The Huntsville Unit is a maximum-security prison located in Huntsville, Texas. It is the oldest prison in Texas and has a long and storied history. The prison was established in 1849 and has since become a significant landmark in the state of Texas.
The Huntsville Unit is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and is home to some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. The prison has a capacity of over 1,700 inmates and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 2007. The prison is known for its strict security measures and has been the site of numerous high-profile executions over the years.
Despite its reputation as a tough and unforgiving place, the Huntsville Unit is also home to a number of rehabilitation programs aimed at helping inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include education and vocational training, drug and alcohol treatment, and counseling services. While the prison remains a controversial institution, it continues to play an important role in the Texas criminal justice system.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,705 |
| Physical Address | 815 12th Street Huntsville, TX 77348 |
| 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 | (936) 437-1555 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Historical Background
The Huntsville Unit, also known as the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, is the oldest prison in the state of Texas. It was established in 1849 and is located in Huntsville, Texas. The prison was built using convict labor and was initially used to house male prisoners who were sentenced to hard labor.
During the Civil War, the prison was used to house prisoners of war from both the Union and Confederate armies. After the war, the prison became a place of punishment for white Texans who had committed crimes. Black Texans were sent to a separate prison in Rusk, Texas.
In the early 20th century, the Texas prison system became racially integrated, and the Huntsville Unit began to house both black and white prisoners. However, racial segregation remained in place in the prison until the 1960s.
The Huntsville Unit has a long and complicated history, and it has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years. Despite this, it remains an important part of Texas history and continues to play a vital role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Inmate Population and Demographics
As of the end of fiscal year 2020, there were 22,231 inmates housed in Huntsville prison. The majority of the inmate population (63.6%) were serving sentences for violent offenses, including murder, rape, and aggravated assault. The remaining inmates were serving time for property crimes, drug offenses, and other offenses.
In terms of gender, Huntsville prison houses only male inmates. The majority of the inmates are between the ages of 25 and 44 years old. The racial demographics of the inmate population are as follows: 44.9% black, 30.9% white, and 23.6% Hispanic.
It is worth noting that the racial disparities in the inmate population are reflective of larger trends in the US prison system. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, black US residents are incarcerated at 3.5 times the rate of white US residents. Additionally, the number of incarcerated individuals has been decreasing in recent years, with a 1% decrease in the US prison population from 2020 to 2021.
Facility Details
The Huntsville Unit, also known as the Walls Unit, is located at 815 12th Street, near downtown Huntsville in Walker County, Texas. The prison is operated by the Correctional Institutions Division (CID) of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The unit has an approximate acreage of 97.5. The prison’s brick wall is a notable feature that surrounds the facility. The Huntsville Unit is one of the oldest prisons in Texas, and it is famous for its brick walls that are over 100 years old.
The capacity of the Huntsville prison is 1,705 inmates. The facility houses male prisoners and has a maximum security classification. The Huntsville Unit is home to some of the most violent and dangerous criminals in Texas.
Huntsville offers various programs to inmates, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also has a hospice program that provides end-of-life care to terminally ill inmates.
Educational Opportunities
The Huntsville Unit offers a variety of educational opportunities to its inmates. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has established several educational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that will help them reintegrate into society after their release.
One of the programs offered is the Lee College Vocational Program, which provides inmates with career and technology programs. Inmates can choose from a variety of vocational courses, such as welding, HVAC, and automotive technology. The program is designed to help inmates acquire valuable skills that can be used to secure employment after their release.
Additionally, the Huntsville Unit offers apprenticeship programs to inmates. These programs provide inmates with on-the-job training and help them acquire new skills in a variety of fields. The apprenticeship programs are designed to help inmates gain valuable work experience that can be used to secure employment after their release.
The prison also offers literacy (adult basic education/GED) programs to inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Inmates who complete the program can earn a GED, which is a high school equivalency diploma.
The Adult Education Program is another educational opportunity offered to inmates. The program is designed to help inmates acquire basic education and life skills. Inmates can take courses in subjects such as English, math, and social studies.
Overall, the Huntsville Unit provides inmates with a range of educational opportunities that can help them acquire new skills and knowledge. These programs are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release and lead productive lives.
Vocational Training
The Huntsville Unit offers a range of vocational training programs to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with marketable job skills that will enable them to find employment in a variety of fields.
The manufacturing and logistics operation program teaches inmates about the principles of manufacturing and logistics, including inventory management, quality control, and supply chain management. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing or logistics.
