Correctional Institutions Division

Security Threat Group Management Office

The Security Threat Group Management Office (STGMO) proactively identifies and effectively monitors and manages inmate groups and their members who pose a threat to the safety and security of TDCJ units, staff, inmates, and the public, through targeted intelligence collection and analysis as well as timely dissemination of appropriate information. STGMO provides oversight, training, and technical support for the unit-level staff who gather information on the activities of security threat group (STG) members. STGMO works closely with the Fusion Center by sharing information on security threat groups and their members.

Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD) Process

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has initiated a process, which provides a method for inmates to renounce their membership with a known security threat group (STG). This procedure is called the Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Process (GRAD). Inmates willing to renounce their gang affiliation will be required to participate in the nine-month process and associated activities until successful completion is attained.

After successfully completing the GRAD process, the inmate will be released into general population and assigned to a unit recommended by the State Classification Committee. If the inmate is found to be involved in STG activities after release to general population, the inmate will be returned to security detention and will not be allowed to participate in the GRAD process again. The inmate must express to the unit STG officer in written form, a desire to renounce membership in the STG. The STGMO shall make the final decision on any matters pertaining to the GRAD process. In order to be eligible to participate in the GRAD process, an inmate shall meet the following criteria:

1. Have not been involved in any STG activities for a minimum of one year;
2. Have a completed and signed Gang Member Disassociation Packet;
3. Have been assigned to restrictive housing Level I (IA) for the previous six months prior to enrollment;
4. Have not received any Level I major disciplinary cases for inmate assault, staff assault, aggressive sexual misconduct, or weapon possession for at least two years prior to enrollment. All other Level 1 major disciplinary cases shall be reviewed on a case by case basis after a period of one year;
5. Have not received any Level 2 or Level 3 major disciplinary cases for at least six months prior to enrollment;
6. The following security precaution designators: Escape (ES), Staff Assault (SA), or Hostage Situation (HS) are reviewed by the State Classification Committee for consideration on an individual case by case basis.
7. Have not previously completed the Returning Population Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Program (RP-GRAD) or GRAD process.

GRAD Process is nine (9) months in length:

Phase I (Approximately 2 months)

Curriculum: Substance abuse classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, Chaplaincy videos.

Phase II (Approximately 4 months)

Curriculum: Cognitive intervention, anger management/substance abuse, criminal addictive behavior.

Phase III (Approximately 3 months)

Curriculum: 1/2-day work schedule, laundry, fields, food service, 1/2-day unit programs.

Each group or class represents a mixture of STGs in order to maintain a balance of ethnicity, length of sentence, and other similar demographics, in the process.

Returning Population Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Program (RP-GRAD)

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has initiated a process, which provides a method for inmates who have been assigned to restrictive housing as a member of a security threat group on a previous incarceration, to renounce their membership with the security threat group (STG). This procedure is called the Returning Population Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Program (RP-GRAD). Inmates willing to renounce their gang affiliation will be required to participate in the six-month process and associated activities until successful completion is attained.

After successfully completing the RP-GRAD process, the inmate will be released into general population and assigned to a unit recommended by the State Classification Committee. If the inmate does not successfully complete the RP-GRAD process, they will be assigned to restrictive housing by a member of the State Classification Committee. If an inmate is found to be involved in STG activities after release to general population, the inmate will be returned to restrictive housing and will not be allowed to participate in the RP-GRAD or GRAD process again. The inmate must express to the unit STG officer in written form, a desire to renounce membership in the STG. The STGMO shall make the final decision on any matters pertaining to the RP-GRAD process. In order to be eligible to participate in the RP-GRAD process, an inmate shall meet the following criteria:

1. Currently be confirmed as a member of a STG by STGMO within the TDCJ;
2. Have been out of any federal, state, or county confinement for a minimum 12 consecutive months, before returning to any custody;
3. Must have completed and signed the RP-GRAD Participation and Renouncement form; and,
4. Have not previously completed the RP-GRAD or GRAD process.

RP-GRAD Program is six (6) months in length:

Phase I (Approximately 2 months)

Curriculum: Substance abuse classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, Chaplaincy videos.

Phase II (Approximately 4 months)

Curriculum: Cognitive intervention, anger management/substance abuse, criminal addictive behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions Pamphlet:  English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF)