An employee publication of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
June 2024
Earned Incentive Housing: A Few Small Changes Have a Big Impact
by Jenevieve Andersen
From the outside, the E4 pod looks no different than any other cell block at the Clements Unit. The only indication it’s any different is the secure sliding door at the entrance that is painted a deep maroon and decorated with an ornate gold filigree design. The words “INCENTIVE HOUSING” are painted across the top.
But inside, you will find small changes that have had a big impact.
For Clements Unit Senior Warden Adam Gonzales, it started with a need: How do we change the culture? How do we modify behavior and create a less stressful environment–one that benefits inmates and employees?
It began simply enough with a mural and a few accent walls, but the change was almost immediate.
“Usually, you would walk into the housing area and you’d see boot marks on the walls, or disrespect – scuff marks from a trash can being thrown,” Gonzales said. “All of that has stopped. You see the ownership. The whole atmosphere has started to tone down.”
Gonzales, who spearheaded this initiative, told the story of an older inmate who fell asleep while watching TV, something that is highly unusual in the clamor of a normal prison day room. Initially, Gonzales was concerned the inmate had a medical issue, but discovered he just found the space so peaceful and calm he was able to take a nap.
“This is a huge change from a year ago when these inmates, who have long sentences but are serving their time without incident, were housed in the same cell blocks as more disruptive inmates,” Gonzales said. “You know, we’ve got guys that have been here 20-plus years and never get in trouble, but they’re living in the same areas as the others.”
The clash of personalities and chaotic atmosphere created a stressful environment for everyone, including the correctional officers and staff working on the wing.
“By creating a space these inmates want to be in, you’re giving them ownership and a reason to behave,” Gonzales said. “To be eligible for earned incentive housing, inmates have to be disciplinary-free, drug-free, and free of any gang affiliation. They also have to submit to more frequent drug testing. And they’re happy to do it. With the whole totality of what we’ve incorporated into this housing area, you see the men being thankful and appreciative and just behaving respectfully.”
The Murray Unit in Gatesville has taken cues from the Clements Unit and recently opened an earned incentive dorm that houses 100 low-custody women.
While it’s only been open for a few months, Dale Shaw, correctional officer IV, has noticed a change.
“You can already see the difference. The inmates come in here and they know what they’re supposed to do. It’s a more mature atmosphere; they’ve started to appreciate things more,” he said.
“It makes my job a whole lot easier. That’s an outstanding thing. You don’t have to do as many corrections on this dorm,” Shaw said. “When I go in there to do count, I don’t have to say, ‘Hey, it’s count time’ Everybody’s already ready to go.”
New outdoor furniture for the recreation area at the Murray Unit.
Murray Unit Senior Warden Audrey England noticed a change throughout the unit.
“The other inmates see these women sitting out on the patio drinking their coffee, playing dominoes, reading a book and they want that and I wanted them to see it: ‘Hey, if you do right and you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing, this is what you can have,’” she said.
In just the past few months, England received over 100 requests from women in other housing areas asking to be moved to the new earned incentive dorm.
“They see what’s going on in there and they want to be a part of it. It changes the atmosphere on the entire unit,” England said.
Back on the Clements Unit, they’ve just added two new murals: one of a cozy fireplace with a crackling fire, the other an aquarium filled with jellyfish and stingrays. The incentive housing areas also have other perks, including big TVs, better mattresses, filtered water bottle fillers and quality exercise equipment.
To the detractors who think this is no way to treat convicted inmates serving time, Gonzales said, “If we’re not comfortable coming out of our shell and thinking of innovative ways to modify behavior and create an environment where the staff want to be at work and feel safe, we’re in the wrong line of business.”
“We’re humanizing corrections for the benefit of our staff, the inmates, and the communities they’ll return to.”
From the outside, the E4 pod looks no different than any other cell block at the Clements Unit. The only indication it’s any different is the secure sliding door at the entrance that is painted a deep maroon and decorated with an ornate gold filigree design. The words “INCENTIVE HOUSING” are painted across the top.