The Dolph Briscoe Unit, also known as Briscoe Prison, is a correctional facility located in Dilley, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and houses male inmates. The unit is named after the former Texas Governor, Dolph Briscoe Jr.
Briscoe Prison is an ACA-accredited facility that provides a range of programs and services to its inmates. These include educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The unit also has a commissary and trust fund department that allows inmates to purchase items not provided by the agency and provides a safe place for personal funds.
The unit is one of many facilities operated by the TDCJ and plays a crucial role in the state’s correctional system.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,384 |
| Physical Address | 1459 West Highway 85 Dilley, TX 78017 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 660400 Dallas, TX 75266-0400 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (830) 965-4444 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Contact Information
The Dolph Briscoe Unit is a correctional facility managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice located in Dilley, Texas. The facility is situated one-quarter mile west of IH-35 on Highway 85 in Frio County. The physical address of the unit is 1459 West Highway 85, Dilley, TX 78017.
For any inquiries regarding the unit, individuals can contact the facility by phone at (830) 965-4444 (**052). The unit’s senior warden is John Cirone, while the regional director for Region IV is David Blackwell.
Inmates at the Dolph Briscoe Unit can receive mail from their loved ones. The inmate 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 75266-0400
It is important to note that all incoming mail is subject to inspection and must comply with the facility’s rules and regulations. Additionally, phone calls to inmates are not permitted, but inmates can make collect calls to approved numbers.
Overall, the Dolph Briscoe Unit is located in a rural area and is easily accessible by car. The facility’s contact information is readily available for anyone who needs to get in touch with the unit for official or personal reasons.
Construction and Capacity
The Dolph Briscoe Unit, located in Dilley, Texas, is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. The prison was built in 1992 and has a capacity of 1,384 inmates.
To address overcrowding, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has undertaken a large and complex prison construction program, including the construction of new facilities and the renovation, repair, and maintenance of existing ones. Currently, the BOP is constructing 13 prisons costing an estimated $1.6 billion.
The BOP is responsible for the site selection, design, and construction of new correctional facilities, as well as the renovation, repair, and modernization of existing ones. The BOP Construction program has a budget of $2,000,000 and 17 positions allocated for Fiscal Year 2022. Additionally, the BOP has a Modernization and Repair program with a budget of $137,994,000 and 42 positions allocated for Fiscal Year 2022.
The BOP is required by the First Step Act (FSA) to have pre-release custody capacity available for all eligible inmates, and the FSA greatly expands the BOP’s capacity to address overcrowding. The BOP has taken steps to increase capacity, including opening new facilities, expanding existing ones, and implementing alternative housing programs.
In conclusion, the Dolph Briscoe Unit is currently operating above its rated capacity, and the BOP is undertaking a large and complex prison construction program to address overcrowding. The BOP Construction program and the Modernization and Repair program have allocated budgets and positions for Fiscal Year 2022 to ensure that the BOP can continue to meet its obligations under the FSA.
Education and Programs
Briscoe Prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Adult Education
The prison offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Development (GED) courses to inmates who need to improve their literacy skills or earn a high school equivalency diploma. These courses are taught by certified teachers and are available to all inmates who qualify.
Special Education
Inmates with special education needs can receive individualized instruction and support through the Special Education program. This program provides educational services to inmates with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and other special needs.
English as a Second Language
For non-native English speakers, Briscoe Prison offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These courses help inmates improve their English language skills and better communicate with others.
Career and Technology Programs
Inmates can also participate in Career and Technology programs that provide training in various trades. These programs include courses in construction carpentry, electrical trades, and landscape design. Inmates can earn industry-recognized certifications and gain valuable work experience that can help them secure employment after their release.
Additional Programs/Services
Briscoe Prison offers a variety of additional programs and services to inmates, including support groups, life skills classes, and Operation Lone Star. Operation Lone Star is a program that provides inmates with the opportunity to participate in community service projects and give back to their communities.
Overall, Briscoe Prison provides a range of educational and vocational opportunities to help inmates prepare for life after their release. These programs are designed to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society and become productive members of their communities.
Inmate Information and Services
Inmate Search
Briscoe Prison is a correctional facility in Dilley, Texas, that houses male inmates. Inmates can be searched through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website. The search can be done by name, TDCJ number, or SID number. Inmates’ information includes their full name, TDCJ number, SID number, race, gender, date of birth, and release date. It is important to note that the release date may not be up-to-date due to pending Federal Time Credit changes.
Visiting Rules
Visiting an inmate at Briscoe Prison requires prior approval and adherence to strict rules. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. They must also pass a background check and dress appropriately. The dress code includes wearing appropriate footwear, no revealing clothing, and no gang-related clothing. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, except for a clear plastic bag containing their identification and a small amount of money. The full list of visiting rules can be found on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Commissary Services
Inmates at Briscoe Prison have access to a commissary where they can purchase items such as food, hygiene products, and clothing. The commissary is operated by Trinity Services Group. Inmates can order items once a week, and the orders are delivered to their housing area. The commissary prices are reasonable, and the list of available items can be found on the Trinity Services Group website.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates at Briscoe Prison can receive money from friends and family through JPay, a service that allows people to send money to inmates online or over the phone. The money can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for phone calls. Inmates can also receive money through money orders, which can be sent through the mail or dropped off in person at the facility. It is important to note that the money orders must be made payable to JPay and include the inmate’s name and TDCJ number. More information on sending money to an inmate can be found on the JPay website.
Overall, Briscoe Prison provides various inmate services and amenities that aim to improve the quality of life for inmates.
Custody Levels and Offenses
Briscoe Prison, located in Dilley, Texas, is a mixed-security prison that houses male offenders. The custody level of each inmate at Briscoe is determined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. The custody levels range from minimum to maximum security and are used to determine the appropriate housing and supervision for each inmate.
Inmates at Briscoe Prison have been accused of a variety of state crimes, including drug offenses, assault, and criminal trespassing. The prison has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of misconduct, and inmates who violate the rules are subject to disciplinary action. The TDCJ provides a list of offenses and their corresponding levels of severity on its website, which is used to determine the appropriate disciplinary action.
The custody level of an inmate can also affect the likelihood of them committing an offense. A study conducted by the TDCJ found that inmates in higher custody levels were less likely to commit prison rule violations. The study also found that the most common type of offense committed by inmates was a “major” offense, which includes assault, drug offenses, and escape attempts.
San Antonio, located approximately 100 miles from Briscoe Prison, is the nearest major city. Inmates at Briscoe Prison are not allowed to leave the facility without permission, and any unauthorized departure is considered an escape attempt and can result in disciplinary action.
In conclusion, custody levels and offenses are closely monitored at Briscoe Prison. Inmates who violate the rules are subject to disciplinary action, and the custody level of each inmate is determined by the TDCJ based on their criminal history and behavior. The prison has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of misconduct, and inmates who violate the rules are subject to disciplinary action.
Community and Volunteer Initiatives
Briscoe Prison has a number of community and volunteer initiatives that help support community reentry efforts, reduce recidivism, and change lives. The prison recognizes the value volunteers bring to the lives of incarcerated individuals and their success after reentering society. That’s why they prioritize increasing and improving volunteer programs.
One of the volunteer programs available at Briscoe Prison is Habitat for Humanity, which provides volunteer opportunities for inmates to build homes for those in need. This program helps inmates develop vocational skills and gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity helps to build stronger communities by providing affordable housing to those who need it.
Another community work project available at Briscoe Prison is the Community Work Program. This program allows inmates to work on community projects such as cleaning up parks, painting public buildings, and maintaining public spaces. This program not only benefits the community but also helps inmates develop valuable skills and work experience.
Briscoe Prison also offers a wide range of volunteer initiatives for those who want to get involved in supporting the prison’s reentry mission. Volunteers can participate in programs such as mentoring, tutoring, and life skills training. These programs help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce their risk of reoffending.
In conclusion, Briscoe Prison is committed to providing inmates with opportunities to give back to their communities and develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The prison’s community and volunteer initiatives play a critical role in reducing recidivism and changing lives.