The John Middleton Unit is a correctional facility located eight miles northeast of Abilene in Jones County, Texas. It is one of the many prisons operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility is named after John Middleton, a former Texas Ranger who was killed in the line of duty in 1885.
The Middleton Unit houses around 2,100 male inmates, most of whom are serving long-term sentences for serious offenses. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
The Middleton Unit has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since May 2001. This accreditation is a testament to the facility’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, security, and rehabilitation. Despite this, the prison has faced criticism in the past for issues such as overcrowding and understaffing. Overall, the Middleton Unit plays an important role in the Texas criminal justice system and in the lives of the inmates housed there.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,128 |
| Physical Address | 13055 FM 3522 Abilene, TX 79601 |
| 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 | (325) 548-9075 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Middleton Prison Overview
The Middleton Unit, also known as the John Middleton Unit, is a state prison located in Abilene, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Region Offender Transportation Office.
The prison is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and has been since May 2001. It is a confinement facility that primarily houses male offenders. Chimdi Akwitti is the Senior Warden at the Middleton Prison.
The Middleton Unit is located eight miles northeast of Abilene in Jones County. It is a medium-security prison with a capacity to house 2,128 inmates. The facility offers a range of programs and services to the inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Overall, the Middleton Unit is an important part of the Texas prison system and plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
Inmate Information
The Middleton Unit is a correctional facility that houses inmates who have been convicted of various crimes. In this section, we will discuss how to locate an inmate, inmate sentencing, and inmate release dates.
Locating an Inmate
If you are trying to locate an inmate in the Middleton Unit, you can use the inmate locator tool provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on their website. This tool allows you to search for inmates who are currently in custody or who have been released from custody since 1982. You can search for inmates by their name, BOP register number, or by their age.
Inmate Sentencing
Inmates at the Middleton Unit are sentenced to custody levels based on the severity of their crimes. The custody levels range from G-1 minimum security to G-3 medium security. Inmates are also classified as either transient offenders, youthful offenders, or federal inmates. The custody levels housed at the Middleton Unit include G1-G3.
Inmate Release Date
The release date for an inmate at the Middleton Unit can be found using the BOP inmate locator tool. Due to the First Step Act, sentences are being reviewed and recalculated to address pending Federal Time Credit changes. As a result, an inmate’s release date may not be up-to-date. It is important to note that an inmate’s release date can change due to a variety of factors, including good behavior, sentence reductions, and parole.
In conclusion, if you need to locate an inmate at the Middleton Unit, you can use the BOP inmate locator tool. The custody levels and sentencing of inmates at the Middleton Unit are based on the severity of their crimes, and their release dates can vary due to a variety of factors.
Visiting Hours and Information
The Middleton Unit allows visitation for offenders, which is an important way to maintain family and community ties. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the facility to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Visiting hours at the Middleton Unit are 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 hours to be processed. Visitors must be on the approved visitor’s list, which is maintained by the offender. It is the responsibility of the offender to notify visitors of any changes to the visiting list.
Visitors must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to enter the facility. Visitors are subject to search and screening before entering the facility. Visitors must wear appropriate attire and conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Any violation of the rules and regulations may result in the visitor being denied entry or being asked to leave the facility.
The Middleton Unit also offers special visits for offenders who are unable to receive regular visits due to medical reasons or other circumstances. Special visits must be approved in advance by the facility and are subject to availability.
In conclusion, visiting hours at the Middleton Unit are an important way for offenders to maintain family and community ties. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the facility to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Facility Structure and Security
The John Middleton Unit is a medium-security prison located eight miles northeast of Abilene, Texas. The facility is surrounded by a double fence with razor ribbon wire on top, and it has armed towers strategically placed to monitor the perimeter. The prison has a capacity of 1,100 inmates and houses male offenders who have been convicted of various crimes.
Housing Units
The John Middleton Unit has several dormitory-style housing units that are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The housing units are equipped with individual bunks, lockers, and communal showers. The prison also has a segregation unit for inmates who require maximum security.
Security Measures
The Middleton Unit has a comprehensive security system that includes security horses, security pack canines, and armed towers. The security horses and canines are trained to detect contraband and to assist in the search for escaped inmates. The prison also has co-located with Robertson, a prison that houses female offenders.
In addition to the security horses and canines, the prison also has a sophisticated security camera system that monitors the entire facility. The prison has a strict visitation policy, and all visitors are required to pass through a metal detector and undergo a search before entering the facility.
The Middleton Unit uses razor ribbon wire to prevent inmates from escaping. Razor ribbon wire is a type of barbed wire that is designed to be more difficult to cut or climb than traditional barbed wire. The prison’s perimeter fence is also equipped with motion sensors and alarms to alert security personnel of any attempted breaches.
The prison has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and contraband, and all inmates are subject to random searches and drug testing. The Middleton Unit also has a dedicated team of correctional officers who are trained to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently.
