an adult correctional facility for any violent felony offense as
identified by TDCJ records:
(1)

Homicide: capital murder, murder, manslaughter, or any other

homicide offense;

(2)

Kidnapping: kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint,

or any other kidnapping offense;

(3)

Sexual offense: rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, aggravated

rape, aggravated sexual abuse, indecency with a child, or any
other sexual assault offense;

(4)

Robbery:
offense;

(5)

Assault: assault, aggravated assault, injury to a child, injury to an

elderly person, or any other assault offense;

(6)

Escape: any escape offense from an adult correctional facility;

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N.

(7)

Any offense in which the offender used or exhibited a deadly

weapon during the commission or during immediate flight there
from, and where an affirmative finding on use of a deadly weapon
was made by the trial court or jury; or

(8)

An offense of stalking under Texas Penal Code 42.072.

b.

No violations that resulted in major penalties within the past six months, or
have a disciplinary history of assaults on staff.

c.

No unresolved or pending felony or Immigration and Customs Enforcement

detainer.

d.

With in 12 months of parole eligibility, if applicable.

e.

No security precaution designators as described in AD-04.11, Security

Precaution Designators.

f.

Physically able to travel.

g.

Intermediate sanction facility or SAFPF offenders must be assigned to the

facility for at least 30 days.

h.

State jail offenders must be assigned to a custody level of at least J2 and in

the custody of the TDCJ for six months or have exhausted one-third of their
sentence, whichever comes first.

i.

All other offenders must be assigned to a custody level of at least G1, G2,
or G3 and in the custody of the TDCJ for six months.

Inmate Trust Fund

Offenders are required to surrender all money they have in their possession to officials at
the receiving location. The offender will be given a receipt showing money relinquished.
Money found in the possession of an offender after the first day of confinement will be
confiscated as contraband and the offender will be charged with a disciplinary violation.
The offenders TDCJ number also serves as his Inmate Trust Fund account number. The
name on the account will be the same as that listed in the official TDCJ records. An
offenders funds will 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.
1.

Money Orders or Cashiers Checks

Money orders or cashiers checks made payable to Inmate Trust Fund for
Offender Name and Number
a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Deposit slips can be obtained:

(1)

From offender; or

(2)

Send a self addressed, stamped envelope to Inmate Trust Fund,

P.O. Box 60, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0060.
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b.

2.

3.

Send money orders or checks with completed deposit slip to Inmate

Trust Fund, P.O. Box 60, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0060

Monthly Checking Account Debit (ACH)

a.

Complete an ACH authorization form and have a set amount

automatically debited from a personal checking account once each
month for deposit to a specified offender.

b.

Attach a voided check for the account to be debited.

c.

Debit transactions will occur on the 5th of each month.

d.

Submit form with voided check to Inmate Trust Fund, P.O. Box 60,
Huntsville, Texas 77342-0060.

e.

Free service provided by TDCJ.

American Cash Express (ACE)

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
eCommDirect is the secure way to make a deposit in an offenders trust fund
account. Visit www.texas.gov/eCommDirect. Enter offender details. Add deposit
amount to your cart. Check out using a Visa or MasterCard.

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.

6.

Touchpay Payment Systems

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.

7.

Western Union Convenience Pay

Offered at select locations within the state of Texas. Send up to $200 to an
offenders trust fund account for a service fee. Call 1.800.354.0005 to find a
Convenience Pay agent location. Retail locations include Kroger, HEB,
Minyards, Sack n Save, Carnival and selected Western Union agent locations.

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8.

Western Union Quick Collect

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 will 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 must 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

The Inmate Trust Fund department can respond to questions regarding deposit receipt,
but other information concerning the offenders account activity can only be released to
the offender. Offenders receive monthly bank statements itemizing account transactions.
Personal checks are not accepted and will 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 will 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 will 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 must have unit administrative approval. This approval must 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 will 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 will be taken.

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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 must forfeit title to the funds.
O.

ID Cards
Normally, within two to seven days after an offender is received, he will be issued an
identification card. The ID card will 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 will give or show their ID
cards when asked by a correctional officer or staff. Offenders will be charged five dollars
for lost or damaged ID cards; the fee will be collected from the offenders Trust Fund
account. If the warden determines the offender should not be charged a replacement fee
for the lost card due to special circumstances, then it should be noted at the bottom of the
ITF-8 by checking Do Not Charge box.
Pursuant to AD 03.83 TDCJ Offenders who Refuse To Comply with Grooming
Standards ID cards will not be issued to offenders not complying with agency grooming
standards.
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 will 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;

3.

Be in possession of any other offender's ID card. Offenders in possession of

another offender's ID card are considered possessing contraband or
unauthorized property;

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

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7.

Give or loan an ID card to another offender so that offender can obtain, or

attempt to obtain, extra benefits through use of another card. Offenders who
loan or give their ID cards to another offender are considered trafficking and
trading contraband/commodities.

Violations of these rules subject an offender to disciplinary proceedings and penalties in

accordance with the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.
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.
1.

2.

Regular Purchases are those items purchased within a two week period, such as
soft drinks, pastries, and food. Regular purchases are limited to $85 every two
weeks, with the following exceptions:
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.

Commissary Restriction Purchase:

Offenders on Commissary restriction may purchase the following every 30 days:
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

3.

Twenty dollars ($20) of correspondence supplies to include stamps, envelopes,

pens, paper, carbon paper, dictionary, eraser, and writ envelopes may be
purchased every 30 days.

4.

Administrative Segregation Offenders may make purchases according to the

following guidelines:

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5.

6.

a.

Level I offenders may purchase $70 every two weeks.

b.

Level II & III offenders may purchase personal hygiene items

(toothbrush, [2] small toothpaste, deodorant, [5] soap, [2] small
shampoo, comb, toilet paper, [3] boxes of tampons, and shower shoes)
and a maximum of $10 in correspondence supplies (stamps, envelopes,
paper, carbon paper, dictionary, eraser, writ envelopes and pens) every
two weeks.

Death Row Offenders may make purchases according to the following

guidelines:
a.

Level I offenders may purchase $85 every two weeks.

b.

Level II & III offenders may make the same purchases as Level II and III
administrative segregation offenders.

Emergency Items
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.

7.

Registered Property Purchases

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

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Note: Some of these items are not available on state jails and SAFPFs due to
the absence of available electrical plugs.
8.

Q.

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 must be for the offender's personal use. Any item bought from the
Commissary must be used for its intended purpose.

Voter Registration
An offender may be eligible to vote. In order to vote, he must meet the following criteria:
1.

Is 18 years of age or older;

2.

Is a United States citizen;

3.

Has not been determined mentally incompetent by a final judgment of a court;

4.

Has not been finally convicted of a felony or, if so convicted, has fully discharged
the persons sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision,
or completed a period of probation ordered by any court;

5.

Is a resident of this state; and

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.
R.

Offender Request To Official (I-60) Form

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 will 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.

S.

Administrative Segregation Plan

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, nonpunitive 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;

2.

Pre-hearing Detention; and

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3.

Temporary Detention Between Consecutive Terms of Solitary Confinement.

Offenders undergoing the intake process and those on a transient unit assignment will
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
protect the security of the unit, other offenders, and the unit staff. The length of time an
area is locked down is determined by the continued behavior of the affected offenders.

U.

Impermissible Conduct
Offenders are restricted in their access to information about themselves, other offenders,
staff, or items which constitute security concerns. Offenders must 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

VII.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES AND RULES

The disciplinary process is designed to modify offender behavior where necessary.
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 will be given a number and
will be graded as major or minor. The offender will be notified of the charges filed
against him.

4.

A disciplinary hearing will be conducted to decide whether or not the offender is

guilty or not guilty and, if guilty, determine the punishment. Punishment is
progressive and may fall in the following range depending on the seriousness of
the offense:
a.

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b.

B.

Loss of privileges, which include:

(1)

Being able to recreate;

(2)

Buying things from the commissary (except legal materials);

(3)

Watching television;

(4)

Having access to personal property;

(5)

Having contact visits; and

(6)

Having access to the Offender Telephone System

c.

Being restricted to the offenders cell;

d.

Doing extra work;

e.

Being placed in solitary confinement;

f.

Being placed in a lower time-earning class; and

g.

Loss of good time.

5.

An offender who intentionally damages or destroys state property may be

assessed monetary damages. Upon conviction of this offense, TDCJ may seize
the contents of the offenders trust fund account and award itself damages for the
value of the property damaged.

6.

The disciplinary history may be provided to Parole, and may be used in

determining an offenders Parole eligibility.

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.

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 will 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 will be separated by 72 hours.

C.

Counsel Substitute Program

1.

The purpose of the Counsel Substitute Program is to assist offenders charged

with an alleged rule infraction during the major disciplinary process. It is the job
of the Counsel Substitute to ensure that all "due process" steps are followed
when the offender is brought before a major hearing.

2.

The Counsel Substitute does the following things for an offender when the
offender will go before a major hearing:

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3.

4.

a.

Ensures the offender understands the rights provided through the

disciplinary process when notified of pending charges.

b.

Reads the charge to the offender and makes certain the disciplinary case
and the rights provided in the disciplinary process are understood.

c.

Assists the offender in preparing for the hearing by gathering

documentary evidence, witness statements and other relevant
information as necessary. The Counsel Substitute will represent the
offender during the hearing.

d.

Presents the offenders case at the hearing, asking pertinent questions of

the charging officer and/or witnesses, as may be necessary.

e.

Advises the offender of appealable issues and assists in filing an appeal

upon request.

Offenders must be provided with Counsel Substitutes before a major hearing

when any of the following are met:
a.

The offender is developmentally disabled as defined in the

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) (has an IQ of 73 or below) or
if the offenders mental ability to understand and respond to disciplinary
charges and proceedings is questionable;

b.

The offenders educational achievement score is below 5.0 on reading or

his literacy or understanding of English is questionable;

c.

The offenders case is very complex;

d.

The offender is confined to any form of segregation before the

disciplinary hearing;

e.

