The Barry B. Telford Unit, also known as the Telford Unit, is a correctional facility located in New Boston, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Correctional Institutions Division and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since May 2006. The prison is named after Barry B. Telford, a former director of the Texas Department of Corrections.
The Telford Unit is a maximum-security facility that houses male inmates. It is located two miles south of IH-30 on Highway 98 in Bowie County. The prison has a capacity of 2,883 inmates and employs over 500 staff members. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.
The history of the Telford Unit dates back to 1995 when the facility was first built. Since then, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of inmates. Over the years, the prison has faced criticism for its conditions and treatment of inmates, but it remains an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s efforts to provide safe and secure facilities for offenders.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,883 |
| Physical Address | 3899 Hwy 98 New Boston, TX 75570 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 660400 Dallas, TX 75266-0400 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (903) 628-3171 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Capacity
The Barry B. Telford Unit is a Texas state prison located in New Boston, Bowie County, on Highway 98. It is situated just two miles south of IH-30, making it easily accessible to visitors and staff. The prison is named after Barry B. Telford, a former warden of the Huntsville Unit, who was known for his innovative programs to help rehabilitate inmates.
The Telford Unit has a maximum capacity of 2,883 inmates, and it houses a variety of custody levels, including G1-G5, Security Detention, and Safekeeping. It is one of the largest prisons in the state and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The prison’s location in New Boston provides a rural setting that is ideal for a correctional facility. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, which helps to minimize the risk of disturbances and escape attempts. The prison is also close to several major highways, which makes it easy for staff and visitors to access the facility.
The Telford Unit is a secure facility that is designed to house adult male offenders. It has a range of amenities, including a medical clinic, dental services, and educational programs. The prison is staffed by a team of highly trained professionals who are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Overall, the Telford Unit is a well-maintained prison that provides a secure and safe environment for inmates. Its location in New Boston, Bowie County, makes it easily accessible to visitors and staff, while its high capacity and range of custody levels make it a valuable asset to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Inmate Information
Inmate Search
For those looking to find information about an inmate at the Telford Unit, there are several resources available. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) maintains an online inmate search tool that provides information about current and past inmates. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an inmate locator tool that can be used to find information about federal inmates.
To use the TDCJ inmate search tool, users can search by the offender’s name, TDCJ number, or State Identification Number (SID). The search results will provide information about the inmate’s location, offense, projected release date, and more.
The BOP inmate locator tool provides similar information about federal inmates, including their location, offense, projected release date, and more. Users can search by the inmate’s name or BOP register number.
Sentencing
Inmates at the Telford Unit have been sentenced to varying lengths of time, depending on the nature of their offense. Some inmates may have been sentenced to life in prison, while others may be serving shorter sentences.
The TDCJ provides information about an inmate’s sentence length, offense, and other details through its inmate search tool. The BOP also provides similar information for federal inmates.
Release Date
Inmates at the Telford Unit may be eligible for release at different times, depending on their sentence length and other factors. The TDCJ and BOP both provide projected release dates for inmates through their respective inmate search tools.
It’s important to note that projected release dates are subject to change and may not be exact. Inmates may be released earlier or later than their projected release date, depending on various factors.
Overall, there are several resources available for those seeking information about inmates at the Telford Unit. By using the TDCJ and BOP inmate search tools, individuals can find information about an inmate’s location, offense, sentence length, projected release date, and more.
Facilities and Programs
The Telford Unit offers several facilities and programs to inmates to help them improve their skills and education. The unit provides various educational programs, life skills programs, and vocational training to prepare inmates for their reentry into society.
Educational Programs
The Telford Unit offers several educational programs to inmates, including literacy programs, GED preparation classes, and college courses. The unit has a well-stocked library that provides inmates with access to educational materials, including books, newspapers, and magazines. Inmates can also participate in distance learning programs to earn college degrees.
Life Skills Programs
The Telford Unit offers several life skills programs to inmates, including substance abuse education, anger management, and parenting classes. These programs aim to help inmates develop essential skills that will help them lead a successful life after their release. The unit also provides vocational training in electrical trades and small engine repair to help inmates gain marketable skills.
In conclusion, the Telford Unit provides several facilities and programs to inmates to help them improve their educational and vocational skills. These programs aim to prepare inmates for their reentry into society and help them lead a successful life.
Safety and Security
The Telford Unit prioritizes safety and security for both staff and inmates. The facility has implemented various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within the prison. This section will discuss the different aspects of safety and security at Telford.
Custody Levels
The Telford Unit has multiple custody levels for inmates, including safekeeping, administrative segregation, and general population. Safekeeping is for inmates who require protection from other inmates due to their high-profile status or other reasons. Administrative segregation is for inmates who pose a threat to other inmates or staff members. General population is for inmates who do not require special protection or segregation.
The custody level of each inmate is determined based on their behavior, criminal history, and other factors. The prison staff regularly evaluates the custody level of each inmate to ensure they are in the appropriate housing unit.
Administrative Segregation
Administrative segregation is a form of protective custody for inmates who pose a threat to other inmates or staff members. In this housing unit, inmates are kept in individual cells for 23 hours a day. They are allowed one hour of recreation time outside of their cell each day.
Inmates in administrative segregation receive regular mental health evaluations to ensure they are not suffering from any adverse effects of being in isolation. The prison staff also provides them with access to educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for re-entry into society.
Overall, the Telford Unit prioritizes safety and security for all individuals within the facility. The custody levels and administrative segregation measures help to ensure that inmates are housed appropriately and that staff members are protected from dangerous individuals.
Notable Incidents
The Telford Unit has had its fair share of notable incidents over the years. Here are a few that stand out:
- In 2018, Officer Timothy Davison was assaulted by an inmate, resulting in serious injuries. The inmate, Billy Joel Tracy, was charged with aggravated assault on a public servant. Officer Davison was airlifted to a hospital in Texarkana, where he underwent surgery.
- In 2015, an inmate was found dead in his cell at Telford prison. The cause of death was ruled a homicide, and another inmate was charged with murder. The victim was serving a 20-year sentence for aggravated robbery.
- In 2012, a Telford prison guard was sentenced to 20 years in prison for smuggling contraband into the facility. The guard, along with several other co-conspirators, was caught trying to smuggle cellphones, tobacco, and other items into the prison.
- In 2007, a Telford prison guard was arrested and charged with having sexual contact with an inmate. The guard was fired from his job and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
While these incidents are certainly concerning, it’s worth noting that they are relatively rare. The Telford Unit has a strong track record of maintaining order and safety within its walls. Nonetheless, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the challenges that correctional officers and inmates face on a daily basis.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
The mailing address for inmates in the Telford Unit is:
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
- P.O. Box 660400
- Dallas, TX 75266-0400
When sending mail to an inmate, it is important to include their full name, TDCJ number, and unit name on the envelope. Failure to do so may result in the mail being returned to the sender.
Phone Contact
To contact the Telford Unit by phone, dial (903) 628-3171 (**067). Calls are answered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent matters, it may be possible to speak with a senior staff member outside of these hours.
Please note that all calls to TDCJ facilities are subject to recording and monitoring. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls, but they may make outgoing calls to approved numbers. To add a phone number to an inmate’s approved list, the person receiving the call must contact the unit directly.
Overall, the Telford Unit provides multiple ways to contact the facility and its staff. Whether by mail or phone, it is important to follow the guidelines and procedures set forth by TDCJ to ensure that communication is received by the intended recipient.