Frequently Asked Questions

Correctional Institutions Division

• 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

STGMO Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD)

The link provided below includes frequently asked questions and answers regarding Security Threat Groups (prison gangs), which should assist in giving some insight to an inmate's family and friends about the dangers of getting involved with a Security Threat Group while incarcerated in TDCJ-CID.

• STGMO Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD) (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

What happens when an inmate violates a rule within the prison?

Inmates who violate a written or posted rule are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Sanctions may include extra duty, loss of privileges, loss of class and/or good conduct time, or they may receive a monetary judgment in cases where inmates are found guilty of destroying state property. All disciplinary rules for which an inmate may be punished must be in written form, provide adequate notice of the conduct prohibited, and be adequately distributed or posted.

Should I send money to an incarcerated inmate?

All essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene items are provided to inmates. Inmates may purchase additional items from the unit commissary by using funds deposited into the inmates' trust fund accounts. It is recommended that you DO NOT send funds to inmates you do not know. Unfortunately, inmates often establish "pen pal" relationships in order to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. DO NOT send funds to any inmate as a favor for inmates you do know. Any knowledge of extortion or extortion attempts should be reported to the warden or the Office of Inspector General. Any inmates who are involved in extortion, as well as any individuals who assisted in the extortion, shall be prosecuted.

Do inmates in prison have color televisions in their cells?

With a few exceptions due to unit design, inmates do not have televisions in their cells. There are, however, color televisions available for viewing by inmates who earn the privilege. Televisions are usually located in dayrooms where sixty to ninety inmates may watch one set. Seating is generally on metal benches bolted to the floor. Correctional officers are in charge of the remote controls and only the basic networks, sports, and educational channels are permitted. The televisions are purchased with profits from sales in the inmate commissaries, which are in-prison stores where snack foods, toiletries, and approved magazines and books may be purchased.

How do inmates spend their day?

The day starts with wake-up call at 3:30 a.m. and breakfast is served no earlier than 4:00 a.m. Inmates report to their work assignments at 6:00 a.m. Every inmate who is physically able has a job in the prison system. Inmates are not paid for their work, but they can earn privileges as a result of good work habits. Inmates also learn job skills that can help them find employment when released from prison.

Most inmates work in prison support jobs, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintenance. Inmates may also work in the TDCJ Agribusiness, Land & Minerals Department or for Texas Correctional Industries in the prison industries program.

What happens if an inmate refuses to work?

Inmates who continue to refuse to work lose their privileges and are placed in "special cell restriction." Special cell restriction means remaining in the cell 24 hours a day, with no trips to the day room, commissary, or recreation yard. Meals are also eaten in the cell, and personal property is taken away while on special cell restriction.

Does Texas have chain gangs?

No, Texas does not use chain gangs. However, inmates working outside the perimeter fence are supervised by armed correctional officers on horseback.

Low risk inmates perform public service projects contributing tax savings to local governments. The service jobs range from cleaning storm damage from creeks and rivers to building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Community service work not only benefits the general citizenry, but also allows inmates to make restitution to the community. Often this work is performed by a low risk inmate that meets certain classification requirements. Providing service to the community instills a sense of pride and connects the inmate to society which may lead to rehabilitation.

What kind of dress code applies to inmates?

A white cotton pullover shirt tucked in white elastic pants is worn on a daily basis. Shoes must be either TDCJ-issued or purchased from the commissary. Inmates who meet eligibility requirements may grow long hair. Male inmates who do not meet the eligibility requirements for long hair must keep their hair trimmed up the back of their necks and head. Hair must be neatly cut around the ears. Facial hair shall remain clean and neatly trimmed. Female inmates will not have fad or extreme haircuts.

Are inmates allowed to make telephone calls?

There are five (5) options available for inmates to make telephone calls.

1. The Inmate Telephone System (ITS) allows eligible inmates to make pre-paid telephone calls to friends and family.
2. Inmates in certain custodies may be allowed one 5-minute collect phone call every 90 days. Calls are monitored and may be made only to approved individuals. These calls are made on the TDCJ owned unit telephones.
3. Inmates may place a call on an inmate wireless device utilizing the ITS.
4. Inmates may place a call to their attorney of record through the ITS.
5. Program telephone calls may be placed or received in accordance with the policies and procedures of the applicable program.

For more information concerning ITS or to register, click on the link below.
Inmate Technology Services

What is the process to request a hardship transfer?

Special consideration for transfer may be made when an inmate's family member has medical problems limiting the family member's ability to travel long distances. To apply for this special consideration the family member needs to send a written request for a hardship transfer along with a letter from the family member’s medical provider stating the family member is unable to travel long distances due to their medical problem(s). The medical provider’s letter must be on official letterhead, signed by the medical provider, and must be verifiable. The hardship transfer request should be mailed to the TDCJ Classification and Records Department, Attention OCIM, PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX, 77342. Although submitting a request does not guarantee the inmate will be moved to a unit closer to the family, you can be assured the agency will give careful consideration to the request.

What if the inmate's time calculations are not correct?

Inmates may file a Time Dispute Resolution form if they feel their time has been incorrectly calculated. Questions from the general public pertaining to time calculations may be submitted to the TDCJ Classification and Records Department, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342 or call (936) 437-6231.

How does an inmate appeal a disciplinary case he/she received?

As stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook, given to each inmate upon entry into the prison system, inmates have the right to appeal any disciplinary decision made by the unit. This appeal is done by using the inmate grievance procedure and submitted to the warden or unit grievance staff. If the inmate is not satisfied with the warden or unit grievance staff's decision, the inmate may then file the next level of grievance for appeal purposes. The Counsel Substitute will assist inmates with an appeal if they request assistance. Inmates are encouraged to use informal measures to address concerns at the unit level, where applicable.

What if staff is treating the inmate unfairly?

As stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook, given to each inmate upon entry into the prison system, inmates have the right to file grievances regarding their treatment at the facilities and units. According to policy, inmate grievances must first be submitted to the warden or unit grievance staff. If the inmate is not satisfied with the warden or unit grievance staff's decision, the inmate may then file the next level of grievance, as stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook (English or Spanish).