Jester III is a correctional institution located in Richmond, Texas that houses male inmates. The facility is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2009. The prison is named after Beauford H. Jester, who served as the Governor of Texas from 1947 to 1949.
Jester III is one of four units located in the same area, with Jester I, Jester IV, and the Carol S. Vance Unit being the others. The Jester units are located about four miles east of Richmond on Hwy 90A in Fort Bend County. Each unit has its own senior warden and is overseen by the Region III Director’s Office of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Wayne Scott Unit and the Darrington Unit are also located in the same region.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,131 |
| Physical Address | 3 Jester Road Richmond, TX 77406 |
| 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 | (281) 277-7000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Location
Jester III is a maximum-security prison located in Fort Bend County, Texas. The prison was established in July 1982 and is named after Beauford H. Jester, who served as the Governor of Texas from 1947 to 1949. The facility is situated four miles east of Richmond on Hwy 90A.
The Jester III Unit is one of three units that make up the Jester Complex, the other two being Jester I and Jester IV. The complex is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is responsible for housing male inmates who have been convicted of serious offenses.
The Jester III Unit has a capacity of 1,131 inmates and is staffed by a team of correctional officers, medical staff, and support personnel. The Senior Warden of the Jester III Unit is William Wheat, and the Regional Director of Region III is Maricia Jackson. The Deputy Division Director is Richard Babcock.
The location of Jester III is strategic, as it is situated in a relatively rural area that is far from major urban centers. This makes it easier for the prison to maintain security and control over the inmate population. The facility is also close to other TDCJ units, including the Wayne Scott Unit and the Carol S. Vance Unit, which are both located on Jester Road in Richmond, TX.
Facilities and Units
Jester III is a Texas state prison located in Fort Bend County. It is one of the five prisons located in the Jester Complex, which also includes Jester I, Jester IV, Vance, and Gist units. The prison was established in July 1982 and is named after Beauford H. Jester, the Governor of Texas from 1947 to 1949.
Jester III has a maximum capacity of 1,131 male inmates and is a medium-security facility. The prison has a variety of units, including general population, administrative segregation, and psychiatric units. The Wayne Scott Unit, a psychiatric facility, is co-located with Jester III, Jester I, Jester IV, and Vance units.
The Carol S. Vance Unit, another prison in the Jester Complex, is a minimum-security trusty camp that houses male inmates. It is located four miles east of Richmond on Hwy 90A and has a capacity of 1,000 inmates. The Vance Unit provides a variety of vocational and educational programs, including GED, adult basic education, and vocational training.
The Pack and Ney units, located in Navasota, are also part of the Jester Complex. The Pack Unit is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates, while the Ney Unit is a minimum-security trusty camp that houses male inmates. Both units provide a variety of vocational and educational programs, including adult basic education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, the Jester Complex provides a variety of facilities and units that aim to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their lives and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Inmate Information
Inmates at Jester III have been convicted of various crimes, including but not limited to murder, robbery, and drug-related offenses. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
Inmates at Jester III can be located using the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s inmate locator tool. The tool allows users to search for inmates by their full name or offender number. It provides information about the inmate’s current facility, projected release date, and parole eligibility date.
It is important to note that release dates are subject to change based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to good behavior, time served, and changes in sentencing laws. Inmates are encouraged to work with their case managers to develop a plan for their eventual release and reentry into society.
Overall, Jester III is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility strives to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates through a range of programs and services.
Visitation and Contact
Jester III prison allows visitation for inmates, subject to certain rules and regulations. Family members and friends of inmates can visit the facility during designated hours. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the prison authorities to ensure a smooth visitation experience.
Visitors must fill out an application before visiting an inmate. The application process includes providing personal information, a photo ID, and the inmate’s mailing address. Visitors must also provide information about their relationship with the inmate and their purpose for visiting. The application process can take up to four weeks, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Visitation schedules are subject to change, so visitors should check the TDCJ website or contact the Jester III prison directly to confirm visitation hours. Regular visitation hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing.
Visitors must adhere to the dress code and other rules set by the prison authorities. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothing, shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Visitors must also avoid bringing any prohibited items such as cell phones, weapons, and drugs. Visitors are allowed to bring money to purchase food and drinks from the vending machines.
