San Saba is a city located in central Texas, known for its historic downtown and beautiful natural surroundings. However, the city is also home to the San Saba Unit, a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The prison is located two miles on Highway 190 to Wallace Creek Road (FM 1030) in San Saba County.
The San Saba Unit has been an ACA-accredited unit since August 2009 and is currently under the leadership of Senior Warden Kamilah Coger. The prison is a part of the Correctional Institutions Division – Prison and Jail Operations, which oversees the operation of prisons and jails across the state of Texas. San Saba is a medium-security prison that houses male offenders and has a capacity of 606 beds.
The San Saba Unit is not the only correctional facility in the area. The San Saba Transfer Facility, located just outside of the city, is a privately operated prison that houses federal inmates. The facility is operated by the Management and Training Corporation (MTC) and has a capacity of 1,200 beds. While not operated by the state of Texas, the San Saba Transfer Facility is an important part of the criminal justice system in the area.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 606 |
| Physical Address | 206 South Wallace Creek Road San Saba, TX 76877 |
| 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 | (325) 372-4255 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Background
The San Saba Unit is a correctional institution located in San Saba, Texas, United States. The prison is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since August 2009. The prison is situated in San Saba County, which is named after the San Saba River. The river was named after the San Sabá Mission, a Spanish mission established in 1757, which was destroyed by the Lipan Apache in 1758.
San Saba County has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes before the arrival of the Europeans. In 1689, Alonso De León, a Spanish explorer, led an expedition to the area and named it Coahuila. In 1757, the Spanish established the San Sabá Mission and Presidio to convert the indigenous people to Christianity and to protect the Spanish interests in the area.
The Presidio San Luis de las Amarillas, also known as Presidio San Sabá, was established to protect the San Sabá Mission. However, in 1758, the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes attacked and destroyed the mission and presidio. The area remained uninhabited until the mid-19th century, when settlers began to move to the area.
The San Saba Unit of the TDCJ was opened in 1992 and is an all-female, adult facility. The prison consists of 13 buildings on the complex and has a capacity of 1,300 inmates. The prison has been audited for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards, with the most recent audit conducted in May 2021.
Location and Physical Address
The San Saba Unit is a Texas state prison located in the city of San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. The prison is situated approximately 120 miles northwest of Austin and 150 miles southwest of San Antonio. The physical address of the prison is 206 South Wallace Creek Road, San Saba, TX 76877.
The San Saba Unit is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. The facility is spread over an area of 1,100 acres and has a capacity of approximately 600 inmates. The prison is located on Highway 190, two miles from Wallace Creek Road (FM 1030), in San Saba County.
The San Saba Unit is situated in a rural area and is surrounded by farmland and ranches. The city of San Saba has a population of approximately 3,000 people and is the county seat of San Saba County. The city is located on the San Saba River and is known for its pecan orchards and historic downtown district.
In terms of accessibility, the closest major airport to San Saba is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located approximately 120 miles southeast of the prison. The closest small airport is the San Saba County Municipal Airport, which is located approximately five miles southeast of the prison.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The prison has facilities and infrastructure in place to support the daily operations of the institution. These facilities include a law library, chapel, gym, infirmary, recreation yard, barber shop, and laundry facility. Inmates have access to these facilities based on their classification level and behavior.
The law library at the San Saba Unit is a vital resource for inmates who are representing themselves in legal matters. The library provides access to legal materials and resources, including books, journals, and legal databases. Inmates can use the library to research legal issues, prepare legal documents, and file court motions.
The chapel at the San Saba Unit provides a place for inmates to practice their religion. The facility offers a variety of religious services and programs, including Bible studies, prayer groups, and worship services. Inmates can also meet with chaplains for counseling and spiritual guidance.
The gym at the San Saba Unit is a place for inmates to exercise and stay physically fit. The facility has a range of exercise equipment, including weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes. Inmates can participate in fitness classes and sports programs, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
The infirmary at San Saba provides medical care to inmates who are sick or injured. The facility is staffed by licensed medical professionals who provide a range of medical services, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and medication management.
The recreation yard at the San Saba Unit is a place for inmates to socialize and engage in leisure activities. The facility has a range of recreational equipment, including basketball courts, handball courts, and horseshoe pits. Inmates can also participate in organized sports and games.
The barber shop at San Saba provides haircuts and grooming services to inmates. The facility is staffed by licensed barbers who provide a range of grooming services, including haircuts, shaves, and beard trims.
The laundry facility provides laundry services to inmates. Inmates can have their personal clothing and bedding laundered on a regular basis. The facility also provides laundry services for the institution, including washing and drying of institutional clothing and linens.
Visitation Information
The San Saba Unit allows visitation for eligible inmates. Visitors must be approved and added to the inmate’s visitation list. The unit offers both contact and non-contact visits. Contact visits are allowed for immediate family members only. Non-contact visits are allowed for all approved visitors.
Visiting hours at the San Saba Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of visiting hours. Visitors who arrive after the start of visiting hours will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are required to follow the dress code and other rules and regulations of the unit. Visitors who do not comply with the rules and regulations will not be allowed to visit. Visitors are also required to provide a valid photo identification card, such as a driver’s license or passport.
San Saba Unit also offers telephone visitation for eligible inmates. Telephone visits must be scheduled in advance and are subject to availability. Visitors must have a valid telephone number and a computer or mobile device with an internet connection to participate in telephone visits.
It is recommended that visitors check the unit’s website or call the unit to confirm visitation hours and rules before visiting.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
The San Saba Unit offers a range of educational and rehabilitation programs to help incarcerated individuals prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the tools and skills they need to lead productive lives after their release.
The educational programs at the San Saba Unit include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. Inmates can earn certifications in a variety of trades, including welding, plumbing, and carpentry. These programs are designed to help inmates develop marketable skills that will enable them to find employment after their release.
In addition to educational programs, the San Saba Unit also offers a range of rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to address the underlying issues that may have led to an inmate’s incarceration, such as substance abuse or anger management issues. The rehabilitation programs at San Saba include cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and anger management classes.
San Saba also offers pre-release programs that help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include job readiness training, financial planning, and assistance with obtaining identification documents. By providing inmates with the skills and resources they need to succeed after their release, the San Saba Unit is helping to reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs at San Saba are an essential component of the facility’s mission to provide inmates with the tools they need to lead productive lives after their release. By offering a range of programs that address the underlying issues that may have led to an inmate’s incarceration, the San Saba Unit is helping to reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety.