Texas Inmate Search
A Texas inmate search allows the public to search for information about inmates who are currently incarcerated in Texas state prisons. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) keeps an online search database and tool for individuals to search online. The TDCJ also established access and information on state facilities across Texas to assist individuals searching for inmates in-person or via mail and phone requests.
Inmate searches are essential as they are used to locate loved ones who have been sentenced and provide the criminal history of potential employees, tenants, and business partners. The inmate search typically details the Inmate's holding facility, custody status, offense, release date, and other vital information.
In Texas, inmate information is generally available to anyone who requests it as it is considered public record under The Texas Public Information Act (PIA). Under the Act, the state governs the release of inmate records as public information. The procedure for requesting this information is usually in writing or through an online form. State government and law agencies can withhold information that threatens public safety.
The recommended source for the most accurate inmate information remains the incarcerating facility or unit. This is because although the TCDJ maintains an online search database, the information provided may only sometimes be up to date. A Texas phone number search may be helpful for finding the contact information of an incarceration facility or agency especially after receiving a collect call from jail.
What Do Inmate Records Contain
Inmate records in Texas usually contain the following extensive details:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate's TDCJ or State Identification Number
- Inmate's gender
- Inmate's race
- Inmate's date of birth
- Inmate's current location and custody status (such as being in a TDCJ prison or on parole)
- Inmate's offense details, including the conviction offense (s), offense level, date of conviction
- Inmate's sentencing information and sentence length
- Inmate's projected release date
- Inmate's admission and release dates
- Inmate's aliases or known aliases
- Inmate's current and past unit assignments
- Inmate's current and past offenses while incarcerated
- Inmate's disciplinary history while incarcerated, including the type of violation(s) and the resulting disciplinary action
- Inmate's parole status and history, including the date of eligibility for parole, the date of the last parole review, and the outcome of the review
- Inmate's probation status and history, including the date of probation, the date of the last probation review, and the outcome of the review
- Inmate's previous incarcerations in Texas and other states
- Inmate's mugshot or booking photo
- Inmate's next of kin or emergency contact information
- Details of their criminal prosecution where applicable
The information obtained from an inmate search varies depending on the specific tool and database used, the search criteria, and the current information available. Individuals should contact the appropriate county or facility to confirm the Inmate's information, especially for legal or professional purposes.
How to Find Someone in Jail in Texas
Individuals can go through The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and county inmate search procedures to find someone in a jail in Texas. The TDCJ website has an inmate search tool where individuals can search by inputting the following details:
- Inmate's first name;
- Inmate's last name;
- Inmate's TDCJ number;
- Inmate's SID number;
- Inmate's gender and
- Inmate's race
Only the information of inmates who are currently incarcerated in a state prison facility can be accessed through the TDJ website. Inmates' data who have been transferred to a federal prison or are being held in a county jail or municipal facility are not available on the database. Individuals can access these inmates' records using online search tools or information through the counties' websites.
Each county has its own jail system and procedures that can be found on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards website. The list of county jails and their contact information can be accessed on the TCJS website for inquirers to contact the specific county jails via phone and mail.
Inquirers can also contact local law enforcement agencies to find someone who is currently in custody. The county sheriff's offices and police departments usually have information on individuals who have been arrested.
Bail bond companies provide information about individuals who have been granted bail and released from custody through their services. If such companies can be identified, inquirers can contact them regarding the Inmate's location and possible bail status.
If the individual has a known legal presentation, contacting their attorney or lawyer can help access their location and custody status.
There is typically no cost in Texas to conduct an inmate search or request information about incarcerated individuals. The online search tools and phone-in request services provided by the state and its counties are available for free. However, making copies of certain records can attract a fee depending on the document requested and the agency.
State Prisons in Texas
The Texas state prison system is one of the largest and most complicated prison systems in the United States. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) oversees and operates Texas' prison system, which has over 100 prison and jail facilities statewide and over 140,000 inmates. The TDCJ is responsible for adult inmates who are either convicted of state crimes, or are waiting for trial or sentencing.
The TDCJ operates several types of facilities, including prisons, state jails, transfer facilities, substance abuse felony punishment facilities, pre-release facilities, medical facilities, geriatric facilities and psychiatric facilities. The Texas prison system also has maximum, medium, and minimum security units that house inmates based on their custody level and security needs.
