The Hightower Unit, also known as the L.V. Hightower Unit, is a medium-security prison located in Dayton, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since January 2002. The prison is named after L.V. Hightower, a former Texas legislator who was instrumental in the creation of the TDCJ.
The Hightower Unit is a part of the TDCJ Correctional Institutions Division and houses male inmates. The facility has a capacity of 1,384 inmates and employs over 400 staff members. The prison offers various educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, special education, and vocational training. Inmates can also participate in substance abuse treatment programs, faith-based initiatives, and other self-improvement programs.
The Hightower Unit has been in operation since 1991 and is one of several correctional facilities in the Dayton area. Its mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff while promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry into society. The prison has faced some challenges over the years, including allegations of mistreatment of inmates and staff shortages, but continues to serve as an important component of the Texas criminal justice system.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,384 |
| Physical Address | 902 FM 686 Dayton, TX 77535 |
| 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) 258-8013 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Address
The Hightower Unit is located in Dayton, Texas, which is a city in Liberty County. The prison’s precise address is 902 FM 686, Dayton, TX 77535. The facility is situated four miles north of Dayton on FM 686 off Hwy 321.
The prison’s location is strategic since it is accessible by road, making it easier for staff, visitors, and suppliers to access the facility. Additionally, the facility is located in a serene environment, which makes it an ideal place for rehabilitation.
The city of Dayton, where the facility is located, has a population of approximately 8,000 people. Dayton is known for its rich history, and it is home to several historical sites, including the Dayton Community Center, the Dayton Historical Society, and the Old School Museum. Visitors to the Hightower Unit can take advantage of these sites to learn more about the city’s history.
Liberty County, where the prison is located, has a population of approximately 85,000 people. The county is home to several other correctional facilities, including the Lucile Plane State Jail, which is co-located with the Hightower Unit. The county is also known for its outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, and camping.
History and Establishment
The L.V. Hightower Unit is a prison located in Dayton, Texas. It was established in March 1990 and is managed by the Correctional Institutions Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The unit is named after L.V. Hightower, a former Texas Department of Criminal Justice executive director.
The establishment of the L.V. Hightower Unit was part of a larger effort by the state of Texas to increase its prison capacity. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Texas was experiencing a surge in its prison population, which led to overcrowding in many of its existing facilities. To address this issue, the state embarked on an ambitious prison-building program, which included the construction of the L.V. Hightower Unit.
Since its establishment, the L.V. Hightower Unit has undergone several changes and upgrades. In 2002, it was accredited by the American Correctional Association, which is a testament to its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and security. Today, the unit houses approximately 1,300 male inmates and employs around 350 staff members.
The L.V. Hightower Unit has played an important role in the Texas prison system since its establishment. It has helped to alleviate overcrowding in other facilities and has provided a safe and secure environment for the rehabilitation of inmates. Despite the challenges that it has faced over the years, the unit has remained committed to its mission of providing effective and humane correctional services to the people of Texas.
Capacity and Inmates
The Hightower Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located in Dayton, Texas. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,384 male offenders and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2002. As of the latest available data, the Hightower Unit had a total of 1,193 inmates.
The prison houses offenders with various custody levels, including minimum and medium security. The custody level of an inmate is based on factors such as the severity of their offense, their criminal history, and their behavior while incarcerated. The Hightower Unit also houses inmates of various races.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as of yearend 2021, the U.S. prison population was 1,204,300, a 1% decrease from 2020. The decline in the prison population was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Prisoner Statistics (NPS) Program produces annual national- and state-level data on the number of prisoners in state and federal prison facilities. The aggregate data collected includes the race and sex of prison inmates, inmates held in private facilities and local jails, system capacity, noncitizens, and persons aged 17 or younger.
The Hightower Unit is one of many prisons in the United States that houses male offenders. The custody level of an inmate is determined by the prison based on various factors, including the severity of the crime committed. The prison has a maximum capacity of 1384 inmates and is accredited by the ACA.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Hightower Unit also known as the L.V. Hightower Unit, is a correctional facility located in Dayton, Texas. The prison is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2002. The facility is situated four miles north of Dayton on FM 686 off Hwy 321 in Liberty County.
