The J. Dale Wainwright Unit is a maximum-security prison located in Lovelady, Texas, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The prison was named after former Texas Supreme Court Justice J. Dale Wainwright, who served from 2002 to 2012. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been in operation since January 1999.
The Wainwright Unit has a capacity of 2,143 male inmates and employs approximately 400 staff members. The facility provides various programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The prison also has a medical and mental health unit to provide healthcare to inmates.
Despite being a maximum-security prison, the Wainwright Unit has had its share of issues over the years. In 2016, a riot broke out at the facility, resulting in several injuries to both inmates and staff. The incident prompted an investigation by the TDCJ’s Office of Inspector General. However, the prison has since improved its security measures and continues to provide essential services to the inmates under its care.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,143 |
| Physical Address | 2665 Prison Road #1 Lovelady, TX 75851 |
| 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) 636-7321 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
The Wainwright Unit is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. The prison has a capacity of 2,143 inmates and is located 13 miles west of Trinity on FM 230. It is one of several prisons in the Houston County area and provides employment opportunities for many residents of the county.
In recent years, the Wainwright Unit has faced criticism for its treatment of prisoners and for the conditions inside the prison. In 2016, a report by the Republican National Convention criticized the prison for its high rate of inmate assaults and for its inadequate medical care. Despite these challenges, the Wainwright Unit continues to operate as an important part of the Texas prison system.
Location and Facilities
The J. Dale Wainwright Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located in Lovelady, Houston County, Texas. The prison is situated approximately thirteen miles west of Trinity on FM 230. The facility is named after J. Dale Wainwright, who served as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 2003 to 2012.
The Wainwright Unit is a maximum-security prison that can house up to 2,143 male inmates. The prison has a staff of approximately 400 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The facility has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since January 1999.
The unit is responsible for the confinement and care of inmates in accordance with state law and TDCJ policy. The facility provides a range of services to inmates, including medical and dental care, educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The unit also offers religious services and counseling to inmates.
The Wainwright Unit is one of several TDCJ facilities located in Houston County. The Eastham Unit, a maximum-security prison, is located approximately 23 miles east of the Wainwright Unit on FM 230. The Eastham Unit is the oldest prison in the TDCJ system and has a capacity of 2,200 inmates. The Walls Unit, a historic prison located in Huntsville, is also located in Houston County. The Walls Unit houses the state’s execution chamber and is home to the TDCJ Museum.
Overall, the Wainwright Unit is a well-maintained facility that provides essential services to inmates. The prison is an important part of the TDCJ system and plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and the rehabilitation of offenders.
Inmate Population
The Wainwright Unit is a male prison located in Huntsville, Texas. As of the latest available data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 2021, the Wainwright Unit had a total capacity of 2143 inmates. The unit is classified as a G1-G5 security level facility, which means that it houses inmates with various security levels, from minimum to maximum.
The inmate population at the Wainwright Unit is not static and can fluctuate based on various factors. Some of the factors that can affect the inmate population include the transfer of inmates to and from other facilities, the release of inmates, and the intake of new inmates. The Wainwright Unit also houses transient inmates, who are in transit to other facilities.
Like most prisons, the Wainwright Unit has a diverse inmate population. The inmate population includes individuals who have been convicted of various crimes, ranging from drug offenses to violent crimes. The TDCJ provides rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and to reduce recidivism rates.
Overall, the inmate population at the Wainwright Unit is subject to change and is influenced by various factors. The TDCJ works to manage the inmate population effectively while providing rehabilitation programs to help inmates successfully re-enter society.
Rehabilitation Programs
The Wainwright Unit offers various rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a productive life after their release.
One of the primary rehabilitation programs at the Wainwright Unit is the Prison Fellowship Academy Program. This program focuses on spiritual and character development, as well as practical life skills such as job readiness and financial management. Inmates who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of completion, which can be beneficial during their job search after release.
