The Garza West Unit is a prison located in Beeville, Texas, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and has been since April 2007.
Garza West is located four miles east of Highway 181 South on Highway 202 in Bee County. The prison has a capacity of 2,278 inmates and is staffed by over 500 employees. The prison provides a variety of programs and services to its inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
The Garza West Unit has a reputation for being a tough and secure prison, with a strict set of rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. The prison is designed to keep dangerous criminals off the streets and to provide a safe and secure environment for both the staff and inmates. Despite its reputation, the prison has also been criticized for its treatment of inmates, with some claiming that the facility is overcrowded and that the conditions are inhumane.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,278 |
| Physical Address | 4250 Highway 202 Beeville, TX 78102 |
| 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 | (361) 358-9890 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
Garza West is a prison unit located in Beeville, Texas, USA. It is situated at 4250 Highway 202, Beeville, TX 78102, in Bee County. The prison is part of the Chase Field Industrial Complex, which is a former naval air station that was converted into an industrial park in the 1990s.
Beeville is a small city in the south of Texas with a population of around 13,000 people. It is located approximately halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi. The prison is situated about four miles east of Highway 181 South on Highway 202, making it easily accessible by road.
The Garza West Unit is surrounded by rural farmland and is located in a sparsely populated area. The prison covers an area of approximately 200 acres and has a capacity of 2,278 inmates. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been since April 2007.
Overall, Garza West is a remote prison unit located in a rural area of Bee County, Texas. Its location provides a secure and controlled environment for the inmates, while also being accessible for staff and visitors.
History
The Garza West Unit is a correctional facility located in Beeville, Texas, and operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility was established in May 1994 and has been in operation since then. It is a medium-security prison with a capacity of 2,278 inmates.
The Garza West Unit is part of the TDCJ Correctional Institutions Division and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. The facility has a reputation for being well-run and maintaining high standards of safety, security, and rehabilitation.
The Garza West Unit is one of two correctional facilities in the area, the other being the Garza East Unit. In 2020, the TDCJ announced that the Garza East Unit would be closed due to a decline in the prison population. However, the Garza West Unit will continue to operate as usual.
Over the years, the Garza West Unit has undergone several changes and upgrades. In 2019, the facility underwent a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) re-certification audit to ensure compliance with the standards. The audit found that the facility was in compliance with the standards.
In conclusion, the Garza West Unit has a long and storied history of providing a safe and secure environment for inmates. It is a well-regarded correctional facility that has been accredited by the ACA and is known for maintaining high standards of safety and security. Despite the closure of the Garza East Unit, the Garza West Unit will continue to operate and provide services to the community.
Facility Details
Garza West is a mixed medium security prison located in Beeville, Texas, covering an area of 304 acres. The facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has a capacity of 2,278 male inmates. It has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since April 2007.
The housing units at Garza West are designed for dormitory-style living. The facility has a total of 19 housing units, including 16 general population units, 2 administrative segregation units, and 1 psychiatric unit. Each housing unit has a capacity of 120 inmates.
Garza West is also a transfer facility that serves as a regional hub for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has a Garza West Transfer Facility that is responsible for receiving and processing inmates from other correctional facilities in the region. The facility has a staff of trained professionals who ensure that inmates are processed efficiently and safely.
Security is a top priority at Garza West, and the facility has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The facility has a Security Pack Canine program that uses specially trained dogs to detect contraband and prevent escapes. The facility also has a Regional Pest Control program that ensures that the facility is free from pests and other vermin.
In summary, Garza West is a state prison that provides medium-security housing for male inmates. The facility has a Garza West Transfer Facility that serves as a regional hub for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has implemented several security measures, including a Security Pack Canine program and a Regional Pest Control program, to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
Inmate Information
The Garza West Unit is a male-only facility that houses adult male inmates. As of the latest available data, the prison has a capacity of 2,278 inmates and houses custody levels G1-G3, as well as transients. Inmates are assigned an ID number upon initial intake, which is used to track their progress throughout their time at the facility.
The intake process for new inmates at the Garza West Unit involves a thorough evaluation of their physical and mental health, as well as their criminal history. Inmates are also provided with information about the rules and regulations of the facility, as well as their rights and responsibilities as inmates.
Inmates at the Garza West Unit are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by prison staff. Inmates are also able to make phone calls, subject to certain restrictions and fees.
Overall, the staff of the Garza West Unit are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates, while also providing them with opportunities for education, vocational training, and other programs that can help them successfully re-enter society upon release.
Visitation
The Garza West Unit allows visitation for its inmates. Visitors must follow the dress code and other rules to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. Inmates are allowed to have up to two adult visitors and two children on their visiting list. The visiting hours for regular visits are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the visiting period ends.
The Family Visitation Center is available for visitors who live more than 300 miles away from the unit. The center provides overnight accommodations and meals for visitors. Visitors must make reservations in advance by calling the unit or the Family Visitation Center.
