The John B. Connally Unit, located in Kenedy, Texas, is a maximum-security prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison is named after the 39th Governor of Texas, John Connally, who served from 1963 to 1969. The facility houses male offenders and has a maximum capacity of 2,092 inmates.
The Connally Unit is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The facility also has a medical unit that provides healthcare services to inmates. The prison has a staff of approximately 500 employees, including correctional officers, medical personnel, and administrative staff.
The Connally Unit has been in operation since 1995 and has a reputation for being one of the most secure prisons in Texas. Despite its high-security status, the facility has experienced its share of incidents over the years, including a riot in 2008 that resulted in several injuries and a lockdown of the prison. However, the staff at the Connally Unit is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates, and the facility continues to be an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s correctional system.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,092 |
| Physical Address | 899 FM 632 Kenedy, TX 78119 |
| 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 | (830) 583-4003 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Connally Unit: An Overview
The John B. Connally Unit, also known as the Connally Unit, is a maximum-security state prison for male inmates located in Kenedy, Texas. The prison is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and falls under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Institutions Division in Region IV.
The physical address of the prison is 899 FM 632, Kenedy, TX 78119, and its capacity is approximately 2,090 inmates. The prison is named after former Texas Governor John B. Connally Jr.
The Connally Unit is a level 5 maximum-security prison, which means it houses some of the most dangerous and violent offenders in the state of Texas. The prison has a reputation for being one of the toughest prisons in the state, with a high level of security and strict rules and regulations.
The prison is situated on Farm to Market Road 632 in Karnes County, two miles south of Kenedy. The facility comprises several buildings, including cellblocks, administration buildings, and support buildings. The prison also has a large recreation yard and a chapel for religious services.
The Connally Unit is primarily a male prison and houses only male inmates. It is a maximum-security prison, which means that the inmates are closely monitored and have limited contact with the outside world. The prison has a mail policy that allows inmates to receive mail from family and friends, but all incoming mail is screened for contraband.
Overall, the Connally Unit is a highly secure and well-managed prison that houses some of the most dangerous offenders in the state of Texas. It is an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Correctional Institutions Division and plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and security.
Historical Background
The John B. Connally Unit, also known as the Connally Unit, is a correctional facility located in Karnes County, Texas. The prison was named after John Bowden Connally Jr., a former governor of Texas. The unit was opened in 1995 and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Before the establishment of the Connally Unit, the TDCJ had been facing severe overcrowding in its prisons. In 1993, the TDCJ launched an ambitious construction program to build new prisons across the state. The Connally Unit was one of the facilities built during this period.
The prison was designed to house medium-security male inmates and was built to accommodate 2,100 prisoners. The facility was equipped with modern amenities, including a medical unit, a dental clinic, and a psychiatric unit. The prison also had a number of educational and vocational programs designed to help inmates acquire new skills and prepare for life after their release.
Since its opening, the Connally Unit has been the site of several high-profile incidents. In July 1995, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the death of one inmate and the injury of several others. The riot was caused by a dispute between two rival gangs and was eventually brought under control by the prison staff.
Despite these incidents, the Connally Unit has remained an important part of the TDCJ’s correctional system. The facility has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years and continues to provide housing and rehabilitation services to thousands of inmates every year.
Inmate Services and Programs
The John B. Connally Unit provides various programs and services to its inmates to help them improve their lives and prepare for reentry into society. These programs and services include educational programs, vocational training, cognitive intervention, and more.
The educational programs offered at the Connally Unit include GED and adult basic education courses, as well as literacy programs. Inmates can also participate in career and technology programs, such as construction carpentry, electrical trades, and piping trades/plumbing. These programs help inmates develop job skills and prepare for employment after release.
The unit also provides cognitive intervention programs that aim to help inmates address their criminal thinking and behaviors. These programs include changes/pre-release and other reentry planning programs, which help inmates prepare for life after release and reduce their risk of recidivism.
In addition to educational and vocational programs, the Connally Unit offers various support groups and services. These include chaplaincy services, crime stoppers, and the Go Kids Initiative, which provides gifts to children of inmates during the holiday season. The unit also has community work projects and volunteer initiatives, which allow inmates to give back to their communities.
Other programs and services provided by the Connally Unit include substance abuse education, mentoring, life skills, and infirmary services. Inmates can also participate in peer education programs and the Adult Education Program (upon availability).
Overall, the Connally Unit provides a range of programs and services to help its inmates improve their lives and prepare for reentry into society. These programs and services aim to reduce recidivism and help inmates become productive members of their communities.
Visitation and Contact Information
The John B. Connally Unit allows visitation for eligible inmates. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Visiting hours at the John B. Connally Unit vary depending on the type of visit. Regular visits take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors are advised to check the Unit Visitation Schedule for specific information on visiting hours for each type of visit.
To visit an inmate at the John B. Connally Unit, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Inmates are allowed up to 10 people on their visitation list, and the list can be updated every six months. Visitors must also be approved by the TDCJ and must present a valid photo ID at the time of the visit.
To inquire about an inmate’s location or to appeal a visitation denial, visitors can call the TDCJ Visitation Hotline toll-free at (844) 476-1289. The hotline is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For general inquiries, visitors can contact the John B. Connally Unit by phone at (830) 583-4003 (**068). The unit is located at 899 FM 632, Kenedy, TX 78119, two miles south of Kenedy on Hwy 181 to FM 632 in Karnes County.
Overall, visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the TDCJ to ensure a safe and secure visitation experience for all involved.