The prison has a capacity of 1,384 inmates and is a medium-security facility that houses male offenders. The facility has a staff of over 450 employees who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the inmates, as well as the smooth functioning of the prison.
Facility operations at the Hightower Unit include unit maintenance, which is responsible for the upkeep of the facility’s buildings and grounds. The maintenance crew is responsible for repairing and replacing equipment, as well as ensuring that the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are functioning correctly. The prison also has a garment factory that provides employment opportunities for inmates.
In addition to the main prison, Hightower also manages the Henley State Jail, a minimum-security facility that houses male offenders. The jail has a capacity of 1,400 inmates and is located adjacent to the Hightower Unit.
The prison’s infrastructure includes a range of facilities to meet the needs of the inmates, including housing units, medical facilities, and recreational areas. The prison has a gymnasium, outdoor recreation areas, and a chapel where inmates can attend religious services.
Overall, the Hightower Unit provides a secure and safe environment for inmates while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and education. The prison’s facilities and infrastructure are well-maintained, and the staff is dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of the facility.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
The Hightower Unit offers a range of educational and rehabilitation programs designed to help inmates gain new skills and improve their chances of success upon release. These programs include GED preparation, adult basic education, pre-release education, and career and technology programs.
The adult education program at the Hightower Unit provides inmates with the opportunity to improve their literacy skills through courses in reading, writing, and math. Inmates can also work towards earning their GED, which can significantly improve their employment prospects upon release.
In addition to traditional educational programs, the Hightower Unit also offers career and technology programs that teach inmates valuable job skills. These programs include small engine repair, welding, and other vocational courses that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities upon release.
The Hightower Unit also offers pre-release education programs that help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs cover a range of topics, including job search strategies, financial management, and community resources.
To support these educational programs, the Hightower Unit has invested in technology programs that provide inmates with access to computers and other digital resources. These programs help inmates develop valuable computer skills that can be applied in a variety of industries.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs at the Hightower Unit are designed to help inmates acquire new skills, improve their employability, and successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Security Measures
Security is a top priority at the Hightower Unit, which is overseen by the Correctional Institutions Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility employs a range of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors.
One of the key security measures at Hightower is the use of security horses and security pack canines. These animals are trained to detect contraband and assist with searches of the facility. They are also used to patrol the perimeter of the prison and help prevent escapes.
In addition to the use of animals, the Hightower Unit employs a range of other security measures. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, including cameras and motion detectors, which are monitored around the clock by trained staff. The prison also has a highly trained security staff, which includes both security officers and correctional officers.
To further enhance security, the Hightower Unit has implemented a range of policies and procedures designed to prevent contraband from entering the facility. These include strict screening procedures for visitors and staff, as well as regular searches of the facility and inmate cells.
Overall, the Hightower Unit is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, inmates, and visitors. The facility’s comprehensive security measures, including the use of security horses and pack canines, state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, and highly trained security staff, help to ensure that this goal is achieved.
Visitation Information
Visitation at the Hightower Unit is an important part of an inmate’s rehabilitation process. The unit encourages visits from family and friends as it helps to maintain positive relationships and support systems.
Visiting hours at the Hightower Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and have a valid government-issued photo ID.
The Family Visitation Center is available for families to use during their visit. It provides a child-friendly environment where children can play and interact with their incarcerated loved ones. The center also offers a vending machine for snacks and drinks.
Visitors are reminded that all visits are subject to search and monitoring. Visitors must comply with the unit’s dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Visitors who violate the dress code will not be allowed to visit.
In the event of a visitation cancellation, the unit will post the information on the TDCJ homepage. Visitors are advised to confirm the unit visitation schedule and verify that visitation has not been canceled before making the trip.
Overall, the Hightower Unit values the importance of visitation in an inmate’s rehabilitation process and strives to make the visitation experience as positive as possible for both the inmate and the visitor.
Inmate Search and Records
The Hightower Unit maintains inmate records that can be accessed by the general public. These records include information about inmates such as their full name, inmate roster, booking number, arrests, release date, inmate records, criminal records, public records, and offender number. Inmates can be searched using their full name or offender number.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains an online inmate locator that allows users to search for federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present. The locator contains information about the inmate’s name, age, race, sex, release date, and the facility where the inmate is housed. Users can search by the inmate’s name or register number.
