The Carol S. Vance Unit, commonly known as the Vance Unit, is a medium-security prison located in Fort Bend County, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and has a capacity of approximately 370 inmates. The facility is named after former Texas State Senator Carol S. Vance, who was instrumental in the creation of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The Vance Unit was first opened in 1995 and has since become an important part of the criminal justice system in Texas. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering a range of rehabilitation and educational programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release. The prison offers a variety of vocational training programs, including welding, automotive repair, and horticulture, as well as educational programs such as adult basic education and GED preparation.
Located just four miles east of Richmond, Texas, Vance is easily accessible to visitors and family members of inmates. The physical address of the facility is 2 Jester Road, Richmond, TX 77406. The facility has a reputation for being well-run and secure, with a low incidence of violence or other incidents.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 378 |
| Physical Address | 2 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) 277-3030 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Historical Background
The Vance Unit, also known as Carol S. Vance Unit, is a state prison located in Texas, USA. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is one of the state’s largest prisons. The facility was named after Carol S. Vance, who served as the director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from 1987 to 1991.
The history of the Vance Unit dates back to the early 1900s when it was originally built as a county jail. In the 1950s, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice took over the facility and converted it into a state prison. Since then, the prison has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing inmate population.
The Vance Unit is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of over 370 inmates and employs over 100 staff members. The prison offers various programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
In summary, the Vance Unit has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was initially built as a county jail. Today, it is a state-of-the-art facility that offers various programs and services to inmates. While it has faced several controversies over the years, it remains an essential component of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s correctional system.
Inmate Demographics
The Vance Unit houses a diverse population of inmates, with a variety of ages, races, and ethnicities represented.
In terms of age, the largest age group of inmates at Vance prison is between 26 and 35 years old, followed closely by those aged 36 to 45. However, the prison also houses a significant number of older inmates, with over 100 inmates aged 56 and above.
In terms of race and ethnicity, the majority of inmates at Vance are African American, accounting for approximately 60% of the total inmate population. White inmates make up the second largest racial group, comprising around 30% of the population. Hispanic and other ethnic groups make up the remaining 10%.
It is worth noting that the Vance Unit is a state facility and therefore primarily houses state inmates. However, the prison also holds a small number of federal inmates and county inmates.
The prison also houses a number of sex offenders, although the exact number is not publicly available. It is important to note that all inmates at Vance have been convicted of a crime and are serving their sentences.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Vance Unit offers a variety of services and programs to support inmates during their incarceration. The prison’s goal is to provide inmates with the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Education and Literacy Programs
The Vance Unit offers adult education programs, including literacy classes, to help inmates improve their reading and writing skills. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, such as the mechanical shop and agricultural operations, to gain valuable job skills.
Chaplaincy Services and Support Groups
Chaplaincy services are available to inmates of all faiths, providing spiritual guidance and support. In addition, the Vance Unit offers support groups for inmates dealing with issues such as addiction, anger management, and grief.
Rehabilitation and Special Treatment Programs
The Vance Unit offers a range of rehabilitation and special treatment programs to help inmates address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. These programs include drug and alcohol treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and anger management.
Additional Programs and Services
In addition to the programs and services mentioned above, Vance offers a variety of other programs and services to support inmates during their incarceration. These include:
- Transformational Ministry Dormitory: A faith-based dormitory where inmates can participate in Bible studies and other religious activities.
- Unit Garden: Inmates can participate in the cultivation of a vegetable garden, learning valuable skills and contributing to the prison’s food supply.
- Swine Finishing Operation: Inmates can participate in the care and feeding of pigs, learning valuable agricultural skills.
- Volunteer Initiatives: The prison welcomes volunteers who can provide additional support and resources to inmates.
Overall, the Vance Unit is committed to providing inmates with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society. Through education, rehabilitation, and a variety of other programs and services, the prison strives to help inmates become productive members of their communities.
Visitation and Communication
Visiting an inmate at Carol S. Vance Unit is subject to the TDCJ visitation rules and regulations. The visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are advised to confirm the visiting hours and days prior to their visit by contacting the unit or checking the TDCJ website.
To visit an inmate, visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The inmate must initiate the process by submitting a list of up to ten visitors. The visitor must then complete the TDCJ visitor application and mail it to the unit with a copy of their ID. Once approved, the visitor will receive a notification letter with the approved visiting days and hours.
