The Michael Unit, located in Tennessee Colony, Texas, is a state prison that houses male inmates. The facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2008. The unit is named after Mark W. Michael, a former director of the Texas Department of Corrections.
The Michael Unit has a capacity of 2,984 inmates and is classified as a maximum-security facility. The prison offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills that will assist them in finding employment after their release. The facility also has a substance abuse treatment program for inmates struggling with addiction.
The Michael Unit has been the site of several notable incidents over the years, including a 1995 riot that resulted in the death of one inmate and injuries to several others. The prison has also been criticized for its use of solitary confinement and other disciplinary measures. Despite these issues, the Michael Unit remains an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,984 |
| Physical Address | 2664 FM 2054 Tennessee Colony, TX 75886 |
| 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 | (903) 928-2311 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
The Michael Unit: An Overview
The Michael Unit, also known as the Mark W. Michael Unit, is a male correctional facility located in Tennessee Colony, Texas. The prison is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2008.
The Michael Unit is a maximum-security facility that houses over 2,900 adult male inmates. The prison is located four miles south of Tennessee Colony on FM 2054 in Anderson County. The facility has a staff of over 500 employees, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical personnel.
The Michael Unit is equipped with advanced security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The facility has security cameras, perimeter fencing, and security horses to monitor and control the movement of inmates. The prison also has a number of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society, including education and vocational training.
The Michael Unit is not the only correctional facility in the United States. There are many other prisons located throughout the country, including several in New York and Pennsylvania. Each state has its own Department of Corrections that oversees the management of state prisons. Inmates can be located using online tools provided by each state’s department of corrections.
In conclusion, the Michael Unit is a maximum-security correctional facility located in Tennessee Colony, Texas. The prison houses over 2,900 adult male inmates and is equipped with advanced security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The prison also offers a number of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Crime and Punishments
The Michael Unit has a long history of incarcerating some of the most notorious criminals in the country. The prison has been home to inmates convicted of a wide range of crimes, from minor offenses like theft and drug possession to more serious crimes like murder and kidnapping.
Escape Attempts
Over the years, the Michael Unit has seen its fair share of escape attempts. In 2016, two inmates attempted to escape by digging a tunnel under the prison yard. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the inmates were caught before they could make it out of the prison.
Murder Cases
The Michael Unit has also been the site of several high-profile murder cases. In 2018, an inmate was found guilty of murdering a fellow prisoner in his cell. The incident prompted an investigation into the prison’s security procedures and led to changes in the way the prison monitors its inmates.
Burglaries
While the Michael Unit is primarily known for housing violent offenders, it has also seen its fair share of burglaries. In 2020, a group of inmates were caught attempting to break into the prison’s commissary. The inmates were quickly apprehended, and the prison’s security measures were once again called into question.
Despite the prison’s efforts to maintain order, incidents like these continue to occur. The prison has implemented a number of measures to prevent future incidents, including increased security patrols and the installation of new surveillance cameras.
Overall, the prison’s track record in dealing with crime and punishment is mixed. While it has been successful in preventing some incidents, others have slipped through the cracks. The prison continues to work towards improving its security measures and ensuring the safety of its inmates and staff.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
The Michael Unit offers a range of education and rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for life after release and reduce recidivism rates. These programs include GED preparation, literacy classes, adult basic education, and computer training.
The GED program at the Michael Unit provides inmates with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. This program is designed to help inmates improve their academic skills and increase their chances of finding employment upon release. Inmates who complete the program are better equipped to pursue higher education or vocational training.
Literacy classes are also available at the Michael Unit. These classes help inmates improve their reading and writing skills, which can be essential for finding employment and reintegrating into society. Inmates who struggle with literacy are often at a disadvantage when it comes to finding employment, and these classes can help level the playing field.
For inmates who need to improve their basic academic skills, adult basic education classes are available. These classes cover a range of subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Inmates who complete these classes are better prepared to pursue higher education or vocational training.
Finally, computer training is available for inmates who want to develop their computer skills. This training can be particularly useful for inmates who are interested in pursuing careers in fields such as information technology or graphic design.
Overall, the education and rehabilitation programs offered at the Michael Unit are designed to help inmates prepare for life after release and reduce recidivism rates. By providing inmates with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and in society, these programs can help break the cycle of incarceration and improve public safety.
Vocational Training
Inmates at the Michael Unit have access to a variety of vocational training programs designed to teach them valuable job skills and increase their chances of finding employment upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of industries, including electronics, sheet metal, horticulture, landscaping, masonry, plumbing, and refrigeration.
The vocational training programs at the Michael Unit are designed to provide inmates with hands-on experience and practical skills that they can use in the workforce. Inmates receive instruction from experienced professionals in their chosen field and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
One of the most popular vocational training programs at the Michael Unit is the electronics program. In this program, inmates learn how to repair and maintain a variety of electronic devices, including computers, televisions, and cell phones. They also learn how to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with electronic equipment, which can be a valuable skill in the workforce.
Another popular program is the sheet metal program, which teaches inmates how to work with and shape metal to create a variety of products, from HVAC ductwork to custom metal furniture. Inmates learn how to use a variety of tools and equipment, including welding machines and shears, to create high-quality metal products.
In addition to these programs, the Michael Unit also offers vocational training in horticulture, landscaping, masonry, plumbing, and refrigeration. Inmates in these programs learn valuable skills that can be applied in a variety of industries, from construction to agriculture.
Overall, the vocational training programs at the Michael Unit are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and reduce their chances of reoffending. These programs are an important part of the rehabilitation process and can help inmates build a better future for themselves and their families.
Agricultural Operations
The Michael Unit, located in Tennessee Colony, Texas, is known for its extensive agricultural operations. The unit is one of five facilities in the state that collaborates to run the feed mill and grain storage operations. The other facilities involved in this collaboration are the Beto, Coffield, Gurney, and Powledge units.
The Michael Unit has a Trusty Camp, which is a program that allows certain inmates to work outside the prison under the supervision of correctional officers. Inmates who participate in the Trusty Camp program are responsible for maintaining the unit’s agricultural operations. They work on the unit’s farm, which includes swine and poultry laying operations, and help maintain the unit’s feed mill and grain storage facilities.
The Louis C. Powledge Unit, which is located seven miles west of Palestine off FM 645 on FM 3452 in Anderson County, also has an extensive agricultural program. The unit has a large farm that produces crops such as corn and soybeans. Inmates who participate in the unit’s agricultural program work on the farm and help maintain the unit’s equipment.
The George Beto Unit, located six miles south of Tennessee Colony on FM 3328 in Anderson County, also has an agricultural program. The unit has a large farm where inmates work to produce crops. Inmates who participate in the program also work in the unit’s feed mill and grain storage facilities.
Overall, the Michael Unit’s agricultural operations are an essential part of the facility’s operations. Inmates who participate in the agricultural program gain valuable skills and experience that can help them find employment upon release. The collaboration between the Michael, Beto, Coffield, Gurney, and Powledge units ensures that the state’s agricultural operations are efficient and effective.