In addition to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice also provides a prison facility locator that allows users to search for federal prisons by name, state, region, type, and security level. The locator also includes maps of federal facilities.
For those looking for information on state or local inmates, USAGov provides a resource for searching for prisoners and prison records based on when and where someone was incarcerated. It is also possible to order copies of prisoners’ records through the National Archives and Records Administration if they are available.
Overall, the Hightower Unit maintains inmate records that are accessible to the public and can be searched using various online resources. It is important to note that the information contained in these records is subject to change and may not always be up-to-date.
Community Services and Initiatives
The L.V. Hightower Unit offers a range of community services and initiatives to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into their communities. The Community Services Division of the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) provides technical assistance, specialized training, and other programs related to probation, parole, and other forms of community-based corrections. The Division also sponsors the development of publications and materials on topics of interest to community corrections practitioners, and it coordinates an annual training academy for community corrections professionals.
The Hightower Unit provides community tours to educate the public about the prison system and the role of community corrections in the criminal justice system. The tours offer an opportunity for community members to learn about the various programs and services offered by the prison, as well as the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society.
The Go Kids Initiative is a program that provides educational and recreational activities for children of incarcerated parents. The program is designed to promote positive relationships between parents and their children and to help children develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and in life.
The Hightower Unit also offers a range of volunteer initiatives and community work projects. These initiatives provide opportunities for incarcerated individuals to give back to their communities, while also developing valuable skills and work experience that can help them succeed after release. Some of the community work projects offered by the Hightower Unit include park clean-up, graffiti removal, and community garden projects.
Overall, the community services and initiatives offered by the Hightower Unit are designed to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into their communities. These programs and services provide valuable resources and support to help individuals succeed and thrive after release.
Medical Services
The Hightower Unit provides essential medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The facility has a fully staffed medical unit that is equipped to provide ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services to its male inmates. Medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is provided by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers.
The prison also offers digital medical services (DMS) and electronic specialty clinics to its inmates. These services use technology to provide remote medical consultations and specialty care, allowing inmates to receive care without leaving the facility. This reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming transfers to outside medical facilities.
In addition to its medical staff, the Hightower Unit contracts with outside medical and mental health employees to provide specialized care to inmates. These contracts allow the facility to provide a wide range of medical and mental health services to its inmates, including specialized care for chronic conditions, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders.
The prison’s medical unit also provides dental services to its inmates, including routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Inmates can receive dental care on a regular schedule, and emergency dental services are available as needed.
Overall, the Hightower Unit is committed to providing high-quality medical, dental, and mental health services to its inmates. The facility’s staff is dedicated to ensuring that inmates receive the care they need to maintain their health and well-being while incarcerated.
Special Programs
The Hightower Unit offers a variety of special programs to help inmates develop important skills and address specific needs. These programs include substance abuse education, life skills, support groups, sex offender treatment, cognitive intervention, and more.
The Substance Abuse Education program is designed to help inmates understand the causes and effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Through this program, inmates learn about the dangers of addiction and develop strategies to avoid relapse after release.
Life Skills classes teach practical skills that will help inmates succeed after release. These classes cover topics such as budgeting, job search strategies, and healthy relationship building.
Support groups are available for inmates who need additional emotional support during their incarceration. These groups provide a safe space for inmates to share their experiences and receive encouragement from their peers.
The Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) is a specialized program designed to help inmates who have committed sexual offenses. Through this program, inmates learn about the root causes of their behavior and develop strategies to prevent future offenses. The Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP) is also available for inmates who have been convicted of sexual offenses but do not require the intensive treatment provided by SOTP.
The CHANGES program is a pre-release program designed to help inmates transition back into society. Through this program, inmates learn about employment opportunities, housing options, and other resources available to them after release.
Cognitive Intervention classes help inmates develop critical thinking skills and learn to make better decisions. These classes are designed to help inmates break negative patterns of behavior and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Assisted Disability Services (ADS) are available for inmates who require additional support due to physical or mental disabilities. These services include assistance with mobility, communication, and daily living activities.
Overall, the Hightower Unit’s special programs offer inmates a range of resources to help them develop important skills and address specific needs.