Coffield, officially known as H. H. Coffield Unit, is a male correctional facility located in Tennessee Colony, Anderson County, Texas. It is one of the many units operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since May 2009.
The prison has a capacity of approximately 4,100 inmates and is situated five miles southwest of Tennessee Colony on FM 2054. It is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous offenders in the state. The Coffield Unit is one of the largest prisons in Texas and is known for its strict security measures and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Despite its size and reputation, Coffield Unit has been the subject of controversy in the past. In 2018, a report by the Texas Tribune revealed that the prison had a history of staff misconduct, including sexual assault and harassment. TDCJ officials have since taken steps to address these issues and improve conditions for both prisoners and staff.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 4,139 |
| Physical Address | 2661 FM 2054 Tennessee Colony, TX 75884 |
| 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 | (903) 928-2211 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
The Coffield Unit is a state prison located in Tennessee Colony, Anderson County, Texas. It was opened in 1965 and named after the former Texas Department of Corrections director, Homer Coffield. The Coffield Unit is one of the largest and oldest prisons in Texas, and it has a capacity of 4,139 inmates. The Coffield Unit is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
The Coffield Unit is located in the Trinity Valley Community College District, and it is adjacent to the Trinity Valley Community College campus. The Coffield Unit has a long history of providing educational opportunities to its inmates. The prison has a partnership with the Trinity Valley Community College, which offers vocational and academic programs to the inmates.
The Coffield Unit has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since May 2009. The ACA is a professional organization that sets standards for correctional facilities in the United States. The Coffield Unit has also received recognition for its substance abuse treatment programs.
The Coffield Unit has been the site of several notable incidents over the years. In 1980, the Coffield Unit was the site of a major prison riot, which resulted in several staff member and prisoner deaths. The riot was one of the deadliest in the history of American prisons. The Coffield Unit has also been the subject of several lawsuits over the years, including lawsuits related to the use of force by prison staff and the treatment of mentally ill inmates.
Despite its challenges, the Coffield Unit remains an important part of the Texas prison system. The prison provides a secure environment for the incarceration of adult felony offenders and offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Inmate Information
The Coffield Unit houses adult male inmates. As of the current date, the facility has a total population of approximately 4,000 inmates and is capable of housing up to 4,139.
Inmates at Coffield Unit range in age from 18 to over 70 years old. The unit houses inmates who have been convicted of various crimes, including murder, assault, drug offenses, and more. Each inmate is classified according to their custody level, which determines their housing assignment and access to programs.
Inmates at Coffield Unit are typically serving long-term sentences ranging from 20 years to life. However, some inmates may be eligible for parole after serving a certain percentage of their sentence. Inmates who are eligible for parole will have a projected release date, which can be found on the TDCJ website.
Inmates at Coffield Unit are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. However, all incoming mail is subject to inspection and must meet certain guidelines. Inmates are also allowed to purchase items from the commissary, which includes snacks, hygiene products, and other items.
Family and friends of inmates can search for their loved ones using the TDCJ offender search feature on the website. This feature allows users to search for inmates by name, TDCJ number, or SID number.
Overall, the Coffield Unit provides a secure and structured environment for inmates to serve their sentences. Inmates are provided with access to educational and vocational programs to help prepare them for reentry into society.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The Coffield Unit provides various educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them successfully reintegrate into society after their release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed in life and reduce the chances of recidivism.
Academic Education
The Coffield Unit offers a variety of academic education programs, including GED, Adult Basic Education, Special Education, and English as a Second Language. These programs help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and earn a high school diploma or GED certificate. Inmates can also take college-level courses through the Trinity Valley Community College Vocational program.
Vocational Training
The Coffield Unit provides a range of vocational training programs, including Automotive Mechanics, Cabinet Making, Construction Carpentry, Drafting, Horticulture, Welding, and more. These programs offer hands-on training and help inmates develop the skills they need to secure gainful employment upon release.
In addition to vocational training, the Coffield Unit also offers Career and Technology Programs, Business Computers, Data Processing, and other programs designed to help inmates gain valuable job skills. Peer Education programs are also available to help inmates develop leadership skills and provide support to their peers.
Changes/Pre-Release
The Coffield Unit provides Changes/Pre-Release programs to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include Reentry Planning, Cognitive Intervention, and other services designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Additional Programs/Services
The Coffield Unit offers a range of additional programs and services to help inmates improve their lives and reduce the chances of recidivism. These programs include Art, Computers, Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), and more.
Prison Facilities and Operations
The Coffield Unit is located in Tennessee Colony, Texas, and is a maximum-security facility that houses male inmates. The facility is spread over an area of 20,518 acres and has a capacity of 4,000 inmates. The prison has various facilities and operations that are designed to support the inmates and maintain the security of the facility.
Administrative Segregation
The Coffield Unit has an Administrative Segregation unit that houses inmates who are deemed to be a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Inmates who are placed in Administrative Segregation are housed in individual prison cells and are allowed limited privileges. They are also provided with mental health services and educational programs.
Trusty Camp
The Trusty Camp is a minimum-security unit within the Coffield Unit that houses inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and are deemed to be low-risk. Inmates in the Trusty Camp are allowed to work outside the perimeter fence and are involved in various agricultural operations, metal fabrication, and other activities. The Trusty Camp is designed to provide inmates with vocational training and work experience that will help them reintegrate into society upon release.
The Trusty Camp has outside Trusty units that are responsible for maintaining the security of the perimeter fence. The outside Trusty units are composed of inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and are deemed to be low-risk.
