Frequently Asked Questions - Inmate General Information (2024)

Inmate General Information

Finding General Information on an Inmate
Inmate Medical Records
Correspondence Rules
Commissary and Trust Fund

Offender Orientation Handbook (PDF), Spanish (PDF) - Handbook designed to provide the TDCJ inmate population with general information and a standard of acceptable conduct.

General Information Guide for Families of Inmates (PDF), Spanish (PDF) - Explains the intake process and provides a brief description of the inmate program areas within TDCJ. Intended to assist the families of inmates in understanding how TDCJ operates.

Intake
Mail
Inmate Tablets
E-Messaging
Inmate Telephone System
Visitation
Trust Fund
Commissary
Hardship Transfers
Family Assistance
Education
Job Training
Religion
Programs and Treatment
Health
Recreation
Emergency Absences
Time Credit Calculations
Discipline
Grievances
PREA Ombudsman
Legal Assistance
Reentry and Integration
Release
Parole
Unit Directory

Correctional Institutions Division (CID)

STGMO Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD)
What happens when an inmate violates a rule within the prison?
Should I send money to an incarcerated inmate?
Do inmates in prison have color televisions in their cells?
How do inmates spend their day?
What happens if an inmate refuses to work?
Does Texas have chain gangs?
What kind of dress code applies to inmates?
Are inmates allowed to make telephone calls?
Hardship Transfer Requests
Time Calculations
Appeal of a Disciplinary Case
Unfair Treatment by Staff

Diligent Participation Web Application

Human Resources/Employment

Additional Information about the Homes for Heroes Loan Program
Correctional Officer Application Status
Correctional Officer Overtime Accrual/Payment
Correctional Officer Positions
Employee Benefits
Employment Questions
Insurance Questions

Hurricane Season

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice

Difference between the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice

Parole

Parole Division

What are the rules of supervision?
What is “gate money”?
How often does an inmate report to his Parole Officer?
Can inmates be supervised in other states?
What is Parole in Absentia (PIA)?
What happens if inmates violate the terms of release?
Do I need to bring clothes for my loved one when he/she is being released?
Where do I go to pick up an inmate upon release?
Can I pick up my loved one at release?
Can family select a halfway house for the inmate to live upon release?
Will an inmate be released early if they finish their program early?
If there is not an IPO (Institutional Parole Officer) at the unit, how can an inmate submit an I-60 form?
Will an inmate be informed of why they are denied parole?

Research Project Requests

Risk Management

TDCJ injuries per month

Victim Services

Notification and Victim Information

How can I receive notification about an inmate in prison?
What services will I receive by registering for notification?
Is there a system that provides inmate information 24 hours a day?
Can I be notified when an inmate is released from prison?
How can I protest an inmate’s release and what do I say in my protest letter?
Can I meet with the Board of Pardons and Paroles?

Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse

For answers to frequently asked questions about the TxCVC, please visit the TxCVC page and review the TxCVC Program Brochure.

Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue

When will the mediation take place?
How long before a mediator is assigned to the case?
Does the inmate have to agree to mediation?
Is it permissible to write or visit the inmate prior to the mediation?
Can a support person come to the mediation session?
How can I initiate a case

Victim Impact Panel Program

How can a victim apply to become a victim impact panelist?
Does the inmate have to be in prison?
What does a victim/survivor gain from speaking on a panel?
Why are VIPs used in training criminal justice professionals?
Why are VIPs provided for inmate audiences?
What should an inmate do when/if court ordered to attend a victim impact panel?

Victim Survivors Execution Viewing

How long have victim witnesses been allowed to view executions?
Is execution viewing limited to immediate family members of the deceased?
How many victim witnesses may view an execution, and can anyone attend the execution without viewing?
What time do executions take place and where?
Are victim witnesses prepared for viewing the execution?
What can an inmate say during their last statement?
What happens after the execution?

Rehabilitation Programs Division

How to Become a Volunteer

How do I become a volunteer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice?
How will I be notified if I am approved?
How long is the application process?
Can an ex-inmate volunteer?
Can a TDCJ employee (or retiree) become a volunteer?
How long is the on-line training?
How often am I required to retrain?
Can my church/ministry group donate books or materials to the units?
What if someone I know is currently incarcerated within the TDCJ?
Can I visit an inmate in regular visitation?
Can I deposit money into an inmate’s trust fund account?
How many facilities can I serve?
After becoming an approved volunteer, will I be able to write letters to inmates?
How do I begin?
What is a special volunteer?