Individuals can find a facility using the Facility Map tool or by going through the Unit Directory provided on the TDCJ website. Inquirers can also find a facility through the TDCJ phone operator services, where each facility has a key that users can use to call in. Here is a list of some major prison facilities in Texas, along with their contact information:
Allred Unit
James V. Allred Unit
2101 FM 369 North
Iowa Park, TX 76367
Phone: (940) 855-7477 (**069)
Baten Unit
1995 Helton Road
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 665-7070 (**056)
Beto Unit
George Beto Unit
1391 FM 3328
Tennessee Colony, TX 75880
Phone: (903) 928-2217 (**022)
Boyd Unit
William R. Boyd Unit
200 Spur 113
Teague, TX 75860-2007
Phone: (254) 739-5555 (**051)
Bradshaw State Jail
James Bradshaw State Jail
PO Box 9000
Henderson, TX 75653
Phone: (903) 655-0880
Clemens Unit
11034 Hwy 36,
Brazoria, TX 77422
Phone: (979) 798-2188
Coffield Unit
Address: 2661 FM 2054,
Tennessee Colony, TX 75884
Phone: (903) 928-2211
Connally Unit
Address: 899 FM 632,
Kenedy, TX 78119
Phone: (830) 583-4003
Dominguez State Jail
6535 Cagnon Rd,
San Antonio, TX 78252
Phone: (210) 675-6620
Duncan Geriatric Facility
1502 South First Street
Diboll, TX 75941
Phone: (936) 829-2616
Estelle Unit
264 FM 3478,
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: (936) 291-4200
Ferguson Unit
12120 Savage Drive,
Midway, TX 75852
Phone: (936) 348-3751
Glossbrenner SAFPF
Ernestine Glossbrenner Unit
5100 South FM 1329
San Diego, TX 78384
Phone: (361) 279-2705 (**088)
Hamilton Pre-Release Facility
J. W. Hamilton Unit
200 Lee Morrison Lane
Bryan, TX 77807
Phone: (979) 779-1633 (**077)
Henley State Jail
Dempsie Henley State Jail
7581 Hwy 321
Dayton, TX 77535
Phone: (936) 258-2476 (**083)
Huntsville Unit
815 12th Street
Huntsville, TX 77348
Phone: (936) 437-1555 (**013)
Johnston SAFPF
Clyde M. Johnston Unit
703 Airport Road
Winnsboro, TX 75494
Phone: (903) 342-6166 (**089)
Lopez State Jail
Reynaldo V. Lopez State Jail
1203 El Cibolo Road
Edinburg, TX 78542
Phone: (956) 316-3810 (**103)
Marlin Unit
2893 State Hwy 6
Marlin, TX 76661-6588
Phone: (254) 883-3858 (**064)
McConnell Unit
William G. McConnell Unit
3001 South Emily Drive
Beeville, TX 78102
Phone: (361) 362-2300 (**048)
Michael Unit
Mark W. Michael Unit
2664 FM 2054
Tennessee Colony, TX 75886
Phone: (903) 928-2311 (**036)
Murray Unit
Dr. Lane Murray's Unit
1916 North Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville, TX 76596
Phone: (254) 865-2000 (**105)
Scott Psychiatric Facility
Wayne Scott Unit
4 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Phone: (281) 277-3700 (**033)
Terrell Unit
C.T. Terrell Unit
1300 FM 655
Rosharon, TX 77583
Phone: (281) 595-3481 (**027)
Travis County State Jail
Travis County State Jail
8101 FM 969
Austin, TX 78724
Phone: (512) 926-4482 (**118)
Young Medical Facility
Carole S. Young Medical Facility
5509 Attwater Ave
Dickinson, TX 77539
Phone: (409) 948-0001 (**129)
Texas Prison Inmate Search For Free
Texas prison inmate search can be accessed for free using the TDCJ online inmate search tool. Individuals can access the TDCJ website and navigate to "Inmate Information" on the homepage. On this page, users can use several options to find inmate information, including online inmate search, requests by email, requests by telephone, unit directory, etc. Through the online inmate search, individuals can look for inmates by providing their full name, TDCJ number, state identification (SID) number, gender and race.
Each county in Texas has a sheriff's office that manages inmate records. These records can be accessed either online through their websites or in person through visits, phone or mail. Individuals also need to provide the Inmate's relevant details in order to access information and records about them.
There are also third-party websites like JailBase.com and InmateAid.com that offer limited access to inmate information for free. These tools cover multiple facilities and jurisdictions across the country but usually require registration and fees for extensive searches and records.
How to Conduct a Federal Inmate Search
Individuals can conduct a federal inmate search on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) online search tool. The BOP is an agency responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates who have been convicted of violating Federal laws. The BOP provides an inmate management system and database that currently holds information on over 150,000 inmates and contains records of federal inmates since 1982.