Inmates can receive letters from family members and friends. Visitors can also use the JPay system to send money to inmates. The JPay system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and Visa gift cards. Visitors can also send money orders to the inmate’s mailing address.
Special visits may be granted for family members who live a significant distance from the prison or for other special circumstances. Visitors must request special visits through the prison authorities and provide documentation to support their request.
Overall, visitors should follow the rules and regulations set by the prison authorities to ensure a smooth visitation experience. Visitors can contact Jester III prison directly at (281) 277-7000 for more information about visitation and contact.
Programs and Activities
Jester III offers a variety of programs and activities to help inmates develop skills, knowledge, and positive behaviors that can help them succeed after release. These programs and activities are designed to improve inmates’ chances of finding employment, maintaining healthy relationships, and avoiding criminal behavior in the future.
Education Programs
Jester III provides a range of educational programs, including adult basic education and literacy classes. The prison also partners with Alvin Community College to offer vocational training in areas such as auto mechanics and food service preparation. Inmates can earn certificates in these fields, which can help them secure employment after release.
Cognitive Intervention and Life Skills
The prison offers cognitive intervention programs that help inmates identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. These programs are designed to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and improve inmates’ chances of success after release. In addition, Jester III provides life skills classes that cover topics such as money management, parenting, and communication skills.
Support Groups and Mentoring
Jester III offers a range of support groups and mentoring programs to help inmates deal with issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and anger management. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where inmates can share their experiences and receive guidance from trained professionals and peers.
Reentry Planning and Peer Education
Jester III provides reentry planning services to help inmates prepare for life after release. These services include job training, resume building, and assistance with finding housing and other resources. The prison also offers peer education programs, where trained inmates teach their peers about topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention and substance abuse education.
Volunteer Initiatives and Go Kids Initiative
Jester III welcomes volunteers from the community to participate in programs and activities. Volunteers can help with tutoring, mentoring, and other activities that support inmates’ rehabilitation and reentry. The prison also offers the Go Kids Initiative, which provides educational and recreational activities for inmates’ children during visitation hours.
Chaplaincy Services
Jester III provides chaplaincy services to inmates of all faiths. Chaplains offer counseling, spiritual guidance, and religious services to inmates who request them. These services are designed to help inmates find meaning and purpose in their lives and develop a sense of hope for the future.
Operations and Services
Jester III is a correctional institution managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and falls under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Institutions Division. The unit is classified as a G1-G3 security level facility and is designed to house adult male offenders.
The unit offers a range of agricultural operations, including a unit garden, swine finishing operation, contract farming, and grazing. Offenders are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these operations. Additionally, the unit has security horses and security pack canines to maintain the safety and security of the facility.
Jester III also has a mechanical shop and combined shed that provides vocational training opportunities for offenders. The shop is equipped with various tools and machinery, including welding equipment and lathes, to teach offenders valuable job skills that can be used upon release.
The unit has scent-specific canines and human remains detection (HRD) canines that are trained to locate contraband and assist in the search for escaped offenders.
Offenders at Jester III have access to dental services, including routine check-ups and emergency treatment. The unit also provides ambulatory medical and in-patient mental health services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Overall, Jester III provides a range of operations and services that aim to maintain the safety and security of the facility while also providing offenders with vocational training and access to medical and dental care.
Notable People
Jester III has been associated with several notable individuals throughout its history. Here are some of the most significant ones:
Beauford H. Jester
Beauford H. Jester was the 36th Governor of Texas, serving from 1947 until his death in 1949. The prison was named after him in honor of his contributions to the state of Texas. Jester was a prominent figure in Texas politics, and his legacy is still felt today.
Michael Scott
Michael Scott was an inmate at Jester III who gained national attention for his activism and advocacy work. Scott was a member of the Texas Inmate Families Association and worked to improve conditions for prisoners during his time at Jester III. He was also a talented artist and created many pieces of artwork while in prison.
Other Notable Inmates
Jester III has also housed several other notable inmates throughout its history. These include:
- Henry Lee Lucas, a convicted serial killer who claimed responsibility for hundreds of murders
- Kenneth McDuff, another convicted serial killer who was executed in 1998
- David Lewis, a former police officer who was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison
Overall, Jester III has been home to many individuals who have made significant contributions to Texas and the United States, as well as those who have committed heinous crimes.