The George Beto Unit is a maximum-security prison located in Tennessee Colony, Anderson County, Texas. It is one of the many facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and is named after the former director of the agency, George J. Beto. The facility is known for its strict security measures and has housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.
The prison was opened in 1980 and has a capacity of 3,471 inmates. It is located on a 20,518-acre site and has 20 housing units, a medical unit, a psychiatric unit, and a hospice unit. The facility also has a variety of vocational and educational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. Inmates can also participate in substance abuse treatment and cognitive intervention programs to help them prepare for re-entry into society.
The Beto Unit has been the subject of controversy over the years, with some critics arguing that the facility’s strict security measures are inhumane and violate the rights of inmates. However, TDCJ officials maintain that the facility is necessary to house some of the state’s most dangerous criminals and that the prison’s programs and services help prepare inmates for successful re-entry into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 3,471 |
| Physical Address | 1391 FM 3328 Tennessee Colony, TX 75880 |
| 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 | (903) 928-2217 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Beto Prison: An Overview
Beto Prison, officially known as the George Beto Unit, is a state prison located in Tennessee Colony, Anderson County, Texas. The facility was opened in 1980 and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison is named after George J. Beto, a former director of TDCJ.
The George Beto Unit is a maximum-security prison that houses approximately 3,471 male inmates in custody levels ranging from G1 to G5. The prison sits on an approximate acreage of land and has a capacity of 3,471 inmates. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and provides ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates.
The Beto Unit is known for housing some of the most dangerous and violent offenders in the Texas prison system. The prison has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including the 1995 escape of seven death row inmates who were later apprehended and the 2007 murder of corrections officer Michael Ney by inmate John Ray Falk Jr.
The George Beto Unit is managed by Senior Warden Patrick Cooper, who oversees a staff of approximately 800 employees. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to its inmates, including Adult Basic Education, GED, and vocational training in fields such as welding, electrical, and plumbing.
In summary, Beto Prison is a maximum-security state prison located in Tennessee Colony, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is known for housing some of the most dangerous and violent offenders in the state. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to its inmates and provides ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services.
Inmate Information
The Beto Prison, located in Tennessee Colony, Texas, houses a variety of offenders from different backgrounds and demographics. Inmate information is an important aspect of the prison system, and Beto Prison provides various resources to help family members and friends stay informed about their loved ones.
Upon arrival at the Beto Prison, inmates are processed and given an identification number that will be used throughout their time at the facility. Inmates are also classified by their age, race, and sentence, which determines their housing unit and privileges. The prison provides an online inmate search tool that can be accessed by anyone to find information about an inmate, including their ID number, sentence, and location within the facility.
In addition to family members and friends, Beto Prison also allows outside trustees to work within the facility. These individuals are typically transient and have been approved by the prison to perform certain tasks, such as cooking or cleaning. Trustees are closely monitored by prison staff and must follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Parole is another important aspect of the prison system, and Beto Prison provides various programs to help inmates prepare for their release. Inmates are classified into different levels, ranging from G1 to G4, based on their behavior and progress in the program. The prison offers educational and vocational training programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that will help them succeed upon release.
Overall, Beto Prison provides a variety of resources and programs to help inmates and their families navigate the complex prison system. By providing access to inmate information, visitation, and parole programs, the prison aims to promote rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Educational and Vocational Programs
Beto Prison offers a range of educational and vocational programs to inmates to help them acquire skills and knowledge that can help them succeed upon release. These programs include adult basic education, literacy courses, GED courses, English as a second language classes, and special education classes. Inmates can also enroll in career and technology programs such as welding, drafting, electronics, carpentry, plumbing, and piping trades.
In addition to these programs, Beto Prison offers substance abuse education, cognitive intervention, and support groups to help inmates overcome addiction and mental health issues. The prison also provides reentry planning and life decisions programs to help inmates prepare for life after release.
Trinity Valley Community College Vocational and Business Computers programs are also available to inmates who are interested in acquiring skills in computer technology. The program includes courses in computer repair, networking, and programming.
Other vocational programs offered at Beto Prison include mill and cabinetmaking, bricklaying/stone masonry, and construction carpentry. Inmates can also enroll in electrical technology courses and receive training in wiring, installation, and repair of electrical systems.
Peer education is another program offered at Beto Prison, which allows inmates to teach and mentor their peers. This program helps inmates develop leadership skills and provides a positive influence on other inmates.