The offender requests a counsel substitute; or

f.

A witness requested by the accused offender is on a different unit or

facility.

Special Procedures for Psychiatric Patients

When a psychiatric offender is charged with a disciplinary infraction, psychiatric
clearance must be obtained before proceeding with the disciplinary.

D.

Appeal Process
At the end of the disciplinary hearing, the disciplinary hearing officer will advise the
offender of his right to appeal the decision, with respect to guilt or the punishment given,
through the offender grievance procedure.
Three Basic Grounds for Appeal:
1.

One or more procedural rights were violated;

2.

Insufficient evidence to find offender guilty; and

3.

Penalty imposed by the hearing officer was too severe.

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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 will assist offenders with an appeal if they request assistance.
VIII.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR OFFENDERS

Instructions on How to Write and Submit Grievances.
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 must be accompanied by the original, answered Step 1.

B.

An attempt to informally resolve your problem must be made before filing a grievance.
Informal resolution is defined as any attempt to solve the issue at hand and must be
noted on the Step 1 grievance form (I-127). You have 15 days from the date of the
alleged incident or occurrence of the issue presented in which to complete the Step 1
grievance form and forward it to the unit grievance investigator (UGI). The Step 1
process may take up to 40 days from the date the unit grievance office receives the Step
1 form to respond or 45 days for medical grievances. If you are not satisfied with the
Step 1 response, you may appeal the Step 1 decision by filing a Step 2 (I-128). You
have 15 days from the Date returned to the Offender noted in the OFFICE USE ONLY
box on the front of the grievance form to submit the Step 2 to the grievance investigator
on the unit. The Step 2 process may take up to 40 days to provide you a written
response or 45 days for medical grievances. Present only one issue per grievance.

C.

Additional time may be required in order to conduct an investigation at either Step 1 or

Step 2 and in either case; you will be notified of the extension in writing.

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.
1.

The interpretation or application of TDCJ policies, rules, regulations, and

procedures.

2.

The actions of an employee or another offender, including denial of access to the

grievance procedure.

3.

Any reprisal against you for the good faith use of the grievance procedure or
Access to Courts.

4.

The loss or damage of authorized offender property possessed by persons in the

physical custody of the TDCJ, for which the TDCJ or its employees, through
negligence, are the proximate cause of any damage or loss.

5.

Matters relating to conditions of care or supervision within the authority of the

TDCJ for which a remedy is available.

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F.

G.

You may not grieve:

1.

State or federal court decisions, laws and/or regulations;

2.

Parole decisions;

3.

Time-served credit dispute which should be directed to the Classification and

Records, Time Section;

4.

Matters for which other appeal mechanisms exist; or

5.

Any matter beyond the control of the agency to correct.

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.
1.

Grievable time period has expired. (Step 1 grievances must be submitted within
15 days from the date of incident and Step 2 Appeals must be submitted within
15 days from the date of the signature on the Step 1.)

2.

Submission in excess of one every seven days. (All grievances received in the
grievance office will be reviewed; however, only one grievance will 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 must be submitted with
a Step 2 Appeal.)

4.

Inappropriate/excessive attachments. (Your grievance must be stated on one

form and in the space provided. Attach only official documents that support your
claim, such as answered I-60s, sick call requests, property papers and other
similar items).

5.

No documented attempt at informal resolution. (You are required to attempt to

resolve issues informally with a staff member prior to filing a grievance.
Remember, the attempt must be documented in the space provided on the I-127
form.)

6.

No requested relief is stated. (The specific action required to resolve the

complaint must be clearly stated in the space provided on the I-127 form.)

7.

Malicious use of vulgar, indecent, or physically threatening language directed at

an individual.

8.

The issue presented is not grievable (refer to Section E above).

9.

Disciplinary appeals will 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.)

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12.

IX.

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.

I.

Grievances containing threats of violence against staff or other offenders or of escape

are subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action taken as a result of one of these
reasons is not considered a form of reprisal.

PAROLE INFORMATION
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 must serve beyond a specified
release date, which will be set by the BPP.
An offender approved for parole under an FI-5 or any of the FI-R votes will 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 will 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 will serve his/her
entire sentence in calendar time and will 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 will 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) will be given a new
BPP review date (Next Review Date). The review process will be done 30 days prior to
the next review date. Offenders denied release to mandatory supervision (DMS) will

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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 will 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 Supervision
rules are the same. In order to complete the required period of Parole or Mandatory
Supervision, the releasee must meet the requirements of supervision.
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.
B.

The Parole Interview

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 will receive initial parole interviews regardless of disciplinary status (good
time lost/class demotion); however, to be eligible for subsequent parole interviews
offenders must be classified in the same or higher time earning status assigned to them
when they entered TDCJ and must 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 must 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 will decide whether or not to allow the offender to be released to a noncounty of residence.
Out-of-state plans must 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.

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The BPP may require electronic monitoring as a condition of release. In the event this
condition is imposed, special equipment must be installed in the residence. Prior to the
offenders release, the sponsor must 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
authorizes Parole in Absentia (PIA). PIA is the parole release of TDCJ sentenced
offenders from other holding facilities, including jails, contract facilities, and federal/other
state prisons.
C.

Parole Eligibility Requirements

Offenders serving sentences for offenses that precede the 70th legislature should contact
their Unit Institutional Parole Officer in reference to specific eligibility requirements.
The following is a listing of parole eligibility requirements (including 3g and NonMandatory Supervision offenses) separated by Legislatures.
1.

70th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-87 to 8-31-89): [Article 42.18,

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (TCCP)].
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.)

b.

Offenders convicted of certain aggravated crimes (i.e., 3g offenses) must

serve one-fourth of their sentences in calendar time (flat time); minimum
two years; maximum 15 years. These 3g offenses are:

c.

Offender Orientation Handbook

(1)

Capital Murder;

(2)

Aggravated Kidnapping

(3)

Aggravated Robbery;

(4)

Aggravated Sexual Assault; or

(5)

When it is shown that the defendant used or exhibited a deadly

weapon as defined in the Penal Code, during the commission of
a felony offense or during the immediate flight there from.

Offenders under this law who have their parole denied will 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
must 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:
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2.

(1)

Murder, 1st Degree [Penal Code Section 19.02];

(2)

Capital Murder [Section 19.03];

(3)

Aggravated Kidnapping, 1st or 2nd Degree [Section 20.04];

(4)

Sexual Assault, 2nd Degree [Section 22.011];

(5)

Aggravated Assault, 2nd or 3rd Degree [Section 22.02];

(6)

Aggravated Sexual Assault, 1st Degree [Section 22.021];

(7)

Deadly Assault on Law or Corrections Officer, Court Participant;

Probation Personnel; Member or Employees of the BPP;
Employees of TYC, 1st Degree [Section 22.03];

(8)

Injury to a Child or Elderly Individual, 1st Degree [Section 22.04];

(9)

Arson, 1st Degree [Section 28.02];

(10)

Robbery, 2nd Degree [Section 29.02];

(11)

Aggravated Robbery, 1st Degree [Section 29.03];

(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.

d.

Offenders serving consecutive (stacked) sentences must become parole

eligible on each of the sentences in the series before they can be
released on parole.

e.

Offenders convicted of certain sex offenses that were committed on or

after September 1, 1991 are required to register with local law
enforcement authorities. The offenders will be informed at the time of
release of the legal requirement to register as a sex offender within
seven calendar days after release.

71st & 72nd Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-89 to 8-31-93); [House
Bill 93 amending Article 42.18 (TCCP)].
a.

Same time requirements as 70th Legislature cases. (See Section I.A)

b.

Same 3g offenses as 70th Legislature cases. (See Section 1.b.)

c.

Same Non-Mandatory Supervision offenses as 70th Legislature cases.

(See Section 1.c.)

d.

Changes From Prior Legislation: Capital Murder Must serve 35 years

calendar time (flat time) to be parole eligible.

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3.

73rd Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-93 to 8-31-95); Senate Bill

1067 amending Article 42.18 (TCCP)].
a.

Same time requirements as 70th Legislature (See Section I.A)

b.

Offenders convicted of certain Aggravated crimes (i.e., 3g offenses) must

serve one-half of their sentences in calendar time (flat time); minimum
two years; maximum 30 years. These offenses are:
(1)

Capital Murder (note: must serve 40 years calendar time);

(2)

Murder, 1st Degree [Section 19.02];

(3)

Indecency with a Child (Sexual Contact) 2nd Degree or 3rd

Degree [Section 21.11 (a)(1)];

(4)

Aggravated Kidnapping;

(5)

Aggravated Sexual Assault;

(6)

Aggravated Robbery; and

(7)

When it is shown that the defendant used or exhibited a deadly

weapon as defined in the Penal Code, during the commission of
a felony offense or during the flight therefrom.

c.

Offenders under this law who have their parole denied will be released to
Mandatory Supervision on their Projected Release Dates. (See Section
I.C)

d.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN 73RD LEGISLATURE

Offender Orientation Handbook

(1)

CAPITAL MURDER Must serve 40 years of calendar time (flat

time) to be parole eligible; must have two-thirds vote of the entire
18-member Parole Board to be approved for parole.

(2)

DELETED as a Non-Mandatory Supervision offense - Deadly

Assault on Law Enforcement or Corrections Officer or Court
Participant [Section 22.03].

(3)

CHANGED as a Non-Mandatory offense From Aggravated

Assault, 2nd or 3rd Degree, to Aggravated Assault, 1st or 2nd
Degree [Section 22.02].

(4)

DRUG FREE ZONES Offenders convicted of crimes

committed in Drug Free Zones [Section 481.134 of the Health
and Safety Code] are not eligible for release on mandatory
supervision. They are not eligible for release on parole until their
actual time served equals five years, without consideration of
good conduct time, or the maximum term of their sentences,
whichever is less.

(5)

USE OF CHILD IN COMMISSION OF OFFENSE - Offenders

convicted of crimes involving the use of a child in the
commission of the offender [Section 481.140 of the Health and
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Safety Code) are not eligible for release on Mandatory

Supervision.
4.

74th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-95 to 8-31-97)

a.

Same time requirements as 70th Legislature cases. (See Section 1.a.)

b.

Same 3g offenses as 73rd Legislature cases, plus the offense of Sexual

Assault of a Child. (See Section 3.b.)

c.

Offenders under this law who have their parole denied, will be released
to Mandatory Supervision on their Projected Release Dates. (See
Section 1.c., for offenses not eligible for Mandatory Supervision, with the
exception of Deadly Assault on Law Enforcement or Correctional Officer
or Court Participant, which was deleted as a Non-Mandatory Supervision
offense by the 73rd Legislature. Also, Aggravated Assault offenses, 1st
or 2nd degree, as changed by the 73rd Legislature. Other exceptions to
release on Mandatory Supervision will be found in Parts f and g of this
section.)

d.

Drug Free Zones and Use of Child in Commission of Offense [See

Section 3.d.(5)]

e.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN 74TH LEGISLATURE

(1)

(2)

Enhanced offenses resulting in life sentences for the following

offenses will require 35 calendar years to be eligible for parole:
(a)

Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Sex

Assault or Indecency with a Child;

(b)

Aggravated Sexual Assault; and

(c)

Aggravated Kidnapping (intent to violate or abuse victim

sexually).

SEXUAL ASSAULT (of a child) Offenders convicted of Sexual

Assault. [Section 22.011 (a) (2) of the Texas Penal Code]
became 3g offenders during this legislative session and must
serve one-half of their sentences in calendar time (flat time) to be
parole eligible; minimum-2 years; maximum 30 years.

f.

Sentences for offenses occurring on or after 9-1-96 will not be approved

for release to Mandatory Supervision if a Parole Panel determines that
the release would endanger the public.
These are known as
Discretionary Mandatory Supervision or House Bill 1433 cases.

g.

Sentences for offenses occurring on or after 9-1-96 will not be

considered for Mandatory Supervision or Discretionary Mandatory
Supervision if the offender has ever been convicted of: Capital Murder,
Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault (including
Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Aggravated Rape), Aggravated Robbery,
any offense with an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon, Murder 1st
Degree, Sexual Assault 2nd Degree (including Sexual Abuse and Rape),
Aggravated Assault (1st and 2nd Degree), Injury to a Child or Elderly 1st

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Degree, Arson 1st Degree, Robbery 2nd Degree, Drug Free Zone offense,
Injury to Disabled Individual, Burglary 1st Degree, Use of Child in
Commission of offense.
5.

75th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-97 to 8-31-99, Section

508.149 Texas Government Code); [House Bill 432 amending Article 42.18
(TCCP); Texas Code of Criminal Procedure changed 9-1-97 to Texas
Government Code].
a.

6.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN 75TH LEGISLATURE

(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].

(2)

Sentences for offenses occurring on or after 5-23-97 will not be

considered for Discretionary Mandatory Supervision if the
offender has ever been convicted of Murder 2nd Degree or
Indecency with a Child 2nd or 3rd Degree.

76th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-99 to 8-31-2001).

a.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN 76TH LEGISLATURE

(1)

The following offenses are 3g and must serve one-half of their

sentences in calendar time (flat time); minimum two years;
maximum 30 years.
(a)

Sexual Assault 22.011 (all subsections); and

(b)

A Felony Increased Under Health & Safety 481.140

(Use of Child in Commission of Offense)

(2)

3g offenses and sentence of death excluded from Medically

Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS) as of 9-1-1998.

(3)

The offenses listed below are NOT eligible for Mandatory

Supervision:
A Felony increased under the Health & Safety Code 481.140
(Use of Child in Commission of Offense)

7.

77th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2001 to 8-31-2003).

8.

78th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2003 to 8-31-2005).

a.

Adds to Capital Murder (Capital Felony) , intentionally murders a person

in the course of committing or attempting to commit a terroristic threat
22.07(a)(1,3,4,5 or 6)

b.

Adds Burglary of Habitation with Intent to Commit any of the following

listed sexual offenses: *Obscenity (images of child under age 18)
43.23

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9.

10.

79th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2005 to 8-31-2007).

a.

Established the punishment of Death or Life without Parole for Murders

in retaliation for/on account of service/status as judge or justice of courts

b.

Prohibits anyone younger than 18yrs of age to be punished by death

c.

Excludes offenders serving a sentence of Life without Parole from being

eligible for Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS)

80th Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2007 to 8-31-2009).

a.

b.

11.

12.

13.

Allows sex offenders to be eligible for Medically Recommended Intensive

Supervision (MRIS) if:
(1)

Persistent vegetative state;

(2)

Organic brain syndrome; or

(3)

Significant or total mobility impairment.

Lists the following offenses as NOT eligible for Parole or

Mandatory Supervision

(1)

Aggravated Sexual Assault 22.021(f); or

(2)

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children 21.02

81st Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2009 to 8-31-2011)

a.

Adds Criminal Solicitation, 1st degree, to list of offenses not eligible for
Mandatory Supervision.

b.

Parole Eligibility may be delayed for persons found guilty of Murder,

Sexual Assault, or Aggravated Sexual Assault, if there is an affirmative
finding or delay of arrest on the judgment, due to the offender fleeing
prosecution.

82nd Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2011 to 8-31-2013)

a.

Adds the offense of Continuous Trafficking of Persons ( 20A.03) to the

list of 3g offenses, as well as the list of offenses not eligible for
Mandatory Supervision.

b.

Adds the offenses of Criminal Solicitation, 1st degree; Compelling

Prostitution; and Trafficking of Persons to the list of offenses not eligible
for Mandatory Supervision.

83rd Legislature Requirements (Offense dates 9-1-2013 to present)

a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

Adds Burglary of a Habitation, 1st degree with intent to commit a

sexually related offense; Compelling Prostitution; and Trafficking of
Persons to the list of 3g offenses.

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b.

D.

Adds Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Directing the activities

of Certain Street Gangs to the list of offenses not eligible for Mandatory
Supervision.

Offenders With Detainers Pending

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, will be released to
the agency that placed the detainer with TDCJ. Detainers are not ignored or forgotten by
TDCJ or the Parole Division.

E.

Parole and Mandatory Supervision Violators

Technical Parole Violators and Mandatory Supervision Violators will be reviewed for
parole when their time credits reflect they are legally eligible for parole review. Parole or
Mandatory Supervision violators with new convictions will be eligible for parole
consideration when they have accumulated sufficient time to become eligible for parole.

F.

Offenders Who Commit Offenses While In Custody

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.

G.

Questions About Parole-Related Issues

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 will be given as
quickly as possible.

X.

REENTRY SERVICES
A.

Identification and Reentry Planning

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
Identification Document Services: A reentry case manager will assist eligible
offenders in ordering a replacement social security card, certified birth certificate,
and Texas identification card. The identification documents are ordered prior to
release and issued to the offender at the time of release from TDCJ. These
documents equip the offender with the identification information necessary to
secure employment, housing, benefits and other services upon return to the
community.

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2.

Phase II
Assessment and Reentry Case Management: A unit-based reentry case
manager conducts a risk assessment to determine an offenders risk level as it
relates to criminogenic need and risk of re-offending. Offenders who are
moderate or high risk are offered enrollment in individual case planning, where
the offender and the case manager use the Individual Reentry Plan to identify
post-release needs in the following areas:

3.

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

Phase III Community Case Management

A community-based case manager identifies eligible offenders based upon
referrals from unit-based case manager, parole officer, or offender self-referral.
Based upon results of a validated risk assessment instrument, clients with
medium or high risks of reoffending are offered case management services to
assist with resources, job fairs and classes related to employment, food, clothing,
higher education, financial and budgeting, nutrition and health, life skills,
parenting and relationship, medical and mental health, transportation support and
cognitive skills.

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:
1.

Verify veteran information via information exchange with the VA;

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;

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C.

4.

Obtain DD214s and provide them to offenders at time of release from TDCJ;

5.

Collaborate and share information with the VISN regarding offenders who have
had rejected applications for copies of DD214s;

6.

Provide county service organizations information to offenders, and share

information where permitted to the county service organization, to facilitate
access to post-release services;

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;

8.

Facilitate offender participation in the veterans reentry dorm program; and

9.

Provide veteran offenders a copy of the publication Federal Benefits for

Veterans, Dependents and Survivors upon request.

Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments

(TCOOMMI) Services
TCOOMMI provides intensive treatment, continuity of care, and case management
services to juvenile and adult offenders with special needs as well as continuity of care
for non-offender populations such as 46.B defendants, mental health discharges from the
Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and wrongly imprisoned persons. In addition, a 31
member committee composed of representatives from juvenile and adult criminal justice,
health and human services, education, regulatory, law enforcement, the courts, and
advocacy groups serves in an advisory capacity to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice
and TCOOMMI staff.
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).

D.

Continuity of Care (Mental Health and Medical)

A program designed to provide a responsive system for individuals discharging from
TDCJ, local referrals from parole, jail, family and other related agencies. Components
include, but are not limited to:
1.

Liaison with community resources, community supervision and parole offices,

provide technical assistance to medical service providers caring for offenders
and work with the Wrongfully Convicted Program.

2.

Screening and linkage to appropriate services, including medically appropriate

residential plans.

3.

Federal entitlement application services.

4.

Court intervention.

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E.

Adult Intensive Case Management

Clients must 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:

F.

1.

Case Management;

2.

Rehabilitation/Psychological Services;

3.

Substance Abuse Treatment;

4.

Psychiatric Services/Medication Monitoring; and

5.

Linkage to Hospice and Medical Services.

Adult Transitional Case Management

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.

G.

HIV/AIDS Continuity of Care

A program designed to provide a responsive system for individuals with HIV/AIDS
discharging from TDCJ with discharge planning (linkage to appropriate services), and
post-discharge follow-up to ensure engagement in services.

H.

Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS)

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.

XI.

TDCJ CRIME STOPPERS BEHIND THE WALLS

A.