Overall, the Middleton Unit is a well-structured and secure facility that is equipped with the latest security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
Educational and Life Skills Programs
The Middleton Unit offers a variety of educational and life skills programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. These programs are designed to improve inmates’ employability, communication skills, and overall well-being.
Educational Programs
The Middleton Unit offers several educational programs to inmates, including Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED courses, and literacy courses. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and to prepare them for the GED test. Additionally, the Middleton Unit offers post-secondary education in vocational and occupationally-oriented areas. Inmates are responsible for funding this coursework.
Life Skills Courses
The Middleton Unit offers a variety of life skills courses to help inmates develop appropriate skills during incarceration. These courses include parenting classes, substance abuse education, cognitive intervention, and peer education. Inmates can also participate in pre-release courses that focus on reentry planning, job search skills, and financial management.
Texas Tech University provides a variety of life skills courses, including anger management, communication skills, and conflict resolution. These courses are designed to help inmates develop the skills necessary to successfully reintegrate into society and avoid recidivism. Inmates can also participate in changes/pre-release courses, which focus on developing cognitive skills and improving self-esteem.
Overall, the Middleton Unit’s educational and life skills programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society. These programs have been shown to reduce recidivism rates and improve inmates’ overall well-being.
Support and Treatment Programs
The Middleton Unit offers a variety of support and treatment programs to help inmates overcome their challenges and prepare for their eventual release. These programs are designed to address various issues such as substance abuse, parenting, and more.
Substance Abuse Treatment
The Middleton Unit’s substance abuse treatment program is designed to help inmates overcome addiction and reduce the likelihood of relapse. The program includes substance abuse screening, education, and counseling. Inmates who require further treatment are referred to specialized programs that provide more intensive care.
Parenting Classes
The Middleton Unit offers parenting classes to help inmates develop the skills they need to parent effectively. These classes cover a range of topics, including child development, communication, and discipline. Inmates who complete the program receive a certificate of completion, which can be useful when seeking employment or custody of their children.
Support Groups
The Middleton Unit offers a range of support groups to help inmates cope with the challenges of incarceration. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where inmates can share their experiences and receive emotional support. Some of the support groups available at the Middleton Unit include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Anger Management.
Overall, the Middleton Unit’s support and treatment programs are designed to help inmates overcome their challenges and prepare for their eventual release. These programs provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed in life after prison, and they play an important role in reducing recidivism rates.
Community and Volunteer Initiatives
The Middleton Unit is committed to fostering positive relationships and partnerships with the local community. The prison offers several community and volunteer initiatives that aim to reduce recidivism and help inmates reintegrate into society.
One of the most important initiatives is the supervised labor force program. Inmates who participate in this program are assigned to work on community projects under the supervision of correctional officers. This program not only benefits the community by providing a low-cost labor force for local government agencies and non-profit organizations but also helps inmates develop valuable job skills and work experience.
In addition to the supervised labor force program, the Middleton Unit also offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including lectures, community work projects, and vocational training. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that will help them succeed after release.
Volunteer initiatives are also an important part of the Middleton Unit’s community outreach efforts. The prison welcomes volunteers who are interested in working with inmates and helping them prepare for life outside of prison. Volunteers can participate in a variety of programs, including faith-based, substance abuse, self-help, support groups, literacy, cognitive skills, and cultural awareness programming. To be eligible, volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid form of identification.
Overall, the Middleton Unit’s community and volunteer initiatives are an important part of its mission to promote public safety and reduce recidivism. By working closely with the local community and offering a range of educational and vocational programs, the prison is helping inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after release.
Additional Operations and Services
The Middleton Unit offers a range of additional operations and services to the incarcerated population. These services are designed to enhance the quality of life for the inmates and improve their chances of successful reentry into society.
One of the additional operations offered at the Middleton Unit is the Scent-Specific Canine program. This program uses specially trained dogs to detect contraband and other prohibited items within the facility. This program is an important part of the facility’s overall security measures.
The Middleton Unit also serves as a regional release site, providing a safe and secure location for inmates who are being released from custody. This program is designed to ensure that inmates are able to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce the risk of recidivism.
In terms of medical capabilities, the Middleton Unit offers ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services. Medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, the facility has 50 skilled nursing beds, which include six respiratory isolation rooms and 44 long-term care beds, for a total of 94 infirmary beds.
The Middleton Unit also offers a number of additional programs and services, including substance abuse screening and assessment, vocational training, and educational programs. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Additionally, the Middleton Unit participates in the GO KIDS initiative, which is a partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This program provides at-risk youth with the opportunity to tour correctional facilities and learn about the consequences of criminal behavior.
Finally, the Middleton Unit operates a commissary, which provides inmates with access to a variety of personal items, snacks, and other goods. The facility also has an agricultural operations program, a facilities garden, and a manufacturing and logistics operation, which provides inmates with vocational training and job skills.