The Rufe Jordan Unit: Life Inside Prison Walls in Texas

The Rufe Jordan Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison located in Pampa, Texas. The facility houses male inmates and has a maximum capacity of 1,008 individuals. The prison is situated seven miles east of Pampa on Highway 60 and two miles north on CR 12 in Gray County. The unit is named after Rufe Jordan, a former Texas Ranger who served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years.

The Rufe Jordan Unit offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The facility also has a number of work programs, including a garment factory, a metal fabrication plant, and a print shop. Inmates who participate in the work programs earn a small wage, which can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay court-ordered restitution.

Like all TDCJ prisons, the Rufe Jordan Unit has a strict set of rules and regulations that inmates must follow. Failure to comply with these rules can result in disciplinary action, including loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or transfer to a higher-security facility. Despite these challenges, many inmates are able to successfully complete their sentences and return to society as productive members.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,008
Physical Address1992 Helton Road
Pampa, TX 79065
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursSaturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(806) 665-7070
JurisdictionState

History of Jordan Unit

The Jordan Unit is a state prison located in Pampa, Texas, and was named after Rufe Jordan, who served as the sheriff of Gray County for 38 years. The unit is combined with the Bill Baten Unit, and they sit on approximately 1,211 acres.

The Jordan Unit is a minimum-medium security unit that was opened in October 1992. The rated capacity is 1,008. The unit has a staff of approximately 400 employees, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and support staff.

The unit has gone through several changes over the years. In 2014, the unit was audited for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. The audit was conducted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice PREA Audit and Ombudsman Office. The audit found that the unit was in compliance with the PREA standards.

In 2017, the unit was audited again for PREA compliance. The audit found that the unit was in compliance with the PREA standards. The audit report noted that the unit had implemented many of the recommendations from the previous audit.

Overall, the Jordan Unit has a long history of providing correctional services to the state of Texas. The unit has seen many changes over the years, but it remains an important part of the state’s correctional system.

Location and Contact Information

The Rufe Jordan Unit, commonly known as the Jordan Unit, is a Texas state prison located in Pampa, Texas. The address of the facility is 1992 Helton Road, Pampa, TX 79065. It is situated seven miles east of Pampa on Highway 60, and two miles north of CR 12 in Gray County.

For those who wish to contact the Jordan Unit, the phone number is (806) 665-7070 (**056). It is important to note that this number is for general information only, and not for inmate-specific information. If you need to get in touch with an inmate, you should call the unit and ask to speak to the unit’s chaplain. The chaplain can then relay the message to the inmate in question.

Visitation at the Jordan Unit is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to be allowed to visit. Visitors are also required to be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present valid identification upon arrival.

The Jordan Unit is managed by Senior Warden Charles Bristow, and the Regional Director for Region V is Lonnie “L.E.” Townsend.

Overall, the Jordan Unit is a secure facility that is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for both staff and inmates.

Facility Description

The prison has a total of 15 housing units, including one administrative segregation unit, one intermediate care unit, and one mental health unit. The facility also has a medical unit, which provides healthcare services to inmates. The Jordan Unit offers various educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as welding, carpentry, and horticulture.

The Jordan Unit is located approximately seven miles east of Pampa on Highway 60 and two miles north on County Road 12. The prison is situated on a 1,100-acre site and has a staff of approximately 400 employees. The facility has a perimeter fence with multiple gun towers and a security system that includes cameras, alarms, and motion detectors.

The Jordan Unit is one of several correctional facilities located in Gray County, which is home to a population of approximately 23,000 people. The county seat is Pampa, which is located approximately 55 miles northeast of Amarillo. The Jordan Unit plays an important role in the local economy, providing jobs and other economic benefits to the city and county.

Inmate Population and Status

Jordan Prison in Texas is a state-run facility that houses adult male inmates who have been convicted of a crime. As of the latest available data in FY 2021, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reports that Jordan Prison has a total capacity of 1,008 beds.

The TDCJ provides detailed statistical reports of inmate demographics, including information on the inmate population and status. According to the FY 2021 report, Jordan Prison had a total population of 1,726 inmates, with an average age of 38 years old. The report also indicates that the vast majority of inmates at Jordan Prison are serving sentences for violent offenses, such as murder, aggravated assault, and robbery.