Tip Communication Procedures

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 will be eligible to collect a cash
reward of up to $1,000.

B.

How Do Offenders Report Information to Crime Stoppers?

Write to:

TDCJ

CRIME STOPPERS

P. O. BOX 1855
HUNTSVILLE, TX 77342-1855

Call:

800-832-8477

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Offenders will not be required to write their name, TDCJ number or return address on the
outside of this sealed correspondence. Correspondence will not be logged or inspected
by TDCJ personnel. Writing to the TDCJ Crime Stoppers Program following the above
instructions will assure informant anonymity.
C.

What Type of Information is Reported to Crime Stoppers?

Information provided to TDCJ Crime Stoppers concerning a crime needs to be as specific
as possible to ensure that the appropriate investigative actions can be taken. Include a
physical description of the suspect (example: race, sex, age, date of birth, height, weight,
hair, and eye color). Also, include the name of the suspect, nicknames or street names
used by the suspect, address, telephone number, employer, known hangouts and
acquaintances and the location of the suspect. Be sure to include types of weapons
and/or automobiles used by the suspect, and an explicit description of the date, time and
type of crime committed. If you do not give complete information, an Office of Inspector
General employee may contact you; however, the reason and purpose will remain
confidential.

D.

Important Information
The TDCJ Crime Stoppers Program will 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.

XII.

PROOF OF INCARCERATION PERIOD

A.

Discharge Certificates
Upon release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offenders who either
discharge their sentence or complete parole will 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.

B.

Proof of Incarceration Period for State Jail offenders

Upon release, state jail offenders will 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).

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Chapter 2
OFFENDER VISITATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ or Agency) encourages offender visits consistent with
security and classification guidelines. Offender visitation in TDCJ units will 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 will 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 will allow
family and friends to look up an offenders visitation eligibility.
SEARCH AN OFFENDERS VISITATION STATUS ELIGIBILITY ONLINE @ http://www.tdcj.texas.gov/

Go to the TDCJ Website (Homepage) http://www.tdcj.texas.gov/

Locate Quick Links (right side of Homepage)

Click on Offender Search - enter information for one or more fields then click Search

Click the Name Field - which contains the offenders name

Scroll down to Offender Visitation Eligible Field

Click on the Fields contents

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,
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cell phones, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders or any other type of electronic or
wireless devices.
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 must 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.
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Both regular and special visits allow a total of four adults to visit. Prior to being granted a split visit, the
visitor must inform the visitation officer of the desire to receive a split visit during the visitors check-in
process.
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
must 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 will 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, must 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 will 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.

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2.

Normally one visit per visiting cycle for eligible offenders are allowed.

3.

Visiting cycles begin on Monday and end on the following Sunday. For example,
if a visitor or an eligible offender desires to visit on Sunday and the following
Monday, Monday begins the next visiting cycle. Therefore, if allowed to visit, this
will count as one visit for each week.

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:
Custody Level/Class
Level 1 (G1, J1); Level 2 (J2 only)
Level 2 & 3 and Protective
Safekeeping (with SAT 3) (G2, G3,
P2, P3, P6 and P7);
Level 2 & 3 (G2, G3, P2, P3)
Level 4 - (G4, J4, P4) State jail and
institutional SAT 3 and 4 offenders
with no disciplinary convictions for
one year
All other Level 4 (G4, J4, P4)

Frequency
One contact visit/week
One contact visit/week

Level 4 (G4) Special Penalty

GRAD offenders (CG)
Protective Safekeeping (below SAT 3)
(P6 and P7)
Outside Trusty (OT), SAFP (FT), &
IPTC (IT)
Medical (MD), Mental Health (MH), &
Intellectually Impaired (II)

Two general visits/month

One general visit/week
Three contact visits/ month

Three contact visits/month

Two contact visits/month

One general visit/ week

One contact visit/week

Based on computer recommended custody,
which determines the type and frequency of
visits

The number of contact visits allowed each month will count toward the total number of
visits as outlined above. Except in unusual circumstances, an offender will not be
scheduled for both a contact visit and a general (non-contact) visit on the same day or
during the same week.
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C.

D.

Visits Requiring Advance Scheduling

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 must 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 must make every effort to accommodate visitors arriving late,
if time and space is available.

Number of Visitors Allowed

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.

2.

Each eligible offender is also allowed to have split visits.

3.

Eligibility Criteria
An offender is eligible for a contact visit if the offenders eligibility is reflected in
the Mainframe computer records (that is, the offender Visitors List screen in the
Inmate Master File computer program indicates when or if an offender is eligible
to receive contact visits).

II.

WHO CAN RECEIVE VISITS

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 must include the physical address and
phone number of the proposed visitor and the visitors relationship to the offender. An
offender, not a visitor, must 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.

B.

Identification of Proposed Individuals on the Visitors List

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 will be given sufficient time to obtain visitors addresses and
phone numbers for inclusion on the initial Visitors List.

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D.

III.

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.

RULES FOR VISITS

A.

Children Ages 17 and Younger

Children ages 17 and younger must 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 parentoffender, 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 must
accompany the 16 or 17 year old when visiting and must be filed in the offenders
unit file.

2.

Child Victim Restrictions

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 must 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 must 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.

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This is not to be confused with those few exceptions when a child should be
allowed to see a sex offender, usually a parent in a controlled group environment
supervised by Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) psychologists. It is not
intended to be used to prohibit family participation in counseling groups as a part
of the SOTP. These exceptions must only occur with the approval of the SOTP
Clinical Director.
Offenders may file a grievance or appeal to the DRC for removal of a VR code.
B.

C.

Approval Process
1.

The warden or designee must 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 must remain with the offenders travel card. The
names, addresses, relationship and phone numbers of each offenders approved
visitors must also be maintained on the TDCJ Mainframe computer system.

Visitor Notification
1.

When an offender receives a TDCJ number, initial unit of assignment or is

transferred to a new unit of assignment, the offender is responsible for notifying
all persons on the offenders Visitors List of this information including the units
mailing address, visitation schedule (to include frequency and length of visits,
visitation periods and any other similar information) and number of visitors
allowed per visit. The Offender Orientation Handbook (English and Spanish) is
located on the TDCJ website at: http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/documents/Offender
Orientation Handbook English.pdf.

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 must 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 exoffender is allowed or not allowed to visit an offender based on safety and
security concerns.

3.

Visitation Restriction
a.

Offender Orientation Handbook

When an offenders visitation privileges are in any way restricted or

suspended, such as offender is placed in solitary confinement; or the
offenders contact visitation privileges are administratively suspended by
a UCC member, the offender is responsible for notifying the individuals
on the Visitors List by mail as to the type and length of the visitation
restriction or suspension. In cases where an offenders general visitation
privileges have been restricted due to the offenders placement in solitary
confinement, and notification by mail is not possible before the visitors
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are expected, the offender should notify the warden or designee, who will
attempt to contact the visitors by telephone.
b.

D.

In the event an offender is placed on the Critically Ill List, unit medical
staff must notify the warden or designee who will make the appropriate
notifications to the next of kin in accordance with AD-06.10, Notification
Regarding Critically Ill Offenders.

Visitor Identification
The CID is authorized to maintain a Visitors Tracking System.
1.

Prior to entering the visitation area, all visitors ages 18 and older must provide
the required ID as defined by this handbook.

2.

If the visitors ID is questionable or not acceptable, further verification is required,

such as birth certificate, pictured credit card or other official ID. Children 17 and
younger may be required to provide an ID, such as birth certificate, DPS ID, or
student ID) if the childs age is questionable due to physical maturity of the child.
Student IDs may be used only for children ages 17 and younger.
VISITATION CRITERIA

Must be Accompanied by
On Visitors List
ID Required
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 must 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.
Age

3.

4.

Visitors must provide the following information prior to entering the unit or the
units designated security checkpoint:
a.

Name and TDCJ number of the offender to visit;

b.

Visitors relationship to the offender;

c.

Visitors current physical address and phone number; and

d.

Written permission from the individual or agency supervising visitors on

parole or mandatory supervision, if applicable.

The correctional officer in charge of visitation must verify all visitors approval
prior to allowing the visit. Questions regarding identity must be referred
immediately to the duty warden.

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E.

Visitor and Vehicle Searches

1.

All vehicles and visitors are subject to search prior to entering TDCJ property.
Visitors must be screened by a metal detector prior to entering the visitation area
in accordance to TDCJ policies. Pat search must be conducted by a security
staff of the same gender; however, metal detector screening may be performed
by either gender. Visitors must be screened in a sheltered area during inclement
weather.
Children under 18 must not be pat searched by TDCJ security staff but will be
screened by TDCJ security staff using a hand-held or walk-through metal
detector.
Parents, guardians or accompanying adults are responsible for ensuring visiting
children are free of any contraband prior to entering a TDCJ unit.
Any visitor refusing a search procedure will be required to leave TDCJ property.
Each unit must have a sign listing these procedures posted at the vehicle checkin point at units that use vehicle check-in points and the visitor check-in point.
The signs must be posted in both English and Spanish. It is a mandatory
requirement that all visitors must be screened and searched inside a sheltered
area if inclement weather exists.

2.

All visitors must 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 must be
searched.
EXCEPTION: If a visitor has a pacemaker, or any other type of medical implants,
the visitor must have written documentation from a physician or pacemaker
manufacturer indicating that the metal detector screening may cause the visitors
pacemaker to malfunction. Once this documentation is presented to security, the
visitor must submit to a pat search.

3.

No internal body cavity searches of visitors will be conducted. Strip-searches of

visitors will only be conducted if the visitor agrees in writing using the Consent To
A Strip Search Form, and the duty warden gives prior approval for the strip
search based on reasonable cause. In making the decision to authorize a stripsearch, the duty warden must evaluate the grounds asserted to justify the
search, including:
a.

Knowledge, as a result of visual inspection or use of a metal detector

that the visitor may be carrying contraband;

b.

The apprehension of the visitor while passing or attempting to pass

contraband to an offender or another visitor; or

c.

