The James “Jay” H. Byrd Unit is a prison facility located in Huntsville, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is one of the state’s diagnostic intake facilities. The prison is named after James “Jay” H. Byrd, a former chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.
The Byrd Unit has a capacity of approximately 1,300 inmates and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. It is responsible for processing and classifying newly arrived inmates in the state of Texas. The facility is also equipped to provide medical and mental health services to its inmates. The Byrd Unit has a reputation for being a well-managed and secure prison facility. It has a low rate of inmate violence and is staffed by experienced correctional officers.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,341 |
| Physical Address | 21 FM 247 Huntsville, TX 77320 |
| 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) 295-5768 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Founding and Development
The James “Jay” H. Byrd Unit, located in Huntsville, Texas, was established in May 1964 as a part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The unit was named after James H. Byrd, Sr., a former member of the Texas House of Representatives who was instrumental in the establishment of the Texas Prison System. The Byrd Unit was originally designed to house 1,000 inmates, but over time, the capacity has increased to over 1,300.
Over the years, the Byrd Unit has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the changing needs of the prison system. In 1993, a new maximum-security unit was added to the facility, which included a death row section. The unit also has a mental health unit, which provides services to inmates with mental health issues.
Key People
Several key people have been associated with the Byrd Unit over the years. Charles Landis currently serves as the Senior Warden of the unit. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility. Daniel Dickerson, who serves as the Regional Director for Region I of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, is responsible for overseeing the Byrd Unit. Eric Guerrero serves as the Deputy Division Director for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
In 1998, the Byrd Unit gained national attention when it housed two of the three men convicted for the murder of James Byrd Jr., the son of the unit’s namesake. Lawrence Russell Brewer and John William King were both sentenced to death for the crime. Michael Pack and Rolando Segovia were the correctional officers on duty when the murder occurred. They were later fired for violating the prison’s policies and procedures.
The Byrd Unit continues to play a vital role in the Texas prison system. It provides housing for maximum-security inmates and offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Inmate Information
The James “Jay” H. Byrd Unit is a correctional facility located in Huntsville, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and houses male inmates. In this section, we will discuss important information related to inmates at the Byrd Unit.
Classification
Upon reception into the Byrd Unit, inmates are classified based on their security level, medical needs, and other factors. The classification process helps determine the inmate’s housing assignment, job assignment, and level of supervision. Inmates may be classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security. The TDCJ uses a standardized classification system to ensure consistency and fairness in the classification process.
Inmate Search
To find information about an inmate at the Byrd Unit, you can use the TDCJ’s online offender search tool. This tool allows you to search for inmates by name, TDCJ number, or State Identification Number (SID). Once you have located the inmate, you can view their current location, offense history, and projected release date. It is important to note that the information provided by the offender search tool may not be up-to-date due to pending changes in sentencing laws.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at the Byrd Unit are allowed to receive mail from friends and family members. To send mail to an inmate, you must address the envelope as follows:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
P.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400It is important to include the inmate’s TDCJ number in the address to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct person. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs, but there are restrictions on the type of content that is allowed. For example, mail cannot contain any images or text that are sexually explicit, violent, or discriminatory.
In conclusion, the Byrd Unit is a correctional facility that houses male inmates in Texas. Inmates at the Byrd Unit are classified based on their security level and other factors. To find information about an inmate at the Byrd Unit, you can use the TDCJ’s online offender search tool. Inmates at the Byrd Unit are allowed to receive mail from friends and family members, but there are restrictions on the type of content that is allowed.
Facility Details
Capacity and Structure
The Byrd Unit is a state prison located in Huntsville, Texas, with a designated capacity of 1,341 inmates. The facility is a diagnostic intake center, which means that it is responsible for processing new inmates into the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. The Byrd Unit is a mixed-security facility, with a mix of cellblocks and dormitory-style housing units. The facility has a total of 18 housing units, including 12 cellblocks, five dormitories, and one infirmary.
Location
The Byrd Unit is located at 21 FM 247 in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. The facility is situated about one mile north of downtown Huntsville on FM 247, making it easily accessible to visitors and staff. The city of Huntsville is the county seat of Walker County and is located approximately 70 miles north of Houston.
Visiting Hours
The Byrd Unit offers visitation on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting period to be allowed to enter the facility. Visitors are required to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The facility also offers special visits for attorneys, clergy, and other approved visitors.
The facility is located in Walker County, approximately 70 miles north of Houston, and is easily accessible to visitors and staff. Visitation is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting period to be allowed to enter the facility.
Services and Programs
The Byrd Unit offers a variety of services and programs to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These services and programs are designed to help inmates learn new skills, address mental health concerns, and work toward rehabilitation.
Adult Education
Inmates at the Byrd Unit can participate in adult education programs to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. These programs include classes in reading, writing, and math, as well as courses in vocational skills such as welding, carpentry, and plumbing. By participating in these programs, inmates can improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Mental Health Services
The Byrd Unit offers mental health services to help inmates address mental health concerns. Inmates can receive counseling and therapy, as well as medication management if necessary. The prison also offers group therapy sessions to help inmates develop coping skills and build social support networks.
Rehabilitation Programs
The Byrd Unit offers a range of rehabilitation programs to help inmates address the root causes of their criminal behavior. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management classes, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs to learn new skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Overall, the Byrd Unit is committed to providing its inmates with the services and programs they need to successfully reintegrate into society. By offering education, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs, the Department of Corrections hopes to reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety.
Contact Information
If you need to contact the James “Jay” H. Byrd Unit, there are several ways to do so. This section will provide information on the phone number and email address of the facility.
Phone Number
To reach the Byrd Unit by phone, you can call (936) 295-5768. This number will connect you to the main line for the facility. If you need to speak with a specific department or staff member, you may need to navigate through the automated phone system to reach the appropriate extension.
Unfortunately, the Byrd Unit does not provide an email address for communication. However, you can use JPay to send electronic messages to inmates at the facility. JPay is a service that allows friends and family members to send emails, photos, and even video messages to incarcerated individuals. To use JPay, you will need to create an account and purchase “stamps” to use for sending messages.
Money
If you need to send money to an inmate at the Byrd Unit, you can use JPay to do so. JPay offers several options for sending funds, including online payments, money orders, and cash deposits at participating retail locations. For more information on sending money to an inmate, visit the JPay website or contact their customer service department.
Overall, the Byrd Unit provides several options for contacting the facility and sending messages or funds to inmates. Whether you prefer to use the phone or electronic communication methods, there are ways to stay in touch with loved ones who are incarcerated at the facility.