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Office of the Independent Ombudsman

Frequently Asked Questions

Parole


Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division responsibilities

  • What does the TDCJ Parole Division do?
  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Conviction Information


Support Letters

  • Where do I send support letters for my loved one?
  • You are welcome to send support letters that will be placed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) inmate’s file for review by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) at the appropriate time. You might want to include information that demonstrates to the BPP that an inmate has a support system in place upon release. Letters may include information regarding employment/potential employment, residence, transportation, available treatment programs (as applicable), or other information the writer feels would be helpful to the BPP in making their decision. Be sure to include the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number. Address letters to: TDCJ Parole Division, PO Box 13401, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711, Attn: Correspondence.

    Be advised that a support letter will not guarantee a favorable BPP vote.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Residence plans given by the general public

  • I want my loved one to come live with me when he is released. Who do I give my information to?
  • Please be aware that the parole plan must come from the TDCJ inmate. If you are offering the inmate a place to live upon release, be sure to provide him with your full address, an e-mail address (if available) and any contact phone numbers where you can be reached by the Parole Division at the appropriate time for investigation for approval or denial.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Residence failed (pre-release)

  • My residence failed, and he has no other place to go. What happens now?
  • When TDCJ inmates have no family or friends to be released to, they are encouraged to contact approved noncontract Residential Reentry Centers (RRC) throughout the state for acceptance. The listing for the approved noncontract RRCs for the State of Texas is on the Unit. Please advise the inmate to ask an Institutional Parole Officer (IPO) on that unit where it is located, so he can start writing to them. It is the inmate’s responsibility to provided residence information he wishes to be investigated for approval. When he receives an acceptance letter from a RRC, he must then submit it to the IPO, who will in turn submit the information to the Parole Division to conduct the appropriate investigation.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Residence failed (pre-release)

  • My residence failed, and I want to know why.
  • Be advised that an inmate’s release plan is confidential until after the inmate is released from TDCJ custody. You are welcome to contact the inmate with your inquiry as he is kept apprised of his residential status.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Residence plans failed (post release)

  • Why has my residence failed or been denied?
  • Your concern would be better addressed with the investigating parole officer or their supervisory staff. This office will not have the investigating parole officer’s contact information. You may contact the nearest parole office in your area.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Timeline for residence investigation to take place


Residence inquiry prior to inmate’s release

  • My loved one is going to be released soon. Where is he being released to?
  • Be advised that an inmate’s release plan is confidential until after the inmate is released from TDCJ custody. You are welcome to contact the inmate with your inquiry as he is kept apprised of his residential status.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP)..

Inmate being released to a detainer


Early release inquiry if the inmate completes required program prior to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ vote

  • My loved one completed his required program early; can he be released sooner than the date given by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles?
  • If the inmate completes the Rehabilitation Program prescribed by the Rehabilitation Programs Division prior to the established release month, the inmate may qualify for re-vote. If the inmate qualifies for re-vote their file will be forwarded to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) for their reconsideration of the release vote.

    You can track the status of the review by contacting the Review and Release Processing status line at (512) 406-5202. Please be prepared to give the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number to the representative.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Release certificate processing complaints – release certificates are processed through the Review and Release Processing (RRP) Section

  • Why is it taking so long for the release certificate to be processed?
  • Once all the required information needed for a successful release is attained, a release certificate will be issued contingent that the inmate has an approved residence plan and sent to Records office. There it will be audited, and the release date calculated. These processes take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. As each case is unique, it is difficult to estimate how long any process may take.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP)..

TDCJ inmate release dates not set yet – release dates are scheduled by Classification and Records after the release certificate is received from RRP

  • What is taking so long for a release date to be scheduled?
  • Once Classification and Records receives the release certificate, they will conduct an audit, and calculate the inmate’s scheduled release date. This process takes approximately 14 – 21 business days to complete. As each case is unique, it is difficult to estimate how long any process may take.

    The release date and unit of release will be posted on the TDCJ website. To check for a release date, access the TDCJ homepage, click on the “Inmate Information” tab. It will change screens. Find "On-line Offender Search”, click on it to open, enter the inmate’s information, hit “Search”. This will take you to the “Offender Information Search Screen”, click on the inmate’s name. This will take you to the “Offender Information Details Screen”. Scroll down and the information can be found on the line that states: Scheduled Release date and the unit of release will be posted on the line that states: Scheduled Release location.

    Be advised that this date is subject to change at any time without notice, even on the date scheduled.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one completed his required program, what is taking so long to get a release date scheduled for him?
  • Once all the required information needed for a successful release is attained, a release certificate will be issued and sent to Records office. There it will be audited, and the release date calculated.

    These processes take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete after notification of the successful completion of the required program and contingent that the inmate has an approved residence to be released to. As each case is unique, it is difficult to estimate how long any process may take.

    The release date and unit of release will be posted on the TDCJ website. To check for a release date, log on to the home page at www.tdcj.texas.gov, click on the “Inmate Information” tab. It will change screens. Find "On-line Offender Search”, click on it to open, enter the inmate’s information, hit “Search”. This will take you to the “Offender Information Search Screen”, click on the inmate’s name. This will take you to the “Offender Information Details Screen”. Scroll down and the information can be found on the line that states: Scheduled Release date and the unit of release will be posted on the line that states: Scheduled Release location.

    Be advised that this date is subject to change at any time without notice, even on the date scheduled.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Pick up procedures


Release date request

  • When will my loved one be released?
  • The release date and unit of release is posted on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website after it is scheduled. To check for a release date, access the TDCJ homepage, click on the “Inmate Information” tab. It will change screens. Find "On-line Offender Search”, click on it to open, enter the inmate’s information, hit “Search”. This will take you to the “Offender Information Search Screen”, click on the inmate’s name. This will take you to the “Offender Information Details Screen”. Scroll down and the information can be found on the line that states: Scheduled Release date and the unit of release will be posted on the line that states: Scheduled Release location.

    Be advised that this date is subject to change at any time without notice, even on the date scheduled.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • Can anyone pick up an inmate?
  • Be advised that any friends or family members are welcome to pick up the inmate as long as they are not the inmate’s victim or have any restrictions of having contact with the inmate.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

TDCJ Inmate not released on scheduled date

  • Why wasn’t my loved one released today?
  • Your inquiry is better addressed with the Reentry and Integration Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as the releasing process is under their purview. You may contact them by phone at (936) 437-5040, or you may e-mail them at rid@tdcj.texas.gov.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Parole in Absentia (PIA) release dates – for those inmates not located in a TDCJ unit

  • My loved one is in the county jail and I want to know his release date.
  • Provide the release date given by the Parole Division Huntsville Parole Review Unit.

    **These cases are processed the same as releases from the CID units, except that they are released from the county jail and Classification and Records does not calculate the release date therefore it is not posted on the website.**

Parole Policy inquiries


Parole Officer inquiry (pre-release)


Parole officer/office complaints and parole supervision complaints

  • I have issues with my parole officer and my stipulations of release. Who can I contact?
  • You may contact persons in the direct chain of command of the supervising parole officer to resolve issues. The following is the supervisory chain of command.

    • The first supervisor to contact is the Unit Supervisor.
    • The second supervisor to contact is the Parole Supervisor.
    • The third supervisor to contact is the Assistant Regional Director.
    • The last supervisor to contact is the Regional Director.

