The William P. Clements Unit, also known as the Clements Unit, is a maximum-security prison located in Amarillo, Texas, under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility houses around 3,700 male inmates and is known for its strict security measures.
The Clements Unit was named after William P. Clements, Jr., who served as Governor of Texas from 1979 to 1983 and from 1987 to 1991. The facility was opened in 1990 and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since May 2008. The unit’s Senior Warden is Adam Gonzales.
The Clements Unit has a reputation for being one of the most secure prisons in Texas, with extensive security measures in place to prevent escapes and maintain order. The facility is surrounded by two razor-wire fences and is monitored by armed guards in towers. The prison also has a Special Management Unit for high-risk inmates who require additional security measures.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 3,796 |
| Physical Address | 9601 Spur 591 Amarillo, TX 79107-9606 |
| 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 | (806) 381-7080 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Clements Prison
The William P. Clements Unit, also known as the Clements Unit, is a correctional facility located in Amarillo, Texas. It was established in 1987 and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The prison was named after William P. Clements, Jr., who served as the Governor of Texas from 1979 to 1983 and from 1987 to 1991. Clements was a strong advocate for criminal justice reform and worked to improve the state’s prison system during his time in office.
The Clements Unit is a maximum-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 3796 inmates and employs over 500 staff members. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society.
Over the years, the Clements Unit has had its share of controversies and incidents. In 2000, two inmates escaped from the facility and were on the run for several days before being captured. In 2015, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in several injuries and extensive damage to the facility.
Despite these challenges, the Clements Unit remains an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s correctional system. Its staff members work tirelessly to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and employees.
Inmate Information
The Clements Unit is a male-only facility that houses inmates under the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As of 2023, the prison has a capacity of 3796 male inmates. Inmates at Clements prison are classified based on their custody level, which determines their housing assignment, work details, and other privileges.
Inmates at the Clements Unit are allowed to receive mail, visitation, and phone calls. However, all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by prison staff. Visitors must be approved in advance and are subject to search upon entering the facility.
To locate an inmate at the Clements Unit, one can use the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s online inmate search tool. This tool allows users to search for an inmate by their name, TDCJ number, or state identification number. The search results will display the inmate’s name, gender, race, date of birth, custody level, and projected release date.
Inmates at the Clements Unit may be eligible for parole or release based on their sentence and behavior while incarcerated. The projected release date displayed in the inmate search results is subject to change based on various factors, including good behavior, earned time credits, and changes in state law.
Overall, the Clements Unit provides inmate information to the public through its online inmate search tool. This tool allows the public to locate an inmate, view their projected release date, and learn more about their custody level.
Facilities and Operations
The facility operations at the Clements Unit are managed by Senior Warden Adam Gonzales, who oversees the day-to-day activities of the prison. The unit has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since May 2008.
The Clements Unit houses a variety of manufacturing and logistics operations that provide inmates with job training and work experience. These operations include a beef processing plant, where inmates work in a controlled environment to process beef for consumption. The unit also has a unit garden where inmates cultivate crops, as well as a unit store where they can purchase items such as snacks and toiletries.
In addition to the manufacturing and logistics operations, the Clements Unit also has an infirmary, which provides medical care to inmates. The infirmary has a full-time medical staff that includes registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. The facility also has scent-specific canines, which are used to detect contraband within the prison.
Facility maintenance is also an essential part of the Clements Unit’s operations. The unit has a dedicated team of maintenance staff who are responsible for keeping the facility in good condition. They perform routine maintenance tasks such as plumbing repairs, electrical work, and general repairs.
Overall, the Clements Unit provides a range of facilities and operations that are designed to provide inmates with a safe and secure environment while also providing them with opportunities for job training and work experience.
Educational and Career Programs
The Clements Unit offers a range of educational and career programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that can help them succeed upon release.
One of the primary educational programs offered at Clements is literacy education, which includes adult basic education and GED preparation. Inmates can work towards earning their high school equivalency diploma through these programs, which are designed to improve their reading, writing, and math skills.
Special education programs are also available for inmates with learning disabilities or other special needs. These programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each inmate and can include accommodations such as extended testing time or one-on-one tutoring.
Clements also offers a variety of career and technology programs, including automotive specialization and diesel mechanics. These programs provide hands-on training in a variety of fields, helping inmates develop valuable skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon release.
In addition to traditional educational programs, Clements offers cognitive intervention programs designed to help inmates address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. These programs focus on developing problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as improving communication and interpersonal relationships.
As part of their reentry planning, inmates at Clements can also participate in peer education programs and receive assistance with job placement and other aspects of reintegrating into society. Windham Education, a division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, manages the educational programs at Clements and employs dedicated staff members to ensure that inmates receive the support and resources they need to succeed.
Health Services
The Clements Unit provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The prison’s medical capabilities include ambulatory medical care, dental care, and mental health services. In addition, there is a seventeen-bed infirmary with two mental health crisis management rooms and a telemedicine center.
The prison’s mental health services are an essential part of its healthcare program. Approximately 17% of the prison’s 146,000 inmates have a medical alert code indicating a current or past mental disorder. The prison’s correctional health care staff is responsible for caring for about 1,514 psychiatric inpatients on any given day. The prison also offers special treatment programs to help inmates manage their mental health conditions.
The Clements Unit’s dental services include routine dental care, emergency dental care, and specialty dental services. Inmates can receive routine dental care, such as cleanings and fillings, as well as emergency dental care for issues such as toothaches and broken teeth. The prison also offers specialty dental services, such as orthodontics and prosthodontics.
The prison’s medical capabilities also include digital medical services (DMS), electronic specialty clinics, and CPAP accommodating housing. The prison’s medical care is managed by UTMB, which ensures that the inmates receive high-quality medical care.
Overall, the Clements Unit provides comprehensive and quality health services to its inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health services. The prison’s correctional health care staff is trained to provide the best possible care to inmates with mental health conditions, and the prison offers special treatment programs to help manage these conditions. The prison’s dental services are also comprehensive, offering routine dental care, emergency dental care, and specialty dental services.
Additional Programs and Services
The Clements Unit offers a range of additional programs and services to the inmates to help them with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These programs and services include:
- Faith-Based Dormitory: The faith-based dormitory is a voluntary program that provides a structured environment for inmates who want to deepen their faith and spirituality. The program includes religious studies, counseling, and mentoring.
- Adult Education Program: The adult education program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn their GED or improve their literacy skills. The program also offers vocational training in areas such as welding, electrical work, and carpentry.
- Agricultural Operations: The agricultural operations program provides inmates with the opportunity to work on the unit’s farm, where they learn valuable skills in animal husbandry, crop cultivation, and farm management.
- Community Work Projects: Inmates can participate in community work projects, where they work on projects such as park maintenance, road cleanup, and other community service initiatives.
- Volunteer Initiatives: The unit offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for inmates, such as working with local charities or mentoring at-risk youth.
- Chaplaincy Services: The chaplaincy services program provides spiritual counseling and support to inmates of all faiths.
- Go Kids Initiative: The Go Kids Initiative is a mentoring program that pairs inmates with at-risk youth in the local community. The program provides positive role models for the youth and helps the inmates develop leadership and mentoring skills.
- Substance Abuse Education: The substance abuse education program provides inmates with information and resources to help them overcome their addiction and make positive changes in their lives.
- Mentoring: The mentoring program provides inmates with one-on-one mentoring from trained volunteers. The program helps inmates develop positive relationships and learn new skills.
- Support Groups: The unit offers a variety of support groups for inmates, such as anger management, grief counseling, and parenting classes.
- Religious Services: The unit offers religious services for inmates of all faiths, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Native American.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: The substance abuse treatment program provides intensive counseling and therapy to inmates who are struggling with addiction. The program includes individual and group therapy, as well as support groups and aftercare services.
