skip to main content
Announcements
YouTube icon image 
Home  |  Intranet  |  Contact  
Link to Texas Department of Criminal Justice homepage
Home

TDCJ News

Systemwide Lockdown and Comprehensive Search

September 15, 2023

Since implementing a lockdown and comprehensive search of all correctional facilities, the agency has found a variety of contraband. This list will be updated weekly until the systemwide lockdown is lifted.

Contraband Found Systemwide:

  • 196 Cell Phones (266 additional cell phone accessories)
  • 34.5 Gallons of Alcohol
  • 274 Weapons (Generally pieces of sharpened metal with fashioned handles)
  • $376 in Currency
  • 188 Other Dangerous Items (Tablets, Lighters, Tattoo Guns, Pills, Handcuff Key, Drug Paraphernalia)
  • Illegal Drugs:
    • Amphetamines – 323 Sheets/Papers (A sheet is estimated at 100-150 hits)
    • Fentanyl – 1.6 oz, 4 Sheets/Papers
    • Cocaine – 5 Trace Amounts
    • PCP – 1 oz, 29 Sheets/Papers, 417 Stamps (Stamps are ID sized paper or smaller)
    • K2 – 155 oz, 138 Sheets/Papers, 268 Stamps, 32 Trace Amounts
    • Methamphetamine – 11 oz, 2 Stamps, 1 Sheet/Paper, 6 Trace Amounts, 3 Rocks
  • 119 Actionable Tips which led to a bulletin being put out to the units
  • 508 Criminal Offenses Reported to the TDCJ Office of the Inspector General

September 12, 2023 (Noon)

As comprehensive searches of individuals units are completed, those units are resuming normal operations. For a list of units returning to normal operations, visit this link. This list will be updated each day at noon until all units have resumed normal operations.

September 6, 2023

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is taking swift and immediate action to address a rise in dangerous contraband and drug-related inmate homicides. Over the last five years, the volume of illegal narcotics entering the system has substantially increased. This directly impacts the safety of staff and inmates. Additionally, this year the number of inmate-on-inmate homicides have increased. It is believed that the majority of the incidents are tied back to illegal drugs.

As a result, the agency is implementing an immediate lockdown and comprehensive search of all correctional facilities within TDCJ.

To combat this contraband challenge, TDCJ is taking the following measures to detect and prevent the entry of dangerous contraband into its facilities:

Systemwide Lockdown: Each facility will limit the movement of inmates and their contact with those outside the prison. Inmates and staff will undergo intensified searches to intercept and confiscate contraband.

Digital Mail: TDCJ is completing the rollout of the digital mail program. Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in paper soaked in K2 or methamphetamines coming into our facilities. The digital mail program will halt this contraband being sent through traditional mail. Effective September 6, 2023, all inmate mail should be addressed and sent to the Digital Mail Center. All mail received this week will be delivered to the digital mail processing center. More information about this program can be found here: TDCJ News - TDCJ Digital Mail Rollout.

Increased K9 Searches and Other Technology: To assist in contraband detection and outside funding related to contraband, TDCJ will be deploying additional resources. Specialized search teams and narcotic dogs will be deployed to units and staff will be subject to enhanced search procedures.

Comprehensive Searches: All persons entering our facilities at all locations will undergo comprehensive searches.

Tip Line: We are asking for the public’s help in identifying possible attempts at contraband being smuggled into our facilities. Members of the public that have information can call the toll-free tip line at (833) 371-0510 or submit a tip using the online Crime Stoppers Tip Line. All calls and tips are anonymous.

Additional measures may be implemented as necessary to safeguard the lives and well-being of all those within its care.

Due to the fact staff will be concentrating on these search efforts, visitation will be cancelled until further notice. Inmates will still have access to the phone system and tablets.

Family Hotline: (936) 437-2702
TDCJ is committed to supporting families throughout the statewide lockdown. If you need information or have pressing concerns, please contact the Family Hotline for assistance. The Family Hotline is available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those needing assistance.

Once these comprehensive searches are complete, normal operations will resume.