Other sufficient reason to believe a search is warranted.

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F.

Contraband Items
Visitors must 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:
Contraband Items Not Allowed on TDCJ Property

G.

1.

Any intoxicating beverages, for instance a beverage containing any amount of

alcohol or drugs used for the purpose of altering ones mental state;

2.

Any controlled substance, as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code

481.002, or dangerous drugs, as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code
483.001, and any other substance or item not otherwise permitted by Texas
Penal Code 38.11; and

3.

Any instrument that may be used in affecting or attempting to affect an escape.

Contraband 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.

I.

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 must 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 must be
consumed during the visit.

Supervision of Visits
1.

Each warden must establish procedures to ensure all visits are conducted in a
quiet and orderly manner.

2.

Assigned staff must constantly monitor against the passing of contraband

between offenders and visitors, as well as between offenders.

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3.

Offenders must be pat or strip-searched prior to entering the visitation area and
strip-searched prior to leaving the visitation area. After completing the visit, the
offender must immediately leave the visitation area and will not be given the
opportunity to return to the visitation area or any part thereof.

4.

Offenders who are allowed to take a restroom break during the visit must be
strip-searched when exiting and pat or strip-searched when re-entering the
visitation room. Time taken for restroom breaks will be considered as part of the
visiting period.

Offender Rules
1.

Offenders must 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 must have proof of ownership for the shoes in their
possession. Any offender not producing proof of ownership for the commissarypurchased shoes may have the visit terminated, the shoes confiscated, or be
provided a pair of TDCJ-issued shoes to complete the visit.

2.

Offenders must not pass items to other offenders or visitors.

3.

Offenders must not be loud or boisterous during visits.

Visitor Rules
1.

2.

Dress Code
a.

Conservative dress is encouraged for all visitors. The duty warden will
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.

d.

Sandals, flip-flops and open-toes shoes are allowed.

e.

Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, however the shirts and
dresses must cover the shoulders.

f.

Clothing with pictures or language that may be considered profane or

offensive by current public standards is not allowed.

g.

Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics is

not allowed. Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, but must cover
the shoulders.

Visitors are prohibited from engaging in the following activities:

a.

Loitering around the units front gate, parking lot, or perimeter pickets;

b.

Walking along the perimeter road;

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L.

c.

Photographing buildings, fences, or other parts of the unit;

d.

Playing radios loudly; or

e.

Yelling at offenders.

3.

Children must not be left unattended.

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.

5.

Removal of Articles from the Unit

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.

c.

Transfer of offender property or craft items to visitors must be managed

in accordance with AD-03.72, Offender Property and AD-14.59,
Offender Piddling and Craft Sales. Monies for payment of craft items
may be arranged in advance with the warden or designee.

Denial of Visits/Visitors
1.

When there is reason to believe that a forthcoming visit, or a particular visitor,

may compromise the safety and security of offenders, staff or the unit, the duty
warden or designee have the authority to cancel the visit or deny a particular
individual permission to visit on that day. In addition, the duty warden or the
UCC may remove an individuals name from an offenders Visitors List when
there is cause to believe the visitor may compromise the security of the unit or
safety of offenders and staff.

2.

The specific reasons for cancelling a visit, denying a visitor or removing a visitor
from an offenders Visitors List must be documented on the TDCJ Offender
Visitation Denial Form and the Denial Log. A copy of the TDCJ Offender
Visitation Denial Form will be provided to the denied visitor and the offender, and
the original will be filed in the offenders unit file.

3.

A visitor will be denied permission to visit and may have the visitors name
removed from the offenders Visitors List if, the visitor:
a.

Appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

b.

Refuses or fails to produce identification or falsifies identification

information;

c.

Refuses to be searched or refuses to allow the vehicle to be searched;

d.

Misrepresents the relationship; or

e.

Knowingly violates any TDCJ visitation rule.

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4.

An offender may appeal the decision to remove an individuals name from the
offenders Visitors List through the offender grievance procedures or by
submitting a written appeal to the DRC.

5.

Additionally, a denied visitor will be notified by the warden or designee of the

right to appeal the decision to be removed from an offenders Visitors List to the
DRC. The appeal must be submitted within 14 days of the date on the written
notice. If the appeal is denied, the individual may submit another appeal six
months after the denial.

Termination of Visits in Progress

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.

2.

Prior to terminating a visit, less severe alternatives should be attempted if

appropriate. This should include warnings to the offender or visitors of improper
conduct which, if continued, will result in the visit being terminated and may
cause the visitors name to be removed from the offenders Visitors List.

Suspension of General Visits

Loss of general visitation privileges cannot be imposed as a punishment upon conviction
for a disciplinary violation. However, general visitation privileges will be suspended while
offenders are in solitary confinement. Visitation privileges may be suspended for
offenders on lockdown status in accordance with AD-03.31, Unit Lockdowns
Procedures.

IV.

VISITS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES

A.

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) and Psychiatric In-Patient

Determinations regarding visitation for offenders in a DDP Sheltered Facility or
psychiatric in-patient facility will be made on a case-by-case basis by the offenders
Program Treatment Team according to the following criteria.

B.

1.

Psychiatric in-patients are allowed contact visits in accordance with the computer
recommended custody. Offenders who have no disciplinary for 12 consecutive
months will be allowed to receive contact visits with immediate family members.
These offenders must 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.

Psychiatric Out-Patient
Psychiatric out-patients are eligible for general and contact visits in accordance with the
offenders custody.

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C.

Transient Status
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 will
attempt to contact the visitors by telephone.

H.

Administrative Segregation and Expansion Cellblock

1.

General Visits
Offenders in administrative segregation (security detention) or G5 in expansion
cellblocks are allowed general visits based on the administrative segregation
level to which they are assigned, as outlined below. Special security procedures
may be used during visitation periods to ensure the safety and security of all
offenders, visitors, staff and the unit.
Security Detention Level
# of Visits Allowed
One general visit/week

Two general visits/month

One general visit/month

Level I
Level II
Level III
2.

Expansion Cellblocks
a.

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Offenders assigned to expansion cellblock facilities (separate cellblocks

at the Estelle, Lewis, Smith, Allred and Clements Units designed to
house G5 and administrative segregation offenders) will receive
scheduled visits during the week due to the physical configuration of the
facilities.
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I.

b.

Visits for administrative segregation and G5 offenders in expansion

cellblock facilities must be scheduled in advance through the wardens
office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday), at least
one day, but not more than seven days prior to the visit. However, at the
wardens discretion, offenders may receive unscheduled general visits
during the weekend.

c.

Other units that house administrative segregation offenders other than

the expansion cellblock facilities may be designated to receive scheduled
visits during the week.

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.
Custody Level
Work Capable & Level I
Level II
Level III

2.

# of General Visits Allowed

One visit/week
Two visits/month
One visit/month

Visitation is held on the following days, except on holidays:

Polunsky
Monday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Tuesday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Wednesday (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Thursday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Saturday (5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

Mountain View
Monday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Tuesday (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Wednesday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Thursday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Saturday (5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)

3.

Death row visitation may be scheduled by appointment during high-traffic times

or due to the physical configuration of the unit visitation room. Scheduling is
used to ensure the minimum amount of wait time for visitors and most efficient
use of the visitation room. Visitation at the Mountain View Unit is scheduled with
the wardens office. Visitation at the Polunsky Unit is held on a first-come, firstserved basis, except for Saturday evenings, which is scheduled by appointment.
Special visits are conducted at the wardens discretion.

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 will not count against a death row offenders visits.

5.

Death Row Ministerial and Spiritual Advisor Visitation Guidelines

Outside ministerial and spiritual advisor visits are permitted on a case-by-case
basis at the discretion of the warden or designee and must be conducted in
accordance with AD-07.30, Procedures for Religious Programming, and the
TDCJ Offender Visitation Plan. Permission for visits with spiritual advisors who
are not listed on the offenders approved Visitors List may be obtained from the
warden. Spiritual advisors must provide credentials indicating official status as a

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member of the clergy, in accordance with AD-07.30, in order to obtain permission

to visit.

6.

a.

Special exceptions regarding spiritual advisor visitation are extended to

death row offenders who are within 30 days of their execution date.

b.

Death row offenders may visit with their spiritual advisors at a

prearranged time, for two hours, on a regular death row visiting day.

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 will not count against a death row offenders
regular visits.

e.

Designating the Spiritual Advisor

(1)

Each death row offender may designate in writing one outside

spiritual advisor for witnessing purposes.

(2)

The designated spiritual advisor may be changed at the request

of the death row offender if adequate prior notice is given.

(3)

In responding to requests for such visits, priority is given to

offenders who have not recently had outside ministerial or
spiritual advisor visits, and spiritual advisors who travel great
distances to visit.

(4)

Spiritual advisors requesting visits must 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.

(5)

No more than three outside spiritual advisor visits will be

scheduled for death row any single visiting day, except at the
discretion of the warden.

(6)

Visitation is scheduled based on availability of time, space, and

staff.

Media Visits
Press interviews of death row offenders are scheduled through the Public
Information Office.
Polunsky Unit
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mountain View Unit

Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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.

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J.

Level 5 (G5/J5/P5) Offenders in the Main Compound

Offenders with the below custody who are housed in the Main compound will receive
visits as indicated below.
Custody Level
Level 5 (G5, J5, P5)
Level 5 (G5, J5, P5) offenders on
special penalty cell restriction

Frequency/General Visits
Two general visits/month
One general visit/month

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 will 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 will determine
when inclement weather conditions or some other uncontrollable situation which would
prohibit the use of outdoor contact visitation.

B.

1.

Offenders must 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 must 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.

Eligibility Criteria
An offender is eligible for a contact visit if the offenders eligibility is reflected in the
Mainframe computer records.

C.

Contact Visitation Scheduling

1.

Offenders eligible to receive contact visits may select the week for the visitation;
they must 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 will 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).

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D.