    If you would like to know the names of these supervisors and contact information, please provide the client’s full name and TDCJ# or full name and date of birth along with your concerns. You are welcome to review our Parole Division policies. You can find the parole policies on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) website.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

    **When all of the above steps have been exhausted refer the requestor to the Office of the Independent Ombudsman by e-mail at io@tdcj.texas.gov or by phone at 936-437-5620.**

Parole Officer inquiry (post release)

  • Who is my loved one’s parole officer?
  • The client’s supervising parole officer and parole office contact info are as follows:

    OFFICER: first name last name
    PAROLE OFFICE: DPO NAME (example: Dallas III)
    ADDR: DPO Address, (street, city, state ZIP code)
    PHONE: phone number
    E-MAIL: parole officer name (first name.last name@tdcj.texas.gov)

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Parole Location


Request for copies of a client’s records


Parole location of someone who has discharged their supervision


Allegations of parole violations


Parole Pre-Revocation Process/Concerns


Inquiries from Attorneys

  • I am representing inmate/client *** and I need to get information regarding his case. Who do I need to contact?
  • Be advised that there is no record in our Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) database that you are registered as the inmate’s/client’s attorney.

    Pursuant to Government Code 508.083 and 508.084 an attorney licensed in the state of Texas who represents a client or an inmate either for compensation or not before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) or the Parole Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is required to be registered with the TDCJ Parole Division.

    You may register on the TDCJ website . Type in “Attorney Forms” in the search bar. Instructions are provided on the fee affidavit form that will guide you to where to send the completed form.

    You may then e-mail it to fee.affidavits@tdcj.texas.gov.

    It generally takes approximately two to three business days to receive and record your information. After the registration is recorded, you are welcome to submit your inquiries to this office so an appropriate response may be provided.

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding our request for the fee affidavit, please feel free to contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of the General Counsel. Their office phone number is (936) 437-6701.

Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) release dates – would be addressed with the Central Coordination Unit (CCU)

  • When will my loved one be released from the ISF?
  • You may contact the TDCJ Central Coordination Unit. You may contact them by mail at: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, PO Box 13401, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711 Attn: Central Coordination Unit or by phone at (512) 406-5356.

    Be sure to provide them with the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number or SID number for identification purposes along with your concerns.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

Interstate Compact concerns (for to Texas and from Texas transfers)


Victim Concerns while inmate is incarcerated contact Victim Services


Victim Concerns after inmate is released from TDCJ is addressed with the parole officer or the chain of command


State Jail release date

  • When will my loved one be released?
  • There is no release date scheduled for the inmate at this time for parole.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) records indicate that the inmate is currently serving a state jail sentence while incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

    You may contact the Classification and Records office on the *** unit with your concern.

    You may find the unit contact information of the inmate’s location by accessing the TDCJ website at , click on the “Inmate Information” tab. It will change screens. Find "Online Offender Search”, click on it to open, enter the inmate’s information, hit “Search”. This will take you to the “Offender Information Search Screen”, click on the inmate’s name. This will take you to the “Offender Information Details Screen”. There you will find the current facility for the inmate, click on the facility displayed and it will open up a listing of all the TDCJ units. Scroll down to find the unit and the address will be provided.

Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFP-F) release date (voted SAFP-F by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles)


Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFP-F) release date (not voted SAFP-F by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles; the inmate is serving a probation SAFP-F)

  • When will my loved one be released?
  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) records indicate that the inmate is not currently serving a sentence for the TDCJ. He is serving a SAFP-F sentence for the county of conviction for a probation violation. Therefore, there is no information regarding his release date on the TDCJ website. The TDCJ website is only updated for inmates currently serving a TDCJ sentence.

    You may contact the county of conviction with your inquiry. This agency will not have the county of conviction information.

Intermediate Sanction Facility release date

  • When will my loved one be released?
  • The TDCJ records indicate that the inmate is not currently serving a sentence for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). He is serving an ISF sentence for the county of conviction for a probation violation. Therefore, there is no information regarding his release date on the TDCJ website. The TDCJ website is only updated for inmates currently serving a TDCJ sentence.

    You may contact the county of conviction with your inquiry. This agency will not have the county of conviction information.

Rehabilitation Programs Concerns


Complaints/Issues with TDCJ contracted Facilities and/or staff (Residential Reentry Centers (RRC), Correctional Centers, State Jail Facilities; Multi-Use Facilities, County Jail Work Release Programs, Substance Abuse Facilities, and In Prison Treatment Programs) (Website: Divisions and Departments – Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division


Texas Department of Criminal Justice Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD)

  • What does CJAD do?
  • TDCJ-CJAD administers community supervision (adult probation) in Texas. Offenders on community supervision serve their sentences in the community rather than in prison.

  • My loved one is currently on probation. How much longer will he be on probation?
  • This office is not able to address your concern as you state the offender is on probation. You will need to contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Community Assistance Division with your concerns and assistance. Be advised that probation and parole are two separate entities in Texas.

    You may contact TDCJ-CJAD by mail at 209 W. 14th Street, Suite #400, Austin, Texas 78701 or by phone at (512) 305-9300. Be advised that they do not have an e-mail address.

  • My loved one is currently in a TDCJ unit when will he be released?
  • Our records indicate that the inmate is currently in a TDCJ facility and is serving a shock probation sentence. Shock probation is a court issue. You may contact the county of conviction with your inquiry and for any further information. This agency will not have the county of conviction information.

    The TDCJ website is only updated for inmates currently serving a TDCJ sentence.

Non-TDCJ Jurisdiction Inquiries


Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP)

  • What does the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles do?
  • The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

  • The parole officer on the unit will not respond to my loved ones I 60s, who do I discuss this with?
  • Your concern is better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency, as the Institutional Parole Office (IPO) is their employee.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

  • My loved one is being reviewed for parole. How long is the process?
  • There is no parole review processing conducted by Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division.

    Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • What is the parole status of my loved one’s parole review?
  • There is no parole status information available from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division.

    Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one was denied parole OR I don’t agree with the reasons for the denial of release? What can be done OR who can I contact?
  • Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one was approved for release? What does the vote mean?
  • Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one had his parole revoked. What can I do and who can I contact?
  • Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one wants to request a special review regarding the denial of his release. How can it be appealed or who can I contact?
  • Your concerns are better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one is very sick and needs to be released so I can get him better medical care on the outside. Who do I contact about this?
  • You are welcome to contact the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments Division (TCOOMMI) of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, by mail at Reentry and Integration Division, 4616 W Howard Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78728, Phone: (512) 671-2134, Toll Free: (877) 887-6151 or by e-mail at tcoommi@tdcj.texas.gov with your concerns regarding a possible medical release.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • I want to request a pardon; what is the procedure and who do I contact?
  • Your inquiry is better addressed with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), which is a separate state agency.

    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division is responsible for the successful reintegration of clients through supervision, treatment programs and the utilization of community resources.

    The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) is responsible for the consideration of eligible inmates for Parole or Discretionary Mandatory Supervision; the imposition of appropriate conditions of release; the determination of revocation or other appropriate sanctions for those clients who have violated the terms of release; and the recommendation of clemency matters to the Governor.

    You may contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) by e-mail at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov or by mail at Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, PO Box 13401 Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 or contact their Ombudsman by phone at (512) 406-5864.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one received an unfair sentence when he was convicted to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. How do I get the sentence length changed?
  • A commutation of sentence reduces a sentence to a lesser time period. A commutation may be granted for time served. Commutations of sentence are granted only upon written recommendation of a majority of the applicant’s trial officials in the county of conviction, stating that the penalty now appears to be excessive and recommending a shorter term based on new information not presented to the judge or jury at trial, or based on a statutory change in the penalty.

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).

  • My loved one is in the parole review process; is there a website I can go to so I can see what is going on with his case?
  • The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) has added a feature on the TDCJ website (www.tdcj.texas.gov), find “Inmate Information”, click on it to open, enter the inmate’s information, hit “Search”. This will take you to the “Offender Information Search Screen”, click on the inmate’s name. This will take you to the “Offender Information Details Screen”. At the bottom of the page, find “Parole Review Information”, click on it. This will take you to the “Parole Review Information Screen.”

    To learn more about the parole process refer to the Parole In Texas manual that is co-authored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP).