French Robertson Unit: Incarceration and Reform in Texas

The Robertson Unit is a correctional institution located in Abilene, Texas, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility was first opened in 1989 and has a maximum capacity of 2,978 male inmates. The unit is named after French M. Robertson, a former Texas Ranger and a sheriff of Taylor County.

The Robertson Unit has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since January 1999, which is a testament to the unit’s compliance with the ACA’s national standards for correctional facilities. The unit has a diverse range of programs and services aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation, including academic and vocational education, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. Inmates can also participate in work programs, such as farming and ranching, to develop job skills and earn wages.

Overall, the Robertson Unit serves as an important correctional facility in the state of Texas, providing a secure and structured environment for male inmates while also offering opportunities for personal and professional growth.

SecurityMaximum
Capacity2,978
Physical Address12071 FM 3522
Abilene, TX 79601
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursSaturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(325) 548-9035
JurisdictionState

Overview of Robertson Prison

The Robertson Unit is a state prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Correctional Institutions Division. The facility is located in Abilene, Texas, and is one of the state’s 104 correctional facilities.

The Robertson Unit is a maximum-security prison that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 2,978 inmates and employs 513 staff members. The facility has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 1999.

The prison offers various programs to inmates, including academic and vocational education, substance abuse treatment, and life skills courses. Inmates can also participate in faith-based programs and work assignments within the prison.

The Robertson Unit has a history of successful rehabilitation programs, with many inmates leaving the facility with new skills and certifications that can help them reintegrate into society upon their release. The staff at the prison is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff members.

Overall, the Robertson Unit plays an essential role in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s efforts to maintain public safety and reduce recidivism rates among inmates.

Location

City and County

The French Robertson Unit is located in Jones County, Texas. The unit is situated ten miles northeast of Abilene, a city in Taylor and Jones counties in the state of Texas. Abilene is the county seat of Taylor County and has a population of approximately 123,000 people. Jones County, on the other hand, has a population of around 20,000 people and is located in the central part of Texas.

State and Address

The French Robertson Unit is a state prison located at 12071 FM 3522, Abilene, TX 79601. The unit is named after French Robertson, who was a former Texas Ranger and a member of the Texas House of Representatives. The senior warden of the unit is Jennifer Cozby, and the regional director is Jerry Sanchez from Region VI. The deputy division director is Miguel Martinez.

The unit can be reached by taking Texas State Highway 36 or US 83 to FM 3522. The unit is located on the east side of FM 3522 and is easily accessible by car. Visitors can use the parking lot located at the front of the unit.

Facilities and Services

The Robertson Unit provides a range of facilities and services to its inmates to help them develop their skills and prepare for their eventual release. Here are some of the facilities and services that are available to the inmates.

Educational Services

The Robertson Unit offers a range of educational services to its inmates, including GED, literacy, and adult basic education programs. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and prepare them for the GED exam. The unit also offers vocational training programs, such as small engine repair, which can help inmates develop marketable skills that can be used upon their release.

Work Programs

The unit provides a range of work programs to its inmates, including laundry services, a garment factory, and other work programs. These programs provide inmates with valuable work experience and help them develop a strong work ethic. Inmates who participate in these programs can earn money, which can be used to purchase items from the commissary.

Mental Health Services

The Robertson Unit provides mental health services to its inmates to help them cope with the stresses of incarceration. The unit has a team of mental health professionals who provide individual and group counseling to inmates who need it. The unit also provides substance abuse education and life skills training to help inmates develop the skills they need to lead successful lives after their release.

In conclusion, the Robertson Unit provides a range of facilities and services to its inmates to help them develop their skills and prepare for their eventual release. These facilities and services include educational programs, work programs, and mental health services. The unit’s goal is to help inmates develop the skills they need to lead successful lives after their release.

Inmate Information

Inmate Search

The Robertson Unit provides an inmate search tool that allows anyone to find information about an incarcerated individual. To use the tool, the user must have the inmate’s last name and first initial or the inmate’s Department Identification Number (DIN). The DIN is an internal number assigned to an incarcerated individual upon reception into a correctional facility and used throughout their term of commitment, no matter which facility they are transferred to.

The inmate search tool provides information such as the inmate’s current location, their earliest release date, and their maximum release date. Additionally, the tool displays the inmate’s offense, sentence, and the county of commitment. It is important to note that the tool only provides information on individuals who are currently incarcerated within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision system.

Inmate Release

Upon an inmate’s release from the Robertson Unit, they will be given a release date. This date is determined by a number of factors, including the inmate’s sentence, their behavior while incarcerated, and any credits they may have earned. Inmates may be eligible for early release through programs such as Merit Time, which allows for a reduction in their sentence for good behavior.

It is important to note that an inmate’s release date may change due to various factors, including appeals, changes in the law, or disciplinary actions. Additionally, inmates may be released to a community supervision program, which allows them to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under the supervision of a parole officer.

Overall, the Robertson Unit provides access to inmate information through its inmate search tool and provides inmates with a release date upon the completion of their sentence.

Custody and Security

The Robertson Unit is a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has a maximum capacity of 2,978 offenders and is co-located with Middleton Unit. The custody levels housed at the facility range from G1 to G5, including Security Detention and Transient.

Offenders at Robertson are classified and assigned custody levels based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. The classification process is designed to ensure that offenders are placed in an appropriate custody level that matches their level of risk. The custody levels are used to determine the level of supervision and security required for each offender.

The facility has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety of staff, offenders, and the public. The security measures include a secure perimeter fence, armed perimeter patrols, and electronic surveillance. The facility also has a number of security features, such as locks, alarms, and cameras, to prevent escapes and unauthorized access.

The facility has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, and any offender found to be involved in violent behavior can be placed in maximum security or lock-down status. Maximum security is the highest level of security, and offenders in this status are subject to strict confinement and supervision. Lock-down status is a temporary measure used to control a specific area or unit where there is a security concern.

Overall, the custody and security measures at Robertson are designed to ensure the safety of staff, offenders, and the public. The facility is committed to maintaining a secure and stable environment that supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

Contact and Visitation

The Robertson Unit is located at 12071 FM 3522, Abilene, TX 79601. For general inquiries, individuals can contact the unit by phone at (325) 548-9035 (**047). The Senior Warden of the unit is Jennifer Cozby, and the Regional Director is Jerry Sanchez, Region VI. The Deputy Division Director is Miguel Martinez.

Visitation plays a critical role in maintaining the association between inmates and their friends and family, as well as strengthening family ties. Inmates are allowed to have visitors who must be on the inmate’s approved list. Visitors must provide valid photo identification and follow the dress code guidelines.

The Robertson Unit visitation schedule is subject to change, so visitors are encouraged to check the TDCJ Visitation website for the most up-to-date information. The visitation schedule includes regular, restricted, video/tablet, and death row visits. Visits are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Inmates are allowed to have legal visits with their attorneys. Attorneys must schedule their visits in advance and follow the TDCJ guidelines for legal visits. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls to their attorneys, subject to certain restrictions. Visitors and attorneys are encouraged to review the TDCJ Inmate Visitation website for more information on visitation rules and guidelines.

Special Programs

The Robertson Unit offers various special programs to inmates to help with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a productive life outside of prison.

Education Programs

The Robertson Unit offers various educational programs, including Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) classes. These programs help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment upon release.

Vocational Programs

The Robertson Unit also offers vocational programs such as welding, automotive technology, and computer technology. These programs provide inmates with the necessary skills to obtain employment in these fields upon release.

Specialized Programs

The Robertson Unit has various specialized programs that cater to the unique needs of certain inmates. For example, the unit has a horticulture program that allows inmates to work in a garden and learn about plant cultivation. This program not only teaches inmates valuable skills but also provides them with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Program

The Robertson Unit has an animal-assisted therapy program that uses horses to help inmates with mental health issues. This program allows inmates to interact with horses, which can help them develop empathy, trust, and responsibility.

Overall, the special programs offered at the Robertson Unit aim to provide inmates with the necessary tools to lead a productive life outside of prison. These programs not only benefit the inmates but also society as a whole, as they can reduce recidivism rates and help inmates become productive members of society.

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