Visitors Approved for Contact Visits

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
The person listed as an offenders spouse on the offenders Visitors List
is eligible for contact visits. Any change of an offenders spouse on the
Visitors List must be verified by the warden or designee, that is, proof of
divorce must be provided by the offender when a change in spouse is
requested on the Visitors List). A copy of the marriage license or other
acceptable legal documents must be used for verification.

b.

Proxy
A marriage in which an applicant is unable to appear personally before
the county clerk to apply for a marriage license or to participate
personally in the marriage ceremony.
A copy of the executed proxy marriage license or other acceptable legal
documents must be used for verification.

c.

Common-law
A common-law marriage cannot include a party who is age 17 or
younger. A common-law marriage is when a man and woman agree to
be married and after the agreement live together as husband and wife
and represent to others that they are married.
Acceptable documentation for establishing a common-law marriage
status is a Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage. A
declaration of informal marriage must be executed on a form provided by
the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Texas Department of State Health
Services and provided by the county clerk. In absence of a Declaration
and Registration of Informal Marriage, both the offender and the
common-law spouse may submit to the warden an Affidavit of Informal
Marriage form declaring the marriage. The offender may use an
unsworn affidavit under penalty of perjury (Texas Civil Practice and
Remedies Code 132.001 132.003. However, the common-law
spouse must provide an affidavit certified by the county clerk or notarized
by a Notary Public. Any other form of registration acceptable to the
Bureau of Vital Statistics is considered acceptable proof of marriage. A
copy of the documents must be placed in the offenders unit file.

3.

Significant Other
Special Relationship or Surrogate Parent
A person having a special relationship or surrogate parent with an offender may
be eligible for contact visits, if the relationship is verified and approved by the
warden or designee. A surrogate parent is generally defined as a person with
whom the offender resided as a minor for a significant amount of time. For

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example, foster parents, and the legal guardian of an offenders minor child, to
include the parent of the child, are eligible if the relationship to the offender is
verified by the warden or designee. The warden or designee will have the
authority to assess the relationship and determine if the proposed visitor qualifies
as a special relationship or surrogate parent.
4.

Non-immediate family members

The warden or designee may approve non-immediate family members for
contact visits with offenders who, although eligible, are not able to have contact
visits with immediate family members, for the offender has no immediate family,
family members are located too far away for visitation, no immediate family
members or visitors from other categories have been approved for contact
visitation or other similar situations.

5.

E.

Offenders assigned to G1/J1/OT custody are allowed to have a contact visit with
any person on the offenders Visitors List.

Contact Visitation Suspension

Disciplinary Process
Contact visitation is a privilege granted to offenders based on positive institutional
behavior and is subject to suspension either through the unit disciplinary process as a
result of institutional rule violations or administratively suspended or denied for safety and
security reasons.
Length of Contact Visitation Suspension Resulting from Disciplinary Convictions:
1.

Minor Disciplinary Hearings

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 will
continue to be eligible for a general visit.

2.

Major Disciplinary Hearings

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.
Offenders whose contact visitation privileges are suspended will continue to be
eligible for a general visit, unless housed in solitary confinement, or as otherwise
provided herein.

3.

When disposition through the unit disciplinary process includes suspension of

contact visitation privileges, the minor hearing officer, minor hearings only or
DHO, major or minor hearings, must document the date the suspension will end
on the offenders I-47MA or I-47MI, TDCJ Disciplinary Report and Hearing
Record form.

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F.

VI.

Administrative Suspension
1.

Contact visitation privileges may be administratively suspended by the UCC upon

the determination that contact visits for the offender would be detrimental to the
safety or security of other offenders, visitors, staff or the unit.

2.

Reinstatement of contact visitation privileges is determined by the UCC.

EXTENDED VISITS
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 will make every effort to allow extended visits, if time and
space allow.

VII.

SPECIAL VISITS
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 must submit the request in writing or via telephone or e-mail, for applicable
units, to the warden or designee. Offenders requesting a special visit must submit the
request in writing or via telephone or email, for applicable units, to the warden or
designee.
The warden or designee will review the request and notify the requestor of the denial or
approval of the special visit.

B.

Long Distance Traveled

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 will 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 will 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 must 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:
1.

Minister ID card supplied by the authorizing denomination or religious group;

2.

License or Ordination certificate;

3.

Official letter from an organized religious body or congregation indicating the

status of the letter holder as an official representative of the religious body or
congregation; or

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4.

D.

A current listing as a clergy person in an official listing of ministers/ clergies from

an organized religious body.

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 must 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.

E.

Critically Ill List

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 will 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 will 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 must be coordinated through the
Chaplaincy Department.
1.

Infirmary
a.

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Visitors entering the infirmary must be immediate family members or on

the offenders Visitors List.

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2.

G.

b.

Visiting children must be immediate family members. Children ages 15

and younger must visit in the regular visitation area. Only individuals
ages 16 and older will be permitted to go into the infirmary to visit at the
wardens discretion.

c.

A maximum of four adults at a time will be permitted to visit an offender

in the infirmary.

d.

Exceptions can be made due to the deterioration of the offenders health

at the wardens discretion.

General Visitation Area

a.

Offenders whose health condition permits may receive visits in the

existing visitation area.

b.

Offenders receiving visits in the existing visiting area may visit with
anyone on the offenders Visitors List.

c.

All other visitation issues must be in accordance with Agency policies.

Non-Legal Visits Between Offenders

Permission for special, non-legal visits between offenders may be granted under the
conditions outlined below. Final approval from the State Classification Committee (SCC)
must 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 must meet the following criteria in order to be approved for a visit with
another offender.

2.

a.

The offenders must be related by blood or marriage;

b.

Both offenders must 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;

c.

Each offender must be listed on the other offenders Visitors List;

d.

The offenders must not have had a non-legal visit with another offender
in the TDCJ within the last 12 months; and

e.

Visits between institutional and state jail offenders is not permitted.

Approval Process
a.

An offender must submit a written request to the warden to obtain

approval for a visit with another offender. If approved, the warden will
forward the request to the warden of the offender to be visited via e-mail.

b.

If both wardens approve the visit, the request must be submitted to the
SCC via e-mail for review. If approved, the SCC must schedule the visit
and notify the wardens involved. If the visit is denied, the SCC decision

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must be documented. Offenders may appeal such denials through

offender grievance procedures or the DRC.
VIII.

Current And Former TDCJ Employee Visits

A.

B.

IX.

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;

2.

The current or former employee reported the relationship to Agency officials in

accordance with PD-22, General Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action
Guidelines for Employees; and

3.

The current/former employee is an immediate family member.

If a former employee does not meet all of the above three criteria, the former employee
will 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 must
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.

Attorney Visits
Offender visits with attorneys must be governed by BP-03.81, Rules Governing Offender Access
to the Courts, Counsel, and Public Officials.

X.

Legal Visits Between Offenders

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.

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CHAPTER 3
UNIFORM OFFENDER CORRESPONDENCE RULES

I.

GENERAL RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING CORRESPONDENCE

A.

Permissible Correspondents
An offender may correspond with as many persons as he or she chooses, except as
restricted by this policy, BP-03.91, Uniform Offender Correspondence Rules.

B.

Restricted Correspondents
1.

Other Offenders
Offenders may not correspond with other offenders unless:
a.

The offenders are immediate family members (parents, step-parents,

grandparents, children, step-children, spouses, common-law spouses,
and siblings, aunts and uncles);

b.

The offenders have a child together, as proven through a birth certificate

and the parental rights have not been terminated;

c.

The offenders are co-parties in a currently active legal matter; or

d.

The offender is providing a relevant witness affidavit in a currently active

legal matter.

Prior to an offender being approved to correspond, relationship issues must be

verified through the records office and legal matters must be verified through the
access to courts department.
2.

Negative Mailing List

Offenders will be denied permission to correspond with persons on their negative
mailing list. Persons on that list may be:
a.

Minors whose parents or legal guardians object in writing to the

correspondence, except an offenders own child or step-child (unless the
child or step-child is the offenders victim as described in subsection 3 of
Restricted Correspondents);

b.

Individuals who request in writing that further correspondence not be

sent to them by the offender;

c.

Offenders who request, in writing, not to receive further correspondence

from the offender;

d.

Victims of the offender with whom the court prohibits contact during
confinement; and

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e.

3.

Victims
a.

C.

Individuals who have attempted to send contraband into the institution or

otherwise committed a serious violation of the correspondence rules, as
determined by the warden. A person who commits a serious violation of
the Uniform Offender Correspondence Rules may be prohibited from any
further correspondence with a particular offender and may be placed on
a negative mailing list of persons with whom that particular offender may
not correspond. Within 72 hours of such addition to a negative mailing
list, a notice, accompanied by a statement of the reason therefore, will be
sent to the disallowed person and to the offender. Within the same time
period, the disallowed person and the offender will also be notified of
how to appeal and the procedure for appeal.

Pursuant to AD-04.82, Forfeiture of Good Conduct Time for Contacting

a Victim Without Authorization, the TDCJ prohibits unauthorized contact
with a victim or a victims family member by offenders if:
(1)

The offender is currently serving time for committing a crime

against that victim;

(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.

b.

A court may prohibit an offender from contacting, during the term of

confinement, the victim of the offense of which the defendant is
convicted or a member of the victims family.

c.

Offenders making unauthorized contact with victim will be charged with a

major disciplinary offense and, if the charge is sustained, may forfeit all
or any part of accrued good conduct time credit if the offender is not a
state jail offender. A state jail offender will be assessed a major
disciplinary penalty if the charge is sustained.

d.

An offender may also be subject to criminal charges for improper contact

with a victim.

How to Correspond
There is no restriction placed upon the length of incoming or outgoing correspondence.
All offender mail must be sent and received through duly authorized channels. Offenders
must not smuggle letters in or out of the institution.
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.

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2.