Security Measures
The Clements Unit is an ACA-accredited unit that houses offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum. As a correctional institution, security is a top priority. The facility employs a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, offenders, and the public.
One such measure is the use of security horses. These horses are trained to assist with perimeter patrols, cell extractions, and crowd control. Additionally, the unit employs security pack canines to assist with searches and to detect contraband.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has established rules and regulations that all units must follow. These rules cover everything from offender conduct to staff procedures. The Clements Unit is no exception and is required to follow all TDCJ rules to maintain its accreditation.
As an ACA-accredited unit, the Clements Unit undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with ACA standards. These audits cover a variety of areas, including security. The audits help to identify areas that require improvement and ensure that the facility is meeting or exceeding industry standards.
Overall, the Clements Unit takes security seriously and employs a variety of measures to ensure the safety of all involved. From its use of security horses and pack canines to its adherence to TDCJ rules and ACA standards, the facility is committed to maintaining a secure environment for staff, offenders, and the public.
Family and Friends Information
Clements Prison understands the importance of maintaining family and friend connections for inmates. Inmates are allowed visitation privileges, and family and friends are encouraged to visit as often as possible.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours. Visitors are required to present a valid photo ID, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Sending Money
Family and friends can send money to inmates through the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) system. To set up an EFT account, visit the official website and follow the instructions. There is a fee associated with each transaction, and the maximum amount that can be sent per transaction is $500.
Communication with Inmates
Inmates are allowed to send and receive letters, but they must follow strict guidelines. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and any mail that violates the rules will be returned to the sender. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls, but they must be collect calls, and the recipient must accept the charges.
Additional Resources
The Clements Unit offers additional resources for family and friends of inmates. These resources include support groups, counseling services, and educational programs.
Overall, the Clements Unit strives to maintain open lines of communication between inmates and their families and friends. By following the rules and guidelines, family and friends can continue to support their loved ones during their time in prison.
Inmate Rights and Resources
Inmates at the Clements Unit have certain rights and resources available to them. These include access to medical care, religious services, educational programs, and more. However, it is important to note that these resources are subject to limitations and restrictions.
One of the most important rights for inmates is the right to be free from sexual victimization. The prison has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment, and inmates who experience such incidents are encouraged to report them to prison staff. The prison also provides resources and support for victims of sexual victimization, including counseling services and medical care.
In addition to the right to be free from sexual victimization, inmates at the Clements Unit also have other rights. These include the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, the right to access the courts, and the right to receive medical care. However, it is important to note that these rights are subject to limitations and restrictions, and may be curtailed in certain circumstances.
Despite these limitations, inmates at the Clements Unit have access to a variety of resources. These include educational programs, vocational training, and religious services. Inmates can also receive mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other forms of support. However, it is important to note that access to these resources may be limited based on an inmate’s classification level, behavior, and other factors.
Overall, while inmates at the Clements Unit have certain rights and resources available to them, it is important to remember that these are subject to limitations and restrictions. Inmates who have questions or concerns about their rights or access to resources should speak with prison staff for more information.
Contact Information
For those who need to contact the Clements Unit in Amarillo, Texas, there are several ways to get in touch.
Firstly, the facility can be reached by phone at 806-381-7080. This number can be used to inquire about visitation hours, inmate information, and other general questions about the prison.
In addition, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website is a valuable resource for those who need to contact the Clements Unit. The website, located at tdcj.state.tx.us, contains a wealth of information about the prison system in Texas, including contact information for all facilities, visiting rules and regulations, and more.
For those who need to send mail to an inmate at the Clements Unit, the mailing address is as follows:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
P.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400It is important to note that all mail sent to inmates must follow strict guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Any mail that does not meet these guidelines may be returned to the sender or rejected altogether.
Overall, those who need to contact the Clements Unit can do so easily by phone, through the TDCJ website, or by following the guidelines for sending mail to inmates.