Overall, Beto Prison’s educational and vocational programs provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed upon release. These programs not only help inmates acquire job skills but also help them develop a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Facility Operations
Beto Prison, also known as the George Beto Unit, is a correctional facility located in Tennessee Colony, Texas. The facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has a capacity of approximately 3,470 male inmates. The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society.
Laundry
One of the essential operations at Beto Prison is the laundry service. The facility has an on-site laundry facility that is responsible for washing and drying all the inmates’ clothing, bedding, and towels. The laundry service is available to all inmates, and they are required to turn in their clothing for washing on a regular schedule.
Visiting Hours
Beto Prison has designated visiting hours for family and friends of inmates. Visitors must follow specific rules and guidelines to be allowed into the facility. Visitation hours are on Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Medical Capabilities
Beto Prison has a range of medical capabilities to ensure the health and well-being of its inmates. The facility provides ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility has a 24-bed infirmary, including 22 hospice beds, one respiratory isolation room, and one medical assisted living infirmary. The infirmary provides physical therapy, telemedicine, and digital medical services.
Special Treatment Programs
Beto Prison offers special treatment programs to inmates who require additional support. The facility has a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) that provides intensive substance abuse treatment to eligible inmates. The facility also has a Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) that provides specialized services to inmates with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the facility offers an Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) for inmates who require additional supervision and support.
Overall, Beto Prison provides a range of services and programs to ensure the safety and well-being of its inmates. The facility’s laundry service, visiting hours, medical capabilities, and special treatment programs are essential components of its operation.
Community Involvement
The George Beto Unit is an important part of the Tennessee Colony community in Anderson County, Texas. The prison provides opportunities for community involvement through various programs and initiatives.
One such program is the chaplaincy services, which offer spiritual guidance and support to inmates. The chaplains work with inmates of all faiths to provide counseling, religious services, and educational programs. These programs help inmates to develop a sense of purpose and hope, which can be important factors in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Another initiative is the Go Kids Initiative, which is a mentoring program that pairs inmates with at-risk youth in the community. The program provides positive role models and encourages positive behavior, which can help to reduce recidivism rates.
The prison also offers community tours, which allow members of the public to visit the facility and learn more about the criminal justice system. The tours provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by inmates and correctional staff.
Community work projects are another way that the prison engages with the community. Inmates work on projects such as road maintenance, park cleanup, and other community service projects. These projects benefit the community and provide inmates with valuable work experience and skills training.
Overall, the George Beto Unit is committed to promoting community involvement and engagement. Through programs like chaplaincy services, the Go Kids Initiative, community tours, and community work projects, the prison is working to build stronger ties between the facility and the surrounding community.
Gangs and Security Measures
Beto Prison, like many other prisons in the United States, faces the challenge of managing gangs and ensuring the safety of its staff and inmates. Gangs are a significant problem in many prisons, and Beto Prison is no exception. The prison has several security measures in place to manage gangs and prevent violence.
One of the most effective measures is the use of hardcore prison units. These units are designed to house the most violent and disruptive inmates, including gang members. The inmates in these units are kept in their cells for 23 hours a day, with one hour of recreation time. This helps to prevent them from interacting with other inmates and reduces the risk of violence.
Another security measure is the use of gladiator fights. Gladiator fights are organized fights between inmates, often gang members, that take place in the recreation yard. These fights are illegal and dangerous, and Beto Prison has taken steps to prevent them. Staff members monitor the recreation yard closely and intervene if they suspect a fight is about to break out.
Beto Prison also uses a wing system to manage gangs. Inmates are assigned to different wings based on their gang affiliation. This helps to prevent rival gangs from interacting and reduces the risk of violence. In addition, gang members are often placed in solitary confinement or segregation units to prevent them from interacting with other inmates.
Transient offenders, or inmates who are new to the prison system, are at a higher risk of being targeted by gangs. To prevent this, Beto Prison has a comprehensive intake process that includes a thorough evaluation of the inmate’s gang affiliation and history. This information is used to determine the best placement for the inmate and to ensure their safety.
In conclusion, Beto Prison has several security measures in place to manage gangs and prevent violence. These measures include the use of hardcore prison units, gladiator fight prevention, wing systems, segregation units, and a comprehensive intake process for transient offenders. While gangs remain a challenge in many prisons, Beto Prison is taking steps to ensure the safety of its staff and inmates.