The Ramsey Unit, officially known as the W.F. Ramsey Unit, is located in Rosharon, Texas, and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility is a medium-security prison that houses male inmates and has a capacity of 1865. The Ramsey Unit is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been since August 2008.
Ramsey prison was named after a former Texas legislator, W.F. Ramsey, who served from 1931 to 1935. The prison is located in Brazoria County, approximately four miles west of FM 521 on FM 655. Ramsey prison is co-located with two other prisons, the Stringfellow Unit and the Terrell Unit, on a total of approximately 14,667 acres of land. Additionally, the prison has an additional 2,200 leased acres.
Ramsey prison has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to allegations of mistreatment of inmates and poor living conditions. In 2019, the prison was one of several Texas prisons that were investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged civil rights violations. Despite these allegations, the prison continues to operate and house inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,865 |
| Physical Address | 1100 FM 655 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) 595-3491 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Contact Information
The Ramsey Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison located at 1100 FM 655, Rosharon, TX 77583. It is situated four miles west of FM 521 on FM 655 in Brazoria County. The facility was established in July 1908 and is named after William F. Ramsey, a former Texas Ranger.
The prison’s location is easily accessible by car. It is approximately 30 miles south of Houston and can be reached via State Highway 288 or State Highway 6. Visitors can use the TDCJ website to get directions to the facility.
To contact the Ramsey Unit, individuals can call (281) 595-3491 (**017). For general inquiries, individuals can reach out to the unit’s Senior Warden, Deward Demoss. The Regional Director for Region III is Maricia Jackson, while the Deputy Division Director is Richard Babcock.
Visitors to the Ramsey Unit should note that all visits must be scheduled in advance. Visitors must also comply with the facility’s dress code and other rules. Additional information about visitation policies can be found on the TDCJ website.
In summary, the Ramsey Unit is located in Rosharon, Texas, and can be reached at (281) 595-3491 (**017). It is situated in Brazoria County, approximately 30 miles south of Houston, and can be accessed via State Highway 288 or State Highway 6. Visitors must schedule visits in advance and follow the facility’s dress code and other rules.
History and Overview
The Ramsey Unit, also known as the W. F. Ramsey Unit or Ramsey Prison Farm, is a correctional facility located in Brazoria County, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutions Division and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since August 2008.
The unit was named after W. F. Ramsey, a former Texas legislator who served as chairman of the Texas Prison Board from 1925 to 1931. It was opened in 1992 and can house up to 1865 male inmates in various custody levels, including minimum and medium security.
The Ramsey Unit has a history of legal issues, particularly in regard to the conditions of confinement. In the landmark case of Ruiz v. Estelle, which was filed in 1972 and lasted for over two decades, the federal court found that the Texas prison system, including the Ramsey Unit, violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by subjecting inmates to cruel and unusual punishment. The court ordered extensive reforms, including improvements in medical care, sanitation, nutrition, and security.
Despite these challenges, the Ramsey Unit has implemented various programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual release. These include educational and vocational classes, substance abuse treatment, religious services, and work assignments in industries such as agriculture, maintenance, and manufacturing.
Overall, the Ramsey Unit plays a crucial role in the Texas correctional system by providing secure and humane confinement for male offenders.
Security and Custody Levels
Ramsey is a correctional institution in Texas that is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has a capacity of 1865 inmates and houses offenders of various custody levels. Ramsey is an ACA-accredited unit, which means the facility has met the American Correctional Association’s standards for safety, security, and rehabilitation.
The facility houses inmates of custody levels G1 – G3, AT, OT, P6, and P7. Inmates are assigned custody levels based on factors such as the severity of their offense, their criminal history, and their behavior in prison. The custody levels also determine the level of supervision and security measures that are necessary to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.
Ramsey has a maximum-security unit that houses inmates who require the highest level of supervision and security measures. The facility also has an administrative segregation unit, which is used to separate inmates from the general population for disciplinary reasons or to protect them from other inmates.
To maintain security, Ramsey employs a variety of measures, including security horses and security pack canines. These animals are trained to detect contraband and to assist staff in maintaining order and discipline. The facility also has a comprehensive security plan that includes regular inspections, searches, and monitoring of inmate activity.
In summary, Ramsey is a secure correctional facility that houses inmates of various custody levels. The facility employs a range of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The Ramsey Unit offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire the skills necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include GED and high school equivalency programs, adult basic education, and literacy classes. Inmates can also enroll in college courses through Alvin Community College and the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Vocational training programs are also available at the Ramsey Unit. Inmates can participate in career and technology programs, such as automotive specialization, mill and cabinetmaking, and assembly technician programs. Additionally, apprenticeship programs are offered in various trades, providing hands-on experience and job training.
The educational and vocational programs at the Ramsey Unit aim to equip inmates with marketable skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates break the cycle of recidivism and successfully reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs at the Ramsey Unit are an important part of the rehabilitation process for inmates. By providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce, these programs help to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and promote successful reentry into society.
Rehabilitation and Support Services
The Ramsey Unit offers a variety of rehabilitation and support services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and equipping inmates with the skills they need to lead productive lives outside of prison.
Trusty Camp
One of the programs offered at the Ramsey Unit is the Trusty Camp, which allows inmates to work outside the prison walls on community service projects. This program not only benefits the community but also provides inmates with valuable job skills and work experience that can help them secure employment upon release.