Special visits may be granted for visitors who are unable to visit during regular visiting hours. These visits are approved on a case-by-case basis and require prior approval from the unit. Visitors must contact the unit to request a special visit.
The Ombudsman Visitation Hotline is available for visitors who have questions or concerns about the visitation process. The hotline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide information and assistance to visitors.
Visitors must follow the dress code to enter the unit. The dress code includes wearing appropriate clothing that is not revealing or provocative. Visitors must also wear closed-toe shoes. Failure to follow the dress code may result in denied entry into the unit.
In summary, visitors to the Garza West Unit must follow the dress code and other rules to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. Regular visiting hours are available on Saturdays and Sundays, with special visits available on a case-by-case basis. The Family Visitation Center provides overnight accommodations and meals for visitors who live more than 300 miles away. The Ombudsman Visitation Hotline is available for visitors who have questions or concerns about the visitation process.
Educational Services
The Garza West Unit offers a variety of educational services to inmates, including GED, literacy, adult basic education, and life skills programs. The facility also offers an Adult Education Program upon availability. The program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or GED, which can be an essential step toward successful re-entry into society.
The prison’s educational programs aim to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after incarceration. In addition to academic instruction, the facility offers support groups and peer education programs to help inmates develop life skills and make positive choices.
Victim awareness is also an essential component of the educational services provided at Garza West. The facility offers programs that help inmates understand the impact of their actions on their victims and take responsibility for their behavior. By promoting empathy and accountability, these programs can help reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
Overall, Garza West’s educational services are an essential part of the facility’s mission to promote rehabilitation and prepare inmates for successful re-entry into society. By providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, the facility helps to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.
Medical Services
The Garza West Unit provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The prison is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been providing high-quality healthcare services since April 2007. The prison has a fully-staffed medical facility that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide ambulatory medical care to its inmates.
The prison has a telemedicine program that allows inmates to receive digital medical services (DMS) remotely. This program is particularly useful for inmates who require specialist care that is not available on-site. The program also helps reduce the need for inmate transport, which can be costly and time-consuming.
The prison also provides dental services to its inmates. Inmates have access to routine dental care, including cleanings and fillings. The prison also provides emergency dental care to inmates who require it.
Inmates who require mental health services have access to a range of services, including counseling, therapy, and medication management. The prison has a team of mental health professionals who are available to provide support to inmates who are struggling with mental health issues.
The prison is also equipped to accommodate inmates who require CPAP machines to manage sleep apnea. Inmates who require CPAP machines are housed in designated housing units that are equipped with the necessary equipment to accommodate their needs.
In summary, the Garza West Unit provides comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The prison has a fully-staffed medical facility that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a telemedicine program that allows inmates to receive digital medical services remotely. Inmates who require mental health services have access to a range of services, and the prison is equipped to accommodate inmates who require CPAP machines to manage sleep apnea.
Rehabilitation Programs
The Garza West Unit offers a variety of rehabilitation programs aimed at helping inmates develop the skills they need to become productive, law-abiding members of society. These programs include:
- Substance Abuse Screening: All new inmates undergo a substance abuse screening to determine if they have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Inmates who test positive are referred to the Substance Abuse Education program.
- Substance Abuse Education: This program is designed to help inmates understand the negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse and develop strategies for avoiding substance abuse once they are released from prison.
- Cognitive Intervention: This program is aimed at helping inmates develop the cognitive skills they need to make better decisions and avoid criminal behavior. The program includes group discussions, role-playing exercises, and other activities designed to help inmates develop positive decision-making skills.
- Changes/Pre-release: This program helps inmates prepare for their release from prison by providing them with the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The program includes job training, resume building, and other activities aimed at helping inmates find employment and rebuild their lives.
Overall, the Garza West Unit’s rehabilitation programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to become productive members of society once they are released from prison. By providing inmates with the tools they need to overcome substance abuse, develop positive decision-making skills, and prepare for life outside of prison, the Garza West Unit is helping to reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities.
Religious Services
The Garza West Unit provides religious services and programs for its inmates. The facility has a Chaplaincy Services department that offers religious counseling, worship services, and religious education to inmates of various faiths. The chaplaincy staff is composed of volunteers and full-time chaplains who are trained to provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates.
The Faith-Based Dormitory is another program offered by the Garza West Unit. The dormitory is designed to provide a faith-based environment for inmates who want to live and practice their faith together. The program is voluntary and inmates must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program.
The Go Kids Initiative is a program that allows inmates to participate in a mentoring program for at-risk youth. The program is designed to provide positive role models for children and to help inmates develop skills that will help them when they are released from prison. Inmates who participate in the program are trained to be mentors and are paired with children who need positive role models in their lives.
Overall, the Garza West Unit provides a variety of religious services and programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates, as well as to help them develop skills that will be useful when they are released from prison. The Chaplaincy Services Department, the Faith-Based Dormitory, and the Go Kids Initiative are just a few examples of the programs that are available to inmates at the Garza West Unit.