The Jim Ferguson Unit, also known as the Ferguson Unit, is a correctional facility located in Midway, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and houses male inmates who have been convicted of various crimes. The facility has a capacity of 2,417 inmates and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since August 2000.
The Ferguson Unit offers various programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and faith-based initiatives. The facility also has a unit-specific pre-release program that provides inmates with the necessary skills and resources to successfully reintegrate into society.
Despite its efforts to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment, Ferguson prison has faced criticism and controversy over the years. In 2015, the facility was sued by a group of inmates who claimed that the prison was violating their constitutional rights by subjecting them to extreme heat during the summer months. These allegations led to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, which found that the facility was indeed violating the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution by failing to adequately protect inmates from the heat.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,417 |
| Physical Address | 12120 Savage Drive Midway, TX 75852 |
| 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) 348-3751 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Ferguson Prison
The Ferguson Unit, also known as the Jim Ferguson Unit, is a correctional institution located in Midway, Texas. The facility was named after James E. Ferguson, a former governor of Texas who served two non-consecutive terms from 1915 to 1917 and from 1917 to 1921.
The prison was established in June 1962, and it is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since August 2000.
In 2011, the Ferguson Unit was the subject of a lawsuit that alleged that the facility had violated the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution by providing inadequate medical care to inmates. The case was settled in 2014, and the facility agreed to improve its medical services.
During the early 20th century, Governor James E. Ferguson was known for his controversial policies, including his opposition to the women’s suffrage movement and his involvement in a bribery scandal. Despite his controversial legacy, the prison named after him has remained a significant correctional institution in Texas.
Overall, the history of the Ferguson Unit is marked by its role in the Texas criminal justice system and its association with the legacy of one of the state’s most controversial governors.
Location and Contact Information
Address and City
The Ferguson Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located at 12120 Savage Drive, Midway, TX 75852. The prison is situated about twenty miles northeast of Huntsville in Madison County. The prison’s location provides easy access to the nearby communities, making it easier for visitors to reach the facility.
Phone and Email
The Ferguson Unit can be contacted at (936) 348-3751 (**011) for general inquiries. The prison does not have a public email address for contact, but visitors can send mail to their incarcerated loved ones using the following address:
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
- P.O. Box 660400
- Dallas, TX 75266-0400
The facility’s phone system is designed to provide inmates with access to phone calls with their family and friends. The prison phone system is managed by a third-party provider, and inmates can purchase phone time using their commissary account.
In conclusion, the Ferguson Unit is a prison located at Savage Drive in Midway, TX, and is easily accessible from nearby communities. The prison can be contacted at (936) 348-3751 (**011), and visitors can send mail to their loved ones using the address mentioned above. The phone system is managed by a third-party provider, and inmates can purchase phone time using their commissary account.
Inmate Information
Inmate Locator
Finding an inmate in the Ferguson Unit is easy with the Inmate Locator tool provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). This tool allows you to locate an inmate by name or BOP register number. You can also search for inmates by their age, race, and sex. In addition, you can find out where the inmate is currently being held and their projected release date.
Release Date
The projected release date for an inmate can be found using the Inmate Locator tool provided by the BOP. This tool allows you to search for an inmate’s release date by their name or BOP register number. It is important to note that an inmate’s release date may change due to a variety of factors such as good behavior, sentence adjustments, and changes in laws. Therefore, it is recommended to check the Inmate Locator tool regularly for any updates to an inmate’s release date.
Sentence Duration
The length of an inmate’s sentence can vary depending on the crime they committed and other factors. You can find information on an inmate’s sentence duration by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the BOP. This request will provide you with information on the inmate’s sentence length, as well as any adjustments made to their sentence.
It is important to note that the BOP is responsible for federal inmates only. If you are looking for information on state inmates, you will need to contact the relevant state Department of Corrections. Additionally, the BOP only provides information on male inmates. If you are looking for information on female inmates, you will need to contact the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Women’s Program Coordinator. Finally, each inmate is assigned a unique Central Inmate Data (CID) number that can be used to locate them in the BOP’s system.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at the Ferguson Unit is subject to certain rules and regulations that visitors must follow. The unit is located twenty miles northeast of Huntsville on FM 247 in Madison County. Visitors are encouraged to read and understand the visitation rules before planning a visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Ferguson Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at the unit no later than 3:00 p.m. to be processed for a visit. Visitors who arrive after 3:00 p.m. will not be allowed to visit.
Each inmate is allowed two visits per month. Each visit can last up to two hours. To visit an inmate, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must pass a security check before entering the unit.
Special Visits
In certain circumstances, special visits may be arranged for visitors who cannot visit during regular visiting hours. These special visits are granted on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by the unit’s senior warden.
Special visits may be granted for immediate family members, such as parents, spouses, and children, who live more than 300 miles away from the unit. Visitors must provide proof of their relationship to the inmate and must have a valid reason for the special visit.
Visitors must contact the unit’s visitation department to request a special visit. The visitation department will provide instructions on how to apply for a special visit and what documentation is required.
Overall, visitors must follow all rules and regulations when visiting an inmate at the Ferguson Unit. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the termination of the visit and the visitor being banned from future visits.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The Ferguson Unit offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge that can help them secure employment upon release. These programs are designed to promote personal and professional growth and to aid in the successful reentry of inmates into society.
Literacy and GED Programs
The Ferguson Unit offers literacy classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help inmates improve their reading and writing skills. Additionally, the prison offers GED programs to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. These programs are essential for inmates who did not complete high school and want to further their education or obtain employment opportunities that require a high school diploma.
Career and Technology Programs
The Ferguson Unit offers a variety of career and technology programs to help inmates acquire marketable skills. These programs include small engine repair, welding, data processing, electrical trades, and cabinet making. The prison also offers culinary arts programs to help inmates learn how to prepare and cook food. These programs provide inmates with hands-on experience and training in a variety of fields, making them more employable upon release.
Additional Programs and Services
In addition to the programs mentioned above, the Ferguson Unit offers a range of additional programs and services to help inmates succeed. These programs include adult basic education, special education, changes/pre-release, cognitive intervention, Lee College vocational programs, peer education, and reentry planning. These programs are designed to address the specific needs of inmates and to help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed upon release.
Overall, the Ferguson Unit’s educational and vocational programs are an essential part of the rehabilitation process for inmates. These programs provide inmates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed upon release and to lead productive lives.
Health and Mental Services
The Ferguson Unit provides healthcare and mental health services to all inmates to ensure their health and safety. The prison’s Division of Health Services is responsible for providing medical and mental health care to all incarcerated individuals. The Division of Health Services ensures that all inmates have access to medically necessary health and mental health care, which protects the health and safety of inmates, staff, and visitors.
The prison’s medical staff provides routine medical care, including dental services, to all inmates. Inmates can receive dental care, such as fillings, extractions, and cleanings, as needed. The medical staff also provides emergency medical care to inmates as needed.
The prison’s mental health services are designed to address the unique needs of inmates who may be experiencing mental health issues. The prison’s mental health staff provides counseling and therapy to inmates who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. The prison also provides medication management services to inmates who are taking medication for mental health conditions.
The prison’s mental health services also include crisis intervention services for inmates who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The prison’s mental health staff is trained to respond to mental health emergencies and provide immediate intervention and support to inmates in need.
Overall, the Ferguson Unit is committed to providing high-quality healthcare and mental health services to all inmates. The prison’s Division of Health Services ensures that all inmates receive the medical and mental health care they need to stay healthy and safe while incarcerated.