In terms of inmate status, the TDCJ provides four different classifications based on the inmate’s behavior and participation in programs. These classifications include:

  • G1: The highest classification, reserved for inmates who have demonstrated exceptional behavior and participation in programs.
  • G2: The second-highest classification, for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and participation in programs.
  • G3: The third-highest classification, for inmates who have demonstrated satisfactory behavior and participation in programs.
  • G4: The lowest classification, for inmates who have not demonstrated satisfactory behavior and participation in programs.

According to the FY 2021 report, the majority of inmates at the Jordan Unit were classified as G3, with a smaller percentage classified as G2 or G4. Inmates classified as G1 are typically eligible for more privileges and opportunities, such as work release or participation in educational programs.

The TDCJ provides an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to search for information on current inmates in TDCJ facilities, including the Jordan Unit. The search tool requires the last name and either the first initial of the first name or the TDCJ number or state identification (SID) number to conduct a successful search.

Educational Programs

The Jordan Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offers a range of educational programs to help inmates develop their mental skills and prepare for successful re-entry into society. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training.

The unit’s adult basic education program is designed to help inmates who have limited reading and writing skills improve their literacy and numeracy. The program offers classes in reading, writing, and math, as well as computer literacy and life skills. Inmates who complete the program earn a certificate of achievement.

The GED preparation program at the Jordan Unit is designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program offers classes in math, science, social studies, and language arts, as well as test-taking strategies and study skills. Inmates who pass the GED exam are better prepared for re-entry into society and have more opportunities for employment.

In addition to adult basic education and GED preparation, the Jordan Unit offers vocational training programs in several fields, including welding, HVAC, and electrical work. These programs provide inmates with marketable job skills that they can use to find employment after release.

Overall, the educational programs at the Jordan Unit are an important part of the unit’s efforts to reduce recidivism and support successful re-entry into society. By providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, these programs help to break the cycle of crime and incarceration.

Agricultural Operations

The Rufe Jordan Unit, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison in Pampa, Texas, has a robust Agricultural Operations program. The program provides vocational training and work opportunities for inmates while also supplying food and other products to TDCJ units across the state.

The Agricultural Operations program includes several different operations, such as crop production, livestock management, and a unit garden. Inmates work in these operations under the supervision of TDCJ staff, gaining valuable skills and experience that can help them secure employment after their release.

One unique aspect of the Agricultural Operations program at Rufe Jordan is the use of security horses. Inmates work with these horses, which are used to patrol the perimeter of the unit and assist with other security-related tasks. The program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn about horsemanship and care while also contributing to the safety and security of the unit.

In addition to providing vocational training and work opportunities for inmates, the Agricultural Operations program at Rufe Jordan also supplies food and other products to TDCJ units across the state. The program produces a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and sorghum, as well as livestock products such as beef and pork. The unit garden produces fresh produce that is used in meals served to inmates at Rufe Jordan and other TDCJ units.

Overall, the Agricultural Operations program at Rufe Jordan is an important part of the unit’s mission to provide safe and secure confinement for offenders while also preparing them for successful reentry into society. By providing vocational training and work opportunities, as well as contributing to the food supply for TDCJ units across the state, the program helps to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.

Partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation

The Rufe Jordan Unit in Pampa, Texas has established a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to support the transportation needs of the facility. TxDOT is responsible for building and maintaining the state’s transportation system, including highways, bridges, and airports.

The partnership between the Rufe Jordan Unit and TxDOT has allowed for the safe and efficient transportation of inmates, staff, and supplies to and from the facility. TxDOT has provided support for the transportation of inmates to and from court appearances, medical appointments, and other necessary trips. This partnership has helped to ensure that the transportation needs of the facility are met in a timely and efficient manner.

In addition to providing transportation support, TxDOT has also worked with the Rufe Jordan Unit to improve the safety of the surrounding highways. TxDOT has implemented safety measures, such as increased signage and improved road conditions, to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the safety of drivers in the area.

The partnership between Rufe Jordan Unit and TxDOT is just one example of the collaboration between state agencies in Texas. By working together, these agencies are able to provide better services to the public and improve the safety and efficiency of the state’s infrastructure.

Overall, the partnership between Rufe Jordan Unit and TxDOT has been a successful collaboration that has helped to meet the transportation needs of the facility and improve the safety of the surrounding highways.

Leave a Comment