The Smith Unit, located in Lamesa, Texas, is a state prison run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison is named after Preston E. Smith, the 40th Governor of Texas. The Smith Unit is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been since January 2003.
The Smith Unit is a maximum-security prison with a capacity of 2,234 inmates. It houses male offenders and offers various programs, including academic education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also has a mental health unit that provides services to inmates with mental health issues. The Smith Unit has a staff of approximately 500 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
The Smith Unit has been in operation since 1989 and has had several wardens over the years. Bryan Williams is the current senior warden of the Smith Unit. The prison has been the subject of controversy over the years, with reports of violence and abuse by correctional officers. However, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has taken steps to address these issues and improve conditions at the Smith Unit.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,234 |
| Physical Address | 1313 CR 19 Lamesa, TX 79331-1898 |
| 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 | (806) 872-6741 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Smith Unit
The Smith Unit is a maximum-security prison located in Lamesa, Texas, and is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The prison facility was named after former Texas Governor Preston E. Smith, who served from 1969 to 1973. It was opened in 1989 and has a capacity of 2,234 male inmates.
The Smith Unit was designed to house prisoners who are serving sentences for various offenses, including drug offenses, violent crimes, and property crimes. Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes to improve the living conditions of the inmates and the security of the prison.
In 2015, the Smith Unit implemented a new program called the “Thinking for a Change” program, which is aimed at teaching inmates how to make better decisions and solve problems. The program has been successful in reducing the number of disciplinary cases in the prison and has helped many inmates to successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
In addition to the “Thinking for a Change” program, the Smith Unit also offers vocational training programs, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates prepare for their release and reduce recidivism rates.
Overall, the Smith Unit has a long and storied history of providing a safe and secure environment for inmates while also working to help them prepare for their eventual release. The TDCJ continues to invest in the facility to ensure that it remains a model for other prisons across the state.
Inmate Information
Inmate Address
The Smith Unit houses inmates from all over the state. Inmates are assigned to a specific unit based on factors such as their security level and medical needs. Family and friends of inmates can send letters to the inmates, but they must follow specific guidelines outlined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photos, but any other items must be approved by the TDCJ.
Inmate Activities
Inmates at the Smith Unit have access to a variety of activities to help pass the time and improve their physical and mental health. These activities include educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities. Educational programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and college courses. Vocational training programs include welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. Recreational activities include basketball, softball, and weightlifting.
Inmate Sentence
Inmates at the Smith Unit are serving sentences for a variety of crimes. The length of their sentence depends on the severity of the crime they committed. Inmates may be eligible for parole after serving a certain amount of time, but this decision is ultimately up to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Inmates who are not eligible for parole must serve their full sentence before they can be released.
Overall, the Smith Unit is a secure facility that houses inmates from all over the state. Inmates have access to a variety of programs and activities to help pass the time and improve their physical and mental health. Family and friends of inmates can send letters and packages to the inmates, but they must follow specific guidelines outlined by the TDCJ.
Educational Programs
The Smith Unit offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates develop their academic and vocational skills. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary tools to succeed in society upon release. The educational programs available at the Smith Unit include the GED Program, Adult Basic Education, and the Literacy Program.
GED Program
The GED Program at the Smith Unit is designed to help inmates obtain their high school equivalency diploma. This program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to pass the GED exam. The program includes instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who successfully complete the GED Program are better equipped to find employment and pursue higher education opportunities upon release.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education program at the Smith Unit is designed to help inmates improve their basic academic skills. This program provides instruction in reading, writing, and math. Inmates who participate in this program are better equipped to succeed in vocational training programs and in the workforce upon release.
Literacy Program
The Literacy Program at the Smith Unit is designed to help inmates improve their reading and writing skills. This program provides one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction to inmates who struggle with literacy. Inmates who participate in the Literacy Program are better equipped to succeed in the GED Program and other educational programs offered at Smith.
Overall, the educational programs offered at the Smith Unit are an important part of the rehabilitation process. Inmates who participate in these programs are better equipped to succeed upon release and are less likely to re-offend.
Vocational Programs
The Smith Unit offers several vocational programs to help inmates develop marketable job skills and prepare for successful re-entry into society. These programs are designed to give inmates an opportunity for rehabilitation by developing their mental skills and providing practical training so they can become productive citizens.
Plumbing Program
The plumbing program at Smith is designed to provide inmates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed plumbers. Inmates learn about plumbing systems, piping materials, and installation techniques. They also learn how to read blueprints, estimate costs, and maintain plumbing systems. Upon completion of the program, inmates are eligible to take the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licensing exam.
Electrical Program
The electrical program at the Smith Unit teaches inmates the fundamentals of electrical theory, wiring, and installation. Inmates learn about electrical codes and safety procedures, as well as how to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems. The program also covers topics such as motor controls, transformers, and circuit breakers. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation electrical exam.
Cabinetmaking Program
The cabinetmaking program at Smith teaches inmates the skills necessary to become professional cabinetmakers. Inmates learn about woodworking tools, materials, and techniques. They also learn how to design and build custom cabinets, furniture, and other wood products. The program emphasizes safety and quality, and graduates are prepared to work in a variety of woodworking-related fields.
Horticulture Program
The horticulture program at the Smith Unit teaches inmates about plant science, landscape design, and greenhouse management. Inmates learn how to grow a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. They also learn about pest management, irrigation, and soil science. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in nurseries, landscaping companies, and other horticulture-related fields.
Overall, the Smith Unit’s vocational programs provide inmates with valuable skills and knowledge that can help them succeed after release. These programs are an important part of the prison’s efforts to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.