The business image management and multimedia program teaches inmates about the principles of business image management and multimedia, including graphic design, web design, and social media management. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing or advertising.
The printing and imaging technology program teaches inmates about the principles of printing and imaging technology, including offset printing, digital printing, and large-format printing. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career in printing or graphic design.
The automotive technician specialist program teaches inmates about the principles of automotive technology, including engine repair, electrical systems, and brake systems. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career as an automotive technician.
The cook/baker program teaches inmates about the principles of cooking and baking, including food safety, nutrition, and recipe development. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career as a cook or baker.
The auto mechanics program teaches inmates about the principles of auto mechanics, including engine repair, brake systems, and electrical systems. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career as an auto mechanic.
The auto mechanics II program builds on the principles taught in the auto mechanics program and teaches inmates about more advanced topics, including transmission repair, suspension systems, and steering systems. This program is ideal for inmates who are interested in pursuing a career as a master auto mechanic.
Overall, the vocational training programs offered at Huntsville provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce upon release. Whether an inmate is interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, marketing, printing, automotive technology, or culinary arts, there is a program available to help them achieve their goals.
Manufacturing Operations
The Huntsville Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice houses several manufacturing operations that provide work for inmates. These operations include a garment factory and a unit maintenance facility.
The garment factory produces clothing items such as pants, shirts, and jackets. Inmates are responsible for cutting and sewing the fabric to create the finished products. The clothing items produced at the factory are used by other TDCJ units and are also available for purchase by the public.
The unit maintenance facility is responsible for repairing and maintaining equipment and vehicles used by the prison. This includes gas engine repair, tractor repair, welding, and machine shop services. Inmates are trained to perform these tasks and are supervised by experienced staff members.
The Huntsville Unit also has a textile mill that produces fabrics for use in the garment factory. The mill uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce high-quality fabrics that meet TDCJ’s strict standards.
Overall, the manufacturing operations at the Huntsville Unit provide valuable work experience for inmates and help to reduce the cost of operating the prison. Inmates who participate in these programs learn valuable skills that can help them find employment after their release.
Execution Procedures
The Huntsville Unit is known for its execution procedures, which are carried out in the execution chamber located within the Walls Unit. Death row inmates are transported to the chamber on the day of their execution and are given a lethal dose of pentobarbital, which is administered intravenously. The entire process is closely monitored by trained personnel to ensure that it is carried out in a humane and dignified manner.
Crime victims or their designated representatives are allowed to witness the execution, provided they present a valid photo ID. The victim is given the option to witness the execution from a separate room or from a viewing room adjacent to the execution chamber. The victim is also allowed to bring up to five support persons to the viewing room.
Before the execution, the victim witnesses and their support persons meet with TDCJ-Victim Services Division staff members in Huntsville, Texas at a designated location away from the prison unit. Witnesses and support persons are given an overview of the execution process and schedule.
The actual execution process is carried out in a series of steps, which are designed to ensure that the inmate is put to death in a humane and dignified manner. The steps include:
- The inmate is escorted to the execution chamber and secured to a gurney.
- The inmate is then connected to a heart monitor and two intravenous lines, one in each arm.
- The executioner then administers a lethal dose of pentobarbital through one of the intravenous lines.
- The inmate’s heart is monitored to ensure that death has occurred.
After the execution, the body is released to the next of kin or other designated representative for burial or cremation.
Visitor Information
The Huntsville Unit, a maximum-security prison in Texas, allows visitation for inmates. The visitation hours for the Huntsville Unit are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are allowed one visit per weekend, and each visit is limited to two hours.
To visit an inmate at Huntsville Unit, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate can add or remove visitors from the list. To add a visitor, inmates must send a request form to the unit’s Visitation Office.
Visitors must arrive at the Huntsville Unit at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. Visitors are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to enter the facility. Visitors must also adhere to the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing and gang-affiliated attire.
Visitors can find information about inmates, including their location and scheduled release date, by using the Inmate Information Search tool on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website. Visitors can also call the Huntsville Unit directly at (936) 437-1555 (**013) for more information.
For any questions regarding visitation policies, basic visitation information, or how to appeal a visitation denial, visitors can call the TDCJ Visitation Hotline at (844) 476-1289. The hotline is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Overall, visitors to the Huntsville Unit can expect a strict but straightforward visitation process. By following the rules and regulations, visitors can have a safe and successful visit with their loved ones.