To conduct an inmate search through the BOP, inquirers should access the Federal Bureau of Prisons website and navigate to the "Inmates" tab. Under that tab, they can click on "Find an Inmate", which takes them to the inmate locator tool. Inquirers can use the tool to find an inmate by two options: find by number and find by name.
To find an inmate by number, users should provide at least one of the following details:
Inmate's BOP registration number;
DCDC number;
FBI number;
Or INS number.
To find an inmate by name, users are requested to input the following information:
Inmate's Full name (First, Middle and Last name)
Inmate's Race, Age, and Sex, if available
After clicking search, the search results would contain the Inmate's name, register number, age, race, sex, release date and location. The BOP inmate locator information gives explanations on the result statuses that could appear to assist inquirers further.
Aside from the BOP inmate locator tool, several third-party websites like VINELink provide information on inmates held in federal prisons.
How to Make and Recieve Inmate Phone Calls in Texas
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice put in place the Inmate Technology Services. These services include the Inmate Telephone System (ITS), E-Messaging, Inmate Tables and the Securus Video Visitation. These services have been implemented to allow inmates to stay in contact with people and loved ones outside of jail.
The Inmate Telephone System is what allows eligible inmates to make telephone calls to friends and family. These calls are typically paid for and must be in according with the TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders.
Individuals that wish to receive calls from Texas jail phone numbers must first register their phone number. They can do this by accessing the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment website or by calling (866) 806-7804 and providing the necessary information. Users need to provide the Inmate's TDCJ ID number, which can be found through the online inmate search, to receive phone calls from the Inmate.
In Texas, phone calls can be placed by collect calls, friends and family prepaid, and Inmate telephone prepaid debit accounts. The Inmate, family, or recipient of the call can deposit money to pay for the Inmate's calls.
How to Visit an Inmate in Texas
In Texas, a person can visit an inmate in person at the facility they are being held or through the TDCJ Online Visitation Portal.
To use the TDCJ Online Visitation Portal, visitors create an account on the portal, schedule a visit, pay for the visit, and then join their session at the appointed time. The facility specifies the length of the visit.
For physical inmate visitation, it is important for the intending visitor to ensure that they follow the correct inmate visitation process. Before planning to visit an inmate in person, one should:
- Confirm the Inmate's location and privileges: The TDCJ offers a Visitation Hotline, which allows the public to call and inquire about an inmate's location, and basic visitation policies and appeal a visitation denial. The toll-free hotline is (844) 476-1289 and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 5pm.
Visitors need to ensure that the Inmate they intend to visit has visitation privileges. Usually, when a unit-wide visitation has been canceled, the information gets posted on the TDCJ website homepage.
- Schedule a visit: Visitors can access the TDCJ Visitation Announcement page to get information about when specific units have approved visitations. They can then schedule a visitation with the Unit Visitation Schedule, where they verify their eligibility.
- Visitors can visit the facility online, by phone, or in person. They are required to provide their contact information and the Inmate's information when scheduling a visit.
- Prepare for the visit: Visitors should ensure that they are complying with the facility's guidelines. They are required to be in clothing compliance and bring necessary IDs for verification.
- Visitation Day: Visitors ensure that they do not have any prohibited items on them. For example, cell phones are not allowed inside the secured perimeter. Visitors' improper conduct can terminate a visit, and they can be removed from the facility.
How to Conduct an Inmate Release Date Lookup
A person can conduct an inmate release date lookup in Texas in various ways. They can contact the county jail where the Inmate is being held, use inmate search websites or find out from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). An inmate release date lookup through the TDCJ can be conducted through its website, information line, or parole division.
- Contacting County Jails: Inquirers can contact the jail directly to inquire about the Inmate's release date. County jails are responsible for inmates who have been arrested and awaiting trial and inmates who have been sentenced to serve a short period.
- Inmate Search Websites: Inmate search websites provide information about an inmate's release date for a fee
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Website: It is the easiest and most accurate way to look up an inmate's release date. The search for an inmate can be done using their last name, first name, TDCJ number, age range, race, gender, etc. When the inmate is found, their projected release date, offense information, and other details related to their incarceration can be viewed.
- TDCJ Offender Information Line: An inquirer can call the TDCJ inmate information line at (512) 463-9988 to find an inmate's release date. The automated system will ask for the Inmate's name or TDCJ number and will provide the projected release date, offense information, and other details related to their incarceration.
- Contacting TDCJ Parole Division: The TDCJ Parole Division can also be contacted directly at (512) 406-5200 to inquire about an inmate's projected release date.
Inmate release dates are subject to change, and the projected release dates are estimated. An inmate's release can be affected by factors such as good behavior, sentence modifications, and time credits. Verification of the release date information from multiple sources before relying on it is recommended.