Agricultural Operations
The Coffield Unit has extensive agricultural operations that include a cow/calf operation, a poultry laying operation, and swine farrowing/nursery/finishing operations. The prison also has an edible and field crops unit that grows various crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Inmates are involved in all aspects of agricultural operations, including planting, harvesting, and processing.
Metal Fabrication Plant
The Coffield Unit has a metal fabrication plant that produces various metal products such as furniture, office equipment, and signs. The metal fabrication plant provides inmates with vocational training and work experience that will help them reintegrate into society upon release.
Feedmill and Grain Storage
The prison has a feedmill and grain storage facility that produces feed for the various livestock operations on the prison grounds. The feedmill and grain storage facility also provides inmates with vocational training and work experience.
Farm Shop
The farm shop at the Coffield Unit is responsible for maintaining the various agricultural equipment used on the prison grounds. Inmates in the farm shop are involved in repairing and maintaining tractors, trucks, and other equipment.
Pork Processing Plant
The Coffield Unit has a pork processing plant that processes the pork produced on the prison grounds. Inmates are involved in all aspects of pork processing, including slaughtering, processing, and packaging.
Security Horses and Pack Canines
The prison has a security horse unit that is responsible for maintaining the security of the perimeter fence. The security horse unit is composed of horses that are trained to patrol the perimeter fence and detect any attempts to escape. The prison also has a security pack canine unit that is responsible for detecting contraband on the prison grounds.
Unit Garden
The Coffield Unit has a unit garden that is maintained by the inmates. Inmates are involved in planting and harvesting various vegetables and fruits. The unit garden provides fresh produce for the inmates and staff at the prison.
Healthcare Services
The Coffield Unit provides medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The unit has a 46-bed assisted living facility for inmates with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The Coffield Unit also has a Hospice program that provides end-of-life care to eligible inmates.
The unit has a medical clinic that offers ambulatory medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The clinic is staffed with 61 contract medical employees. In addition, the Coffield Unit has four contract mental health employees who provide mental health services to inmates.
The Coffield Unit also offers telemedicine services. Telemedicine is a way of providing medical care to inmates remotely using video conferencing technology. This service is particularly useful for inmates who require specialty medical care that is not available on-site.
Inmates at the Coffield Unit have access to dental care services. The dental clinic provides routine dental care, such as cleanings and fillings. Inmates can also receive emergency dental care if needed.
Overall, the Coffield Unit strives to provide quality healthcare services to its inmates. The unit’s healthcare staff is committed to providing compassionate and professional care to all inmates.
Rehabilitation and Support Services
The Coffield Unit offers a variety of rehabilitation and support services to help offenders prepare for reentry into society. These programs are designed to improve behaviors, skills, mental health, social functioning, and access to education and employment. Participation in these programs can occur at multiple points during an offender’s involvement with the criminal justice system.
Chaplaincy Services
Chaplaincy services are available to offenders of all faiths. These services provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to help offenders cope with the challenges of prison life and prepare for reentry into society.
Community Work Projects
Community work projects allow offenders to give back to their communities while learning valuable job skills. These projects include activities such as park maintenance, highway cleanup, and construction projects.
Volunteer Initiatives
Volunteer initiatives provide offenders with the opportunity to give back to their communities through volunteer work. These initiatives include activities such as tutoring, mentoring, and community service projects.
Substance Abuse Education
Substance abuse education programs are available to help offenders overcome addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These programs provide education on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Life Skills
Life skills programs provide offenders with the tools they need to succeed in the real world. These programs cover a variety of topics, including financial management, job readiness, and communication skills.
Support Groups
Support groups provide offenders with a safe and supportive environment to discuss their experiences and challenges. These groups can help offenders develop healthy coping mechanisms and build a sense of community.
Go Kids Initiative
The Go Kids Initiative is a program that allows offenders to connect with their children through letter writing, phone calls, and visitation. This program helps to strengthen family bonds and promote positive relationships between parents and children.
Parent Training
Parent training programs provide offenders with the skills they need to be effective parents. These programs cover a variety of topics, including child development, discipline strategies, and communication skills.
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are available to offenders who struggle with alcohol addiction. These meetings provide a supportive environment for offenders to discuss their struggles and develop strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Visitation and Contact Information
The Coffield Unit allows visitation for eligible inmates. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and follow the unit’s dress code. Visitors are also subject to a search before entering the unit.
Visitation Schedule
The Coffield Unit’s visitation schedule is subject to change and visitors should confirm the schedule before planning a visit. Visitors can check the unit’s visitation schedule on the TDCJ Visitation website. The schedule includes the unit’s visiting hours for regular, restricted, video/tablet, and death row visits.
Contact Information
The Coffield Unit’s address is 2661 FM 2054, Tennessee Colony, TX 75884. Visitors can contact the unit by phone at (903) 928-2211. The unit’s Western Union and JPay information is not available at this time.
Inmates can receive mail at the Coffield Unit. All mail must include the inmate’s full name, TDCJ number, and unit address. Visitors can find the unit’s mailing address on the TDCJ Unit Directory website.
Phone Calls
Inmates at the Coffield Unit can make phone calls using the offender telephone system. The system is operated by Securus Technologies. Inmates can call approved phone numbers and are not allowed to receive incoming calls. Visitors can add funds to an inmate’s phone account through the Securus Technologies website or by calling 1-800-844-6591.
Overall, visitors should be aware of the Coffield Unit’s rules and regulations before planning a visit. The unit’s visitation schedule and contact information can be found on the TDCJ website.