Another program offered at Wainwright Unit is the Bridges to Life program. This program is a restorative justice program that aims to reduce recidivism by helping inmates understand the impact of their crimes on victims and their families. The program also provides support groups for inmates to help them deal with emotional and psychological issues.
The Wainwright Unit also offers the Celebrate Recovery program, which is a faith-based program that helps inmates overcome addiction and other life-controlling issues. The program provides support groups and counseling to help inmates deal with their addictions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
In addition to these programs, the Wainwright Unit also offers various educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, vocational training, and college courses. These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment and become productive members of society.
Overall, the Wainwright Unit’s rehabilitation programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary tools and support to successfully reintegrate into society after their release. These programs can be beneficial in reducing recidivism and helping inmates lead a productive and fulfilling life after incarceration.
Prison Work Programs
The J. Dale Wainwright Unit offers a range of work programs to inmates. These programs serve multiple purposes, including providing inmates with valuable job skills, reducing idleness, and helping to offset the costs of incarceration.
One of the most significant work programs at Wainwright is the field crop program. Inmates who participate in this program work on the unit’s farm, where they cultivate crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans. The program provides inmates with valuable experience in agriculture and allows them to develop skills in planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. The crops grown on the farm are used to feed the inmate population, and any surplus is sold to help offset the costs of the program.
Another work program available to inmates at Wainwright is the Trusty Camp program. Inmates who participate in this program are housed in a separate area of the unit and are responsible for performing various tasks around the facility. These tasks may include cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping. Inmates who participate in the trusty camp program are considered low-risk and are given more freedom and privileges than other inmates.
In addition to these programs, Wainwright offers a range of other work opportunities to inmates. These opportunities may include working in the unit’s laundry, kitchen, or warehouse. Inmates who participate in these programs are paid a small wage for their work, which can be used to purchase items from the unit commissary.
Overall, the work programs available at Wainwright provide inmates with valuable job skills and help to reduce idleness within the facility. These programs also help to offset the costs of incarceration and provide inmates with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Contact Information
The J. Dale Wainwright Unit is located in Lovelady, Texas. If you need to contact the facility, you can use the following information:
- Phone: (936) 636-7321 (**009)
Mailing Address to the inmates:
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
- P.O. Box 660400
- Dallas, TX 75266-0400
The phone number provided is for general inquiries and is available during normal business hours. If you need to speak with a specific department or staff member, you may need to call a different number or use the facility’s mailing address to send a letter.
Visitation at the J. Dale Wainwright Unit is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, family and friends of inmates can still communicate with their loved ones through phone calls, mail, and the JPay email system. To learn more about these communication options, visit the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
If you have concerns or questions about the health and safety of an inmate at the J. Dale Wainwright Unit, you can contact the facility directly or reach out to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s office serves as a liaison between the public and the TDCJ and can help answer questions, investigate complaints, and provide information about the prison system.
Overall, the J. Dale Wainwright Unit strives to maintain open lines of communication with the public while prioritizing the safety and security of its staff and inmates.
Medical Services
The J. Dale Wainwright Unit provides essential medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and offers a range of medical services to ensure the health and well-being of the inmates.
The medical services are provided by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers, who follow community standards for a correctional environment. The healthcare staff includes physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who are trained to provide quality healthcare services to the inmates.
In addition to general medical services, the Wainwright Unit also offers digital medical services (DMS), electronic specialty clinics, and CPAP accommodating housing. DMS is a telemedicine service that allows inmates to receive medical consultations and treatment from physicians and specialists outside the prison. The electronic specialty clinics provide specialized medical care to inmates with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. CPAP accommodating housing is available for inmates who require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea.
The Wainwright Unit has a comprehensive mental health program that provides psychiatric services to inmates with mental health disorders. The mental health staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals who are trained to provide quality mental health services to the inmates. The mental health program offers individual and group therapy, medication management, crisis intervention, and other mental health services.
The medical services at the Wainwright Unit are designed to ensure the health and well-being of the inmates. The healthcare staff is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the inmates in a professional and compassionate manner.