TDCJ News

TDCJ Begins Operating Giles W. Dalby Unit

February 24, 2026

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) held a grand opening on February 24 to mark the opening of the Giles W. Dalby Unit in Post, Texas. The agency began populating the unit in January, following a $110 million acquisition approved during the 89th legislative session.

"This acquisition allows us to effectively manage the growing inmate population while providing essential rehabilitation programs," said Bobby Lumpkin, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. "By integrating the Dalby Unit into our system, we enhance our capacity to meet the state's correctional needs."

The 251,000-square-foot facility, built between 1997 and 1998 by Garza County, will house approximately 1,900 inmates when filled. The Giles W. Dalby Unit, named after the late Garza County Judge, is fully air conditioned and sits on 72 acres of land.

Incarcerated individuals at the unit will have the opportunity to participate in educational courses, substance use treatment and life skills programs. In addition to academic courses, Windham School District will offer Introduction to Construction Careers and RV Service Technician programs to equip students with workforce skills as well as courses to assist with life skills.

To help combat substance use and addiction, inmates who arrive at the unit will have an opportunity to enroll in a Recovery Housing Opportunity Program (RHOP). This program helps inmates build character, correct self-defeating behaviors and practice self-examination and servant leadership to achieve long-term sobriety. Led by peer recovery specialists, participants learn from a holistic curriculum and live in a zero-tolerance environment that together promotes health, accountability and lasting recovery.

After completing RHOP, individuals are moved to a Sober Living dorm, where they can live in a supportive environment that provides structure, accountability and a community focused on recovery and maintaining sobriety.

The Dalby Unit also will have a housing area for the Substance Use Education Program (SUEP). This six-month, parole-voted program uses modified therapeutic community methods to promote positive behavior through education, peer support and accountability.

The Corrective Intervention Pre-Release Program is a four-month program designed to transition individuals from restrictive housing to general population. The program, built on the principles of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy, helps participants build self-awareness, make healthier decisions, and learn empathy for their impact on others.

Additionally, certified mental health peers, life coaches and field ministers will be assigned to the unit, providing the population with more opportunities to transform their lives.

"TDCJ's operation of the Giles W. Dalby Unit underscores our commitment to the public safety of our State," said Eric Nichols, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. "We very much appreciate the support of State leadership and the Legislature in funding the acquisition and operation of a unit that will focus on preparing individuals to make a successful and positive transition from incarceration to responsible and positive reentry into our Texas communities."