Inmates can receive mail from their friends and family members. To send mail to an inmate, the sender must include:
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
- P.O. Box 660400
- Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Inmates can also make phone calls to their approved phone list. The phone list must include up to ten phone numbers, including landlines and cell phones. The phone calls are subject to monitoring and recording. The inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls or messages.
Overall, visitors and inmates must follow the TDCJ rules and regulations to ensure a successful visitation and communication process.
Inmate Search and Information
The Vance Unit is a correctional facility in Fort Bend County, Texas, managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Inmate information is available to the public on the TDCJ website. To find an inmate, one can use the TDCJ Inmate Search tool, which provides information on current and past inmates.
The TDCJ Inmate Search tool allows users to search for inmates by their last name, first name, and TDCJ number. The search results provide information such as the inmate’s name, TDCJ number, gender, race, date of birth, and release date. The tool also shows the inmate’s current location and the facility where they are being held.
In addition to the TDCJ Inmate Search tool, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) also provides an Inmate Locator tool. This tool allows users to search for federal inmates by their name or BOP register number. The search results provide information such as the inmate’s name, register number, age, race, and release date. The tool also shows the inmate’s current location and the facility where they are being held.
It is important to note that the information provided by the TDCJ Inmate Search tool and the BOP Inmate Locator tool may not always be up-to-date. Inmate data can change frequently, and the tools may not reflect the most recent information. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the facility directly for the most current information.
If someone is looking for information on a specific inmate, they can also contact the facility directly. The TDCJ Unit Directory provides contact information for each facility, including phone numbers and addresses. It is important to note that release dates and other information may not be available to the public due to privacy laws.
Overall, the TDCJ Inmate Search tool and the BOP Inmate Locator tool provide a convenient way to find information on inmates. However, it is important to keep in mind that the information provided may not always be up-to-date, and contacting the facility directly may be necessary for the most current information.
Art and Religion in the Vance Unit
The Vance Unit is known for its faith-based programs, including the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI), which is a Christ-centered, Bible-based prison program that supports inmates through their spiritual and moral transformation. The IFI program was first implemented in April 1997 at the Carol Vance Unit in Richmond, TX.
The role of religion in the prison environment should be measured by whether it changes inmate behavior and attitudes. There is evidence that religious programs are effective in helping inmates commit to positive, rehabilitative values and resist the adoption of antisocial, crime-related values that pervade prison subculture.
One way that religion and art intersect in Vance is through the murals that are painted on the walls of the chapel. These murals depict scenes from the Book of Revelation and the Crucifixion of Jesus. The murals serve as a visual representation of the faith-based teachings that are offered in the chapel. In addition to the murals, there are also stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes.
Another way that art is used in the Vance Unit is through the Go K program. Go K stands for “God’s Kids,” and it is a program that teaches inmates to build and paint go-karts. The program is designed to teach inmates teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. The finished go-karts are then used in races that are held in the prison yard.
Overall, the use of art and religion in Vance serves as a way to promote positive values and behaviors among inmates. Through programs like IFI and Go K, inmates are given the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes that will help them succeed both inside and outside of prison walls.
Work and Community Projects
The Carol S. Vance Unit offers various work and community projects to inmates to help them develop skills and give back to the community. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and provide inmates with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Some of the programs offered include:
- Community Work Projects: Inmates participate in services provided to city and county agencies, the area food bank, and other community organizations. These projects allow inmates to give back to the community and develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards others.
- Contract Farming and Grazing: Inmates work on the unit’s farming and ranching operations, which include raising crops and livestock. This program teaches inmates valuable skills such as animal husbandry, crop management, and farm equipment operation.
- Combine Shed: Inmates work in the combine shed, where they repair and maintain the unit’s farming equipment. This program teaches inmates mechanical skills and provides them with a sense of accomplishment as they see the tangible results of their work.
- Security Horses: Inmates work with the unit’s security horses, providing care and training for the animals. This program teaches inmates responsibility, patience, and communication skills.
These programs not only benefit the inmates but also provide valuable services to the community and the unit. Inmates who participate in these programs are more likely to succeed upon release and less likely to re-offend. The unit’s farming and ranching operations provide food for the unit and reduce costs, while the maintenance of the unit’s equipment ensures that it runs smoothly and efficiently.