Cash on Delivery (COD) Mail

No COD mail will be accepted for any offender and no offender will be authorized
to send mail COD. Unauthorized items arriving by mail will 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 will be returned at the senders
expense. Offenders will 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 must 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
will 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 will not
apply to outgoing packages to special, legal, and media correspondents, which
will be governed by the rules relating to such correspondence.
Offenders are not allowed to receive packages containing stationery supplies.
Packages of publications may be sent to offenders by publishers or publication
suppliers, including bookstores. The TDCJ will accept delivery of packages from
public carriers only, such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Special provisions are
made for packages to be received from suppliers for craft shop operations. All
incoming packages are subject to inspection. Offenders will be notified when
unauthorized packages have been denied.

4.

Return Address and Outgoing Correspondence

Each outgoing envelope or package must include the sending offenders
commitment name, TDCJ number, unit name, current address and postage.
Offenders having a legal name other than their commitment name may also
place that name in the return address. No other information may be made part of
the return address.
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 will not mail any outgoing
correspondence from an offender that mailroom officials reasonably believe will
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
Any type of stationery, whether bought at the commissary, purchased through
the eCommDirect program or authorized for issuance to indigent offenders may
be used for correspondence. Offenders must not use homemade envelopes to
correspond.

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6.

Indigent Postage
Postage and stationery for mail from indigent offenders may be secured through
the wardens designee. Postage and stationery will be made available at regular
intervals to indigent offenders, including those in administrative segregation.
Postage and stationery must 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 will
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 must forward payments
for subscription to individual publications with the order. Offenders must not receive
publications of any kind on a trial basis with payment postponed. Persons desiring to
give publications directly to individual offenders must 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.

II.

SPECIAL AND MEDIA CORRESPONDENCE

Media Correspondence is any mail sent to or from a media correspondent.
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 Correspondence is any mail sent to or from a special 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.

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A.

Permissible Correspondence
Offenders may send sealed and uninspected letters directly to special and media
correspondents. All incoming correspondence from any special or media correspondent
will be opened and inspected only for contraband, except under the special
circumstances noted in these Rules. The inspection will be in the offenders presence.
All incoming special correspondence envelopes will be prominently stamped as received
by TDCJ or cancelled so that postage-free government envelopes cannot be reused.

B.

Exceptions
In individual cases, where reasonable suspicion exists to believe the correspondence
rules or the law is being violated, incoming or outgoing special or media correspondence
may be opened and inspected for contraband and content after obtaining written
permission from the Correctional Institutions Division (CID) director or his designee.

III.

LEGAL CORRESPONDENCE
Legal Correspondence is any mail sent to or from a legal correspondent.
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 will 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 must submit a written statement naming them as the
attorney of record for the offender. The CID director must approve the restriction of legal
correspondence privileges.

IV.

HANDLING OFFENDER CORRESPONDENCE

A.

Content Inspection of General Correspondence

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, will be disapproved for mailing or receipt
if the content falls as a whole, or in significant part, into any of the categories listed below:
1.

Contains threats of physical harm against any person or place or threats of

criminal activity;

2.

Threatens blackmail or extortion;

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B.

3.

Concerns sending contraband in or out of the institutions;

4.

Concerns plans to escape or unauthorized entry;

5.

Concerns plans for activities in violation of institutional rules;

6.

Concerns plans for future criminal activity;

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;

9.

Contains a graphic presentation of sexual behavior that is in violation of the law;

10.

Contains a sexually explicit image;

11.

Contains an altered photo;

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.

Contraband in General Correspondence

If contraband is found in an incoming letter or publication, the contraband will be removed
from the letter or publication, if possible. If the contraband cannot be removed from the
letter or publication, the letter will not be delivered to the offender.

C.

Contraband in Legal, Media, or Special Correspondence

If an enclosure constituting contraband is found, the contraband will not be delivered to
the offender.

D.

Notices
The offender and the sender or addressee will 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.

E.

Record of Legal, Special, and Media Correspondence

The mailroom will keep a record showing the source and destination of all incoming and
outgoing legal, special, and media correspondence.

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F.

Content Inspection of Publications

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 will render decisions on publications reviewed within two weeks of receipt at the
MSCP office. Unit mailroom staff will 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 will 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.
1.

Rejection Due to Content

A publication may be rejected if:

2.

a.

It contains contraband that cannot be removed;

b.

It contains information regarding the manufacture of explosives,

weapons, or drugs;

c.

It contains material that a reasonable person would construe as written

solely for the purpose of communicating information designed to achieve
the breakdown of prisons through offender disruption such as strikes or
riots, or STG activity;

d.

A specific determination has been made that the publication contains

graphic presentations of sexual behavior that is in violation of the law,
such as rape, incest, sex with a minor, bestiality, necrophilia, or
bondage;

e.

It contains material on the setting up and operation of criminal schemes

or how to avoid detection of criminal schemes by lawful authorities
charged with the responsibility for detecting such illegal activity; or

f.

It contains sexually explicit images. Publications will not be prohibited

solely because they display naked or partially covered buttocks. Subject
to review by the MSCP and on a case-by-case basis, publications
constituting educational, medical/scientific, or artistic materials, including,
but not limited to, anatomy medical reference books, general practitioner
reference books and/or guides, National Geographic, or artistic reference
material depicting historical, modern, and/or post modern era art, may be
permitted.

Notice
If a publication is rejected, the offender and sender, be provided a written notice
of the disapproval and a statement of the reason for disapproval within three
business days of receipt of the publication or MSCP denial date on a Publication
Denial Form, along with the procedures to appeal. The offender is given a
sufficiently detailed description of the rejected publication to permit effective use
of the appeal procedures. The offender or sender may appeal the rejection of
the publication through procedures outlined in this policy. Publications approved
by MSCP are delivered to offenders within three business days.

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3.

List of Disapproved Publications

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.

G.

Processing Incoming and Outgoing Offender Mail

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 must not handle another offenders mail, except to assist
staff when loading and unloading mail in bulk deliveries. Staff must 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 will 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 will 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.

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V.

REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR DENIED ITEMS

A.

Handling of Denied Items

Any incoming or outgoing correspondence or publications that are rejected will not be
destroyed, but will 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:

B.

1.

Mail the publication or correspondence to any person at the offenders expense;

or

2.

Destroy the publication or correspondence, only with the offenders written

permission.

Correspondence and Publication Appeal Procedure

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, will be sent to the DRC within
two weeks of the notification of rejection. Upon receipt of notification, the
correspondence or publication in question will be sent to the DRC.

2.

Final Decision
The DRC will render its decision within two weeks after receiving the appeal, and
will issue written notification of the decision to the parties involved within two
business days.

3.

Delegation
The DRC chairman may delegate decisions regarding correspondence and
publication denials to the MSCP, which will be governed by the guidelines
applicable to the DRC regarding appeals.

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Chapter 4

RULES GOVERNING OFFENDER ACCESS TO THE COURTS, COUNSEL, AND

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

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 must 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.
A.

Law Library Collections, Conditions, and Supplies

1.

Law Book Collections

Each of the items below or its equivalent will 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

e.

Supreme Court Reporter

f.

Southwestern Reporter 2d, Texas Cases

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g.

Southwestern Reporter 3d, Texas Cases

h.

United States Code Annotated, following volumes only:

(1)

Constitution (all)

(2)

Title 8 Aliens and Nationality (all)

(3)

Title 21 Food and Drugs (all)

(4)

Title 42 Public Health and Welfare (all)

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:
(1)

Federal Civil Procedure Code and Rules

(2)

Federal Criminal Code and Rules

(3)

Texas Criminal Procedures Code and Rules

(4)

Texas Rules of Courts, State

(5)

Texas Rules of Court, Federal

l.

One Legal Research Guide or Manual

m.

United States Constitution contained within Blacks Law Dictionary

n.

Blacks Law Dictionary

o.

Federal and State Postconviction Remedies and Relief Habeas Corpus

p.

Shepards Citations: Texas, Federal

q.

Texas Criminal and Traffic Law Manual

r.

Texas Legal Dictionary

s.

TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders, English and

Spanish

t.

Offender Orientation Handbook, English and Spanish

u.

SCFO Legal Handbook

v.

Law Libraries Serving Prisoners

w.

Court-provided forms

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x.

Rules of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, 37 Texas

Administrative Code 141.150

y.

Offender Health Services Plan

z.

Correctional Managed Care Formulary

aa.

Consular Notification and Access

bb.

Directory of Foreign Consular Corps

cc.

Texas Session Laws (1989 current)

dd.

Court Structure of Texas (flow chart)

ee.

Venue list for Texas state and federal courts

ff.

Intra-Law Library Loan Program Holdings List

Published volumes or equivalent of case decisions are maintained by copyright

date. Case decisions are maintained as follows: Federal Reporters for the
previous 25 years; Federal Supplements for the previous 20 years; Supreme
Court Reporters for the previous 30 years; and Southwestern Reporters for the
previous 20 years. Removed case law is made available for offender review
through the Intra-Law Library Loan Program.
In lieu of the law library collection, units may provide legal reference materials
through an electronic legal research database.
2.

Law Library Conditions

The room designated by the warden as the law library will 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.

3.

Law Library Supplies

Each unit will 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.

B.

General Population Offender Access to the Law Library (Direct Access)

1.

Schedule
Each unit will have a posted schedule for law library attendance ensuring the
opportunity for 10 hours of access per week. The schedule will 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.

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2.

Extra Time for Law Library Use

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 will be granted for use of the law library
during the period an offender is not involved in programmatic activities.

3.

Misconduct During Law Library Periods

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 will be provided access to law books in accordance with the rules
regarding segregated offenders.

4.

Strip Searches
At times it may be necessary to strip-search offenders to ensure staff and
offender safety or detect the presence of contraband. However, an offender will
not be strip searched as a condition of entering or exiting the law library, unless
the search is conducted for a specific security purpose. Strip-searches are only
used when directed by specific unit post orders, unit departmental policy, or
when a supervisor believes reasonable cause exists to warrant such a search.

C.

Administrative Segregation, Lockdown, G5/J5/P5, Medical Isolation, Temporary

Detention, Trusty Camp, Work Camp, and Death Row Offender Access to the Law
Library (Indirect Access)
1.

2.

Legal Research Material

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.

b.

Offenders who steal, damage, destroy, or refuse to return legal research

material may be subject to formal disciplinary action under Code 18.0 of
the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders. In addition,
the agencys ATC manager, in accordance with the Access to Courts
Procedures Manual, may temporarily suspend delivery of legal research
materials to any offender in the above category for stealing, damaging,
destroying, or refusing to return legal research materials.

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.

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II.

OFFENDERS PERSONAL LEGAL MATERIAL

A.

Storage and Access

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.

B.

Searches of Offender Legal Materials

1.

General Procedures
Legal materials, including pleadings, transcripts, books, notes, drafts, and
correspondence to and from attorneys, courts and public officials, belonging to
an offender are confidential. They may not be read by staff as part of a search;
however, they may be physically inspected in accordance with AD-03.72,
Offender Property, to see that no physical contraband, such as weapons or
drugs, is secreted in them. During the course of any search, staff members must
not scatter, destroy or otherwise unduly disrupt the offenders legal material.
Consistent with AD-03.02, Impermissible Offender Conduct, no offender will be
allowed to participate in any manner in a search of another offenders legal
material.

2.

Search of Written Materials

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 must 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 must be done in the presence of the offender
in accordance with the Access to Courts Procedures Manual.

3.

Written Notice
If any written material is removed from an offenders legal material and
confiscated by a staff member during the course of a search, the offender will
receive written notice of the confiscation within 48 hours using the I-185, Notice
of Confiscation of Written or Printer Material During Search for Contraband,
Informing the offender of the property removed, the reason for the removal, and
the offenders right to file a grievance.

III.

PERFORMANCE OF LEGAL WORK

A.

Locations and Times

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.

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2.

Times
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.

B.

Offenders Assisting Other Offenders on Legal Matters

1.

Assistance Permitted
Offenders are permitted to assist or advise each other on legal matters in
accordance with this policy and other TDCJ rules and regulations.

2.

Misconduct Related to Legal Work

The direct or indirect offer, request, or receipt of a payment, benefit, or reward in
exchange for legal assistance is a disciplinary violation.

3.

Law Library Periods

Offenders who wish to confer with each other in the unit law library must 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, must 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.

IV.

NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICES

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 will 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 must
explain why an unsworn declaration will not be legally sufficient. Requests are acted
upon, either denied or provided, within 72 hours of the receipt of the request.

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V.

ATTORNEY VISITATION
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 must 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 must 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
must 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 must 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
Attorneys must satisfactorily identify themselves to the warden or designee and
complete and sign a copy of the I-163, Attorney Application to Visit TDCJ
Offender An attorney bar card and either a drivers license, identification (ID) card
issued by a governmental agency that includes a photograph, or United States
passport are satisfactory ID. Any other individuals accompanying an attorney
must have the attorney complete the I-166, Attorney Authorization for Approved
Representative to Visit TDCJ Offender, before the visit is considered and official
identification must be required.

2.

Designated Representatives
Once written authorization to serve as an attorneys designated representative
has been filed with and approved by the TDCJ, upon arrival at the unit and
before the visit, the representative must present satisfactory ID, either a driver
license, ID card issued by a governmental agency that includes a photograph, or
a United States passport, to the warden or designee and provide a copy of the I
166, Attorney Authorization for Approved Representative to Visit TDCJ Offender.
If the attorney has already provided the unit with the I-166 form, the
representative need not provide an additional copy.

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D.

Designated Representatives Application to Visit

For TDCJ approval to serve as an attorneys designated representative, the designated
representative must submit a completed and signed copy of the I-164, Application to Visit
TDCJ Offender as Attorneys Representative to the ATC central office at least one week
before the first requested visit to TDCJ as that attorneys representative.
The TDCJ will 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 will be provided to the sponsoring
attorney.
The I-164 form must be resubmitted annually and the unit staff must 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 must 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.

E.

Limits on Number, Persons, and Type of Visit

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 must 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 must
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 will 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.

F.

Rejection by Offender of Visitation Request

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 will notify the offender of the requested visit. If the
offender objects to such a visit, the warden or designee will 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 will be given to the
offender refusing the visit and to the attorney whose visit was refused.

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G.

Procedures During Visit

1.

Privacy
Unless requested to do otherwise by either the attorney or the offender, the
warden or designee will respect the privacy of the visit and maintain a sufficient
distance from the visiting offender and attorney or designated representative to
preserve the privacy of communications between them. This rule does not limit
the ability of the warden or designee to maintain visual surveillance during the
visit or to terminate the visit in case of a threat to security.

2.

Items Permitted with Attorney or Designated Representative

Attorneys and designated representatives may bring briefcases, attach cases,
computer laptops, and personal digital assistants into the visiting area. Attorneys
or designated representatives may also bring a tape recorder into the visitation
area to be used only for taking notes of the interview with the offender and for
recording the conversation between the attorney or designated representative
and the offender, but for no other purpose.
Cell phones, broadcast or transmission equipment, or wireless communication
devices used to communicate with a third party are never permitted; however,
with good cause the warden or designee may permit the use of certain electronic
equipment, such as a video camera, stenotype machine, or polygraph
equipment. To request such consideration, an attorney must provide the warden
or designee with a justifiable reason for the allowance and attest that the use of
the equipment is absolutely essential to facilitate the attorney-client relationship.
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.

3.

Items Permitted with Offender

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 will 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.

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5.

Rejection of Contraband Articles

If an item constituting contraband as defined in AD-03.72, Offender Property, is
found in an inspection, the warden or designee will reject the contraband,
immediately give each attorney and offender who participated in the exchange a
written statement of the reason for the rejection, and may terminate the visit if
such action is reasonable in relation to the seriousness of the violation as
determined by the nature of the contraband. The offender or attorney may
appeal the rejection through the procedure outlined in this policy.

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 must 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 must be provided in writing at least
one week in advance of the schedule event and include a list detailing the
equipment that will 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 must remain in a fixed place and must be in operation only during the
deposition. Before, during, and after the deposition, a deposed offender must
adhere to the TDCJ clothing standards as outlined in the Offender Orientation
Handbook.

H.

Rejection of Visitation Request or Termination of Visit

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 will 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 will 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 will also provide a copy of the denial documentation to
the ATC manager.

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I.

Suspension of Visitation Privileges

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 will send the attorney and the
offender being visited at the time of the violation a notice containing the following
information:

J.

1.

Notification of the visitation prohibition, its duration, any restrictions regarding

future visits, and the reasons for the prohibition or restriction, and

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 must not be
suspended or restricted except as provided by this policy.

Attorney Visitation Review Procedure

Any TDCJ visitation prohibition or restriction may be appealed either by an attorney
whose visitation privileges have been suspended or restricted or by an offender with
whom such an attorney either cannot visit or may visit under authorized restrictions. If a
TDCJ visitation prohibition or restriction has been imposed on a designated
representative, the appeal must be filed by the sponsoring attorney. Any such person
wishing to appeal must send the Directors Review Committee (DRC) written notice of
appeal within two weeks after receiving the notice or statement required by the rule
pursuant to which the suspension or restriction was imposed. Upon receipt of an appeal
notice, the (DRC) will obtain all documents and other tangible objects on which the
prohibition or restrictions were based. The (DRC) will render its decision within one
month after the notice of appeal and issue written notification of the decision to the
parties involved within 48 hours of the decision.

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 must 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 must 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 must 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 will be required.

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VI.

ATTORNEY AND OFFENDER TELEPHONE CALLS

A.

B.

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 will not be recorded or monitored. OTS
telephone calls must be placed in accordance with this policy.

4.

All other requests for telephone contact must be made in writing by the offenders
attorney using the I-162, Attorney/Offender Telephone Call Application, and the
attorney must provide the unit with at least 24 hours notice, unless the need is
preempted by a legal emergency.

5.

Consideration of requests by offenders for telephone contact with their attorneys

should be predicated upon critical circumstances, such as the offender receives
correspondence from the courts with a deadline necessitating immediate contact
with the attorney or when a foreign national needs to place a telephone call to the
general consulate. Time/distance factors may also be considered in a request. In
such circumstances, the offender must submit an I-60, Offender Request to an
Official, to the unit ATC supervisor with an explanation of the critical
circumstance. If the scheduled date for court appearance or hearing precludes a
personal visit or correspondence, the request for telephone contact should be
approved. Telephone calls must be arranged between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
during business days unless there are compelling circumstances.

6.

Frequency and duration of attorney and offender telephone conversations will be

decided on a case-by-case basis determined by need.

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.

9.

Except as authorized by warrant or court order, telephone calls to attorneys

pursuant to this policy must not be monitored or recorded.

Telephone Call and Attorney of Record Approval

1.

Designation of Attorney of Record for OTS Purposes

Attorneys of record must register with the OTS vendor by submitting, on the
attorneys letterhead, a letter stating the attorneys name, phone number which
must 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 must be included.

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2.

Calls Placed on State-Owned Unit Telephone Equipment

Attorney requests for telephone contact with an offender must be directed in
writing on the I-162 form, Attorney/Offender Telephone Call Application, to the
warden. The I-162 form must contain the following:
a.

The name and TDCJ number of the offender;

b.

The attorneys full name, address, bar card number, telephone number,
and fax number;

c.

An affirmation of an existing attorney-client relationship with the offender;

d.

An acknowledgment that the telephone call may not be used to

accomplish any non-attorney-client communication;

e.

The general reason, such as impending court deadline the call could not
be precluded by a personal visit or correspondence;

f.

Permission for the offender to return the call collect;

g.

A date and time for the return telephone call convenient to the TDCJ unit
and the attorney; and

h.

The attorneys signature.

3.

The warden or designee receiving the request must 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 must 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 will 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 must be made by the warden
or a designee, who must be an employee with rank of major or higher.

5.

Denial of an attorney and offender telephone call must be made by a warden.

The reasons for denial must be given to the attorney in writing with a copy sent to
the ATC manager and the TDCJ Office of the General Counsel.

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VII.

COURT TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALLS

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 must 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 must 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
must 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.

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