The Memorial Unit is a correctional facility located in Rosharon, Texas. The facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and houses male inmates. The prison has a capacity of 1,610 inmates and employs approximately 700 staff members.
Opened in 1989, the Memorial Unit is a maximum-security facility designed to house inmates who have been convicted of crimes such as robbery, drug offenses, and burglary. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. In addition, the facility has a medical unit that provides healthcare services to inmates.
Overall, the Memorial Unit plays an important role in the Texas criminal justice system by providing a secure and structured environment for inmates to serve their sentences. While the facility has faced some criticism over the years, it remains an essential part of the state’s efforts to maintain public safety and reduce recidivism.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,610 |
| Physical Address | 59 Darrington Road Rosharon, TX 77583 |
| 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 | (281) 595-3465 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of The Memorial Unit, Texas
The Memorial Unit is a correctional facility located in Houston, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and is one of the largest prisons in the state. The prison was named after the victims of the 1947 Texas City disaster, which was one of the deadliest industrial accidents in US history.
The construction of the Memorial Unit began in 1984, and it was officially opened in 1987. The prison has a capacity of 2,234 inmates and is classified as a medium-security facility. It also has a maximum-security unit that houses inmates who have committed serious crimes.
Over the years, the Memorial Unit has been the site of several controversies. In 1995, a riot broke out in the prison, resulting in the death of one inmate and injuries to several others. The riot was reportedly caused by overcrowding and poor living conditions in the prison.
In recent years, the TDCJ has made efforts to improve the conditions at the Memorial Unit. In 2016, the prison underwent a major renovation project that included the installation of new security systems, the repair of existing infrastructure, and the addition of new facilities.
Despite its controversial past, the Memorial Unit continues to play an important role in the Texas criminal justice system. It serves as a place of punishment and rehabilitation for thousands of inmates each year, and it is an important part of the state’s efforts to maintain law and order.
Location and Address
The Memorial Unit is a Texas state prison located in Rosharon, Brazoria County. It is situated four miles north of Rosharon on FM 521. The prison’s address is 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, TX 77583.
Rosharon is a small city in Brazoria County with a population of around 1,200 people. The city is located approximately 30 miles south of Houston and is part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area. Brazoria County is located in the Gulf Coast region of Texas and has a population of over 370,000 people.
The Memorial Unit prison complex covers an area of around 1,700 acres and is surrounded by farmland. The prison is located near the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, waterfowl, and deer. The prison is also located near the San Bernard River, which is popular for fishing and boating.
The Memorial Unit prison complex is named after the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. It is a maximum-security prison that houses around 2,000 male inmates. The Senior Warden of the Memorial Unit is Bridgette Hayes, and the Regional Director is Maricia Jackson, Region III.
Inmate Demographics
The Memorial Unit in Texas houses a diverse population of inmates, with a majority of the inmates being male. According to the FY 2021 Statistical Report published by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as of August 31, 2021, there were a total of 1,203 inmates at the Memorial Unit. Out of these, 1,126 were male, and only 77 were female. This means that the male population constitutes 93.6% of the total inmate population at the Memorial Unit, while the female population constitutes only 6.4%.
The report also provides information on the age distribution of inmates at the Memorial Unit. As of August 31, 2021, the majority of the inmates were between the ages of 21 and 40, with 691 inmates falling in this age range. This is followed by 364 inmates between the ages of 41 and 60, and 148 inmates between the ages of 18 and 20. Only a small number of inmates were over the age of 60, with 11 inmates falling in this age range.
In terms of race and ethnicity, the majority of the inmates at the Memorial Unit are Hispanic, followed by Black and White inmates. According to the FY 2021 Statistical Report, out of the 1,203 inmates, 619 were Hispanic, 391 were Black, and 176 were White. The remaining 17 inmates belonged to other racial or ethnic groups.
It is important to note that the demographic makeup of the inmate population at the Memorial Unit is subject to change over time, and the statistics presented here are accurate as of August 31, 2021.
Educational Programs
The Memorial Unit offers various educational programs to help inmates gain knowledge and skills to improve their chances of successful reentry into society. These programs include academic and vocational courses, as well as preparation for the General Educational Development (GED) test.
The academic courses offered by the Memorial Unit include basic education courses, such as reading, writing, and math, as well as advanced courses in subjects like history, science, and literature. These courses are designed to help inmates improve their academic skills and prepare them for higher education or vocational training programs.
The Memorial Unit also offers vocational courses in various fields, such as automotive technology, welding, and culinary arts. These courses are designed to provide inmates with marketable job skills that can help them secure employment after their release.
In addition to academic and vocational courses, the Memorial Unit also provides GED preparation classes. These classes help inmates prepare for the GED test, which is a high school equivalency exam that can open up new opportunities for education and employment.
Overall, the Memorial Unit’s educational programs are designed to provide inmates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life after incarceration. By offering a range of academic and vocational courses, as well as GED preparation classes, Memorial Unit is helping inmates overcome the barriers to successful reentry into society.
Contact Information and Visiting Hours
The Memorial Unit is a state prison located in Rosharon, Texas. If you need to contact the prison, you can reach them at (281) 595-3465 (**007). The Senior Warden of the Memorial Unit is Bridgette Hayes, and the Regional Director is Maricia Jackson, Region III.
Visitation is an important part of maintaining the association between inmates and their friends and family, as well as strengthening family ties. Memorial Unit follows the visitation rules and regulations set by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Visiting hours for the Memorial Unit are as follows:
| Type of Visit | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Visits | Saturday and Sunday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Contact Visits | Saturday and Sunday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Video Visits | Saturday and Sunday | 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Regular visits are two hours in duration and begin when the offender is seated. Contact visits are available for Level 2 & 3 and Protective Safekeeping inmates, and they are allowed one contact visit per week. Special visits are also available for inmates who do not have regular visiting privileges.
It is important to note that all visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must meet the dress code requirements. Visitors must also bring a valid photo ID and follow all rules and regulations during their visit.
If you have any questions about visitation or need more information, you can contact the visitation hotline at (844) 476-1289.