Parole and Re-entry Planning
The Ramsey Unit also offers parole and re-entry planning services to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These services include assistance with job searches, housing, and other basic needs, as well as counseling and support to help inmates adjust to life on the outside.
Substance Abuse Support Groups
For inmates struggling with substance abuse issues, the Ramsey Unit offers support groups and counseling services to help them overcome addiction and maintain sobriety.
Life Skills Programs
The Ramsey Unit also offers a variety of life skills programs, including courses on financial management, parenting, and communication skills. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of their lives, both inside and outside of prison.
Gang Renouncement and Dissociation Process (GRAD)
The Gang Renouncement and Dissociation Process (GRAD) is a program designed to help inmates disassociate themselves from gang activity and make a successful transition back into society. This program includes counseling and support services to help inmates break free from gang culture and develop a positive sense of identity.
Employment Preparation Courses
To help inmates secure employment upon release, the Ramsey Unit offers a variety of employment preparation courses, including resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
Peer Education
Peer education programs at the Ramsey Unit allow inmates to share their knowledge and experience with their fellow inmates. These programs not only help inmates learn from one another but also provide valuable leadership and teaching experience for those who participate.
Administrative Segregation Protective Custody Video Initiative
The Administrative Segregation Protective Custody Video Initiative is a program that uses video technology to provide inmates in protective custody with access to educational and rehabilitation programs. This program helps ensure that even inmates who are unable to participate in traditional programs due to safety concerns can still receive the support and education they need to succeed.
Chaplaincy Services
Chaplaincy services at the Ramsey Unit provide inmates with spiritual support and guidance. These services are available to inmates of all faiths and can help provide a sense of hope and purpose during their time in prison.
Go Kids Initiative and Habitat for Humanity
The Go Kids Initiative and Habitat for Humanity are two programs that allow inmates to give back to their communities. The Go Kids Initiative allows inmates to read books and mentor children in local schools, while Habitat for Humanity provides inmates with the opportunity to help build homes for families in need.
Overall, the rehabilitation and support services offered at the Ramsey Unit are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates. By addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and equipping inmates with the skills they need to lead productive lives, these programs help ensure that inmates are able to make a successful transition back into their communities.
Medical Services
The Ramsey Unit provides comprehensive medical services to its inmates, including ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services. The unit also offers telemedicine and digital medical services (DMS) to its inmates.
The medical capabilities of the Ramsey Unit are designed to meet the unique needs of its inmate population. The unit provides medical care to inmates with chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. It also offers specialty care for inmates with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and heart disease.
The unit’s dental services include routine dental care, such as cleanings and fillings, as well as more advanced procedures like root canals and extractions. Mental health services are also available to inmates who require counseling or psychiatric treatment.
The Ramsey Unit utilizes telemedicine to provide remote medical care to its inmates. This technology allows inmates to receive medical care from healthcare professionals who are not physically present at the unit. Digital medical services (DMS) are also available to inmates. DMS allows inmates to access medical information, request appointments, and receive medication refills electronically.
The unit also offers electronic specialty clinics to its inmates. These clinics provide specialized care to inmates who require treatment for conditions like dermatology, cardiology, and neurology.
CPAP accommodating housing is available to inmates who require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea. The unit has designated housing areas that are equipped with CPAP machines and other necessary equipment for inmates who require this treatment.
The medical services at the Ramsey Unit are provided by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). UTMB is a nationally recognized healthcare provider with a long history of providing high-quality medical care to incarcerated individuals.
Inmate Information
The Ramsey Unit houses male inmates. The prison uses a classification system to determine the custody level of each inmate. The classification process considers several factors, including the inmate’s criminal history, the severity of the offense, and the inmate’s behavior while in prison.
The custody levels at the Ramsey Unit range from minimum to maximum. Inmates with a minimum custody level have demonstrated good behavior and are considered low-security risks, while those with a maximum custody level are considered high-security risks and are housed in a secure area of the prison.
The Ramsey Unit offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and re-enter society. These programs include educational and vocational training, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and job placement assistance.
Inmates at the Ramsey Unit are serving a variety of sentences, including short-term sentences for minor offenses and long-term sentences for serious crimes. The length of an inmate’s sentence and the severity of the offense are factors that determine the inmate’s custody level.
Overall, the Ramsey Unit is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all inmates while also offering programs and services that can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Visitation and Communication
The Ramsey Unit offers visitation to inmates in order to maintain communication with their families and friends. Visiting hours vary depending on the inmate’s housing assignment, custody level, and other factors. Visitors are required to follow certain regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
In order to visit an inmate, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitors list. The inmate can add or remove visitors from their list, but the final approval is up to the unit warden. Visitors must also schedule their visitation in advance and arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit. Late arrivals may not be allowed to visit.
During visitation, visitors are subject to searches and must follow certain rules. These rules include dress code requirements, restrictions on personal belongings, and prohibitions on physical contact with the inmate. Visitors who violate these rules may have their visit terminated and may be banned from future visits.
The Ramsey Unit also offers options for communication with inmates, including phone calls and mail. Inmates may make phone calls to approved numbers, but these calls may be monitored and recorded. Visitors can also send mail to inmates, but all mail is subject to inspection and may be rejected if it violates facility rules.
Overall, the Ramsey Unit strives to maintain communication between inmates and their loved ones while ensuring the safety and security of the facility. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the regulations and guidelines before visiting or communicating with an inmate.