The Terrell Unit is a correctional facility located in Rosharon, Texas, run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility is named after C.T. Terrell, a former Texas governor. It is a medium-security prison that houses male offenders and has a capacity of 1,603 inmates. The prison is accredited by the American Correctional Association and has been since January 2003.
The Terrell Unit is situated four miles west of FM 521 on FM 655 in Brazoria County. The facility is overseen by Senior Warden Ralph Marez. The prison provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and faith-based programs. Inmates can also participate in work programs, which provide them with job skills and help them earn money while incarcerated.
Despite its efforts to provide rehabilitation services to inmates, the Terrell Unit has faced criticism over the years for issues such as overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions. However, the facility has also been praised for its educational and vocational programs, which have helped many inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,603 |
| Physical Address | 1300 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) 595-3481 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of the Terrell Unit
The Terrell Unit, officially known as the C.T. Terrell Unit, is a correctional facility located in Rosharon, Texas, under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison was named after Charles Terrell, a former Texas legislator who was instrumental in the creation of the Texas Department of Corrections.
The Terrell Unit was opened in 1995 and is a medium-security facility that houses approximately 1,600 male inmates. The prison has a diverse range of programs and services designed to help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
The history of the Terrell Unit is closely tied to the history of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In the 1980s, Texas faced a severe prison overcrowding crisis, and the state government responded by enacting tough sentencing laws and building new prisons. The Terrell Unit was one of the many facilities built during this period, and it played a critical role in helping the state manage its prison population.
Over the years, the Terrell Unit has faced its fair share of challenges. In 2008, the prison was hit by Hurricane Ike, which caused significant damage to the facility and forced the relocation of hundreds of inmates. In 2015, the prison was also the site of a major riot that resulted in several injuries and significant property damage.
Despite these challenges, the Terrell Unit remains an important part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s efforts to maintain public safety and reduce recidivism. The prison continues to offer a range of programs and services designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after release.
Location and Address
The Terrell Unit is a prison facility located in Rosharon, Texas. The facility is situated in Brazoria County, which is in the southern part of the state. Rosharon is a small city with a population of around 1,200 people. The city is located approximately 30 miles south of Houston and is home to several correctional facilities, including Terrell.
The Terrell Unit is located at 1300 FM 655 in Rosharon, Texas. The facility is situated four miles west of FM 521 on FM 655. The prison is easily accessible by car and is located in a rural area with little traffic. Visitors to the prison can park in the designated parking area and enter the facility through the main entrance.
The Terrell Unit is part of Region III of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The region is responsible for overseeing the operations of several correctional facilities in the southern part of the state. The region’s headquarters is located at 400 Darrington Road in Rosharon, Texas. The headquarters is where the regional director’s office is located, and it serves as the administrative center for the region.
Facility Description
The C.T. Terrell Unit is a correctional facility located in Rosharon, Texas. It was established in September 1983 and is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility is situated on 1,300 acres of land in Brazoria County. The unit has a capacity of 1,603 inmates and is classified as a medium-security unit.
The main unit of Terrell is comprised of several housing areas, including two maximum-security units, two medium-security units, and one minimum-security unit. The facility also has a psychiatric unit for inmates with mental health needs. In addition, the Terrell Unit has a Trusty Camp, which is a minimum-security facility for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior.
The Terrell Unit offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to inmates, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as welding, electrical trades, and HVAC. Inmates can also participate in substance abuse treatment programs, faith-based programs, and self-help groups.
The facility has a staff of approximately 700 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The Terrell Unit is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Inmate Information
The facility houses male inmates who are classified as G1, G2, G3, and transient. The G1, G2, and G3 classifications refer to inmates who have been sentenced to prison for a period of time, while the transient classification refers to inmates who are awaiting transfer to another facility.
Inmates at the Terrell Unit have access to a variety of programs and services aimed at helping them prepare for release. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates may also be eligible for early release or parole, although the specific release date for each inmate varies depending on a number of factors.
Overall, the Terrell Unit provides a secure and structured environment for male inmates in Texas. The facility’s focus on rehabilitation and reintegration helps ensure that inmates have the tools they need to successfully re-enter society upon their release.
Visitors Information
The Terrell Unit allows visitors to come and see their loved ones who are incarcerated. Visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Visiting hours at Terrell are typically on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. However, it is important to note that visiting hours may vary depending on the unit and the inmate’s specific schedule. Visitors are encouraged to call the TDCJ Visitation Hotline at (844) 476-1289 to confirm visiting hours and to inquire about any changes or updates to the schedule.
Visitors are required to have a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. To be added to the list, visitors must complete an application and submit it to the unit where the inmate is located. The application must be approved before the visitor is allowed to visit the inmate.
During the visit, visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, bags, or purses. However, vending machines are available on-site for visitors to purchase snacks and drinks during their visit. It is important to note that visitors are not allowed to give any items to the inmates during the visit.
Communication With Inmates
Communication with inmates at the Terrell Unit is an essential aspect of the rehabilitation process. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls and send and receive mail, subject to certain rules and regulations.
Phone Calls
Inmates can make phone calls to their approved contacts. To receive phone calls from an inmate, one must register with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and provide the inmate’s TDCJ ID number. The phone calls are subject to monitoring and recording, and any violation of the rules can lead to the suspension of phone privileges.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates can send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to screening and monitoring. The mailing address for inmates at Terrell is:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
P.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400Send Money
Friends and family members can send money to inmates at the Terrell Unit through the JPay service. The money can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for phone calls. Money can be sent online, by phone, or by visiting a JPay kiosk. Funds are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.
In conclusion, communication with inmates at Terrell is an important part of their rehabilitation process. Inmates can make phone calls, send and receive mail, and receive money from their loved ones. However, all communication is subject to monitoring and screening, and any violation of the rules can lead to the suspension of privileges.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
The C.T. Terrell Unit offers various educational and rehabilitation programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for their re-entry into society. Inmates can participate in educational programs, including GED and adult education programs, to improve their literacy and earn a high school equivalency diploma.
The unit also offers vocational programs, such as welding, to help inmates gain marketable skills and increase their chances of finding employment after release. Substance abuse education and life skills programs are also available to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the necessary skills to lead successful and productive lives.
Peer education is another critical component of the rehabilitation programs at the Terrell Unit. Inmates who have successfully completed educational and vocational programs are encouraged to share their knowledge and experience with their peers, helping to create a supportive and positive learning environment.
Reentry planning is also an essential part of the rehabilitation programs at the Terrell Unit. Inmates work with counselors to create individualized plans that address their specific needs and goals, including education, job training, and housing. These plans help inmates prepare for a successful transition back into society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs at Terrell are designed to provide inmates with the skills and support they need to lead successful and productive lives after release.
Vocational Training
The Terrell Unit offers a range of vocational training programs to help inmates acquire job skills and improve their employment prospects upon release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with hands-on training and instruction in various trades, including electrical trades, welding, and building trades.
One of the most popular vocational training programs offered at the Terrell Unit is the electrical trade program. This program provides inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. Inmates learn about electrical theory, safety procedures, and practical applications of electrical work. Upon completion of the program, inmates receive a certificate of completion, which can help them secure employment in the electrical trade industry.
In addition to the electrical trade program, the Terrell Unit also offers a range of other career and technology programs. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of industries, including healthcare, construction, and information technology. Inmates who participate in these programs receive hands-on training and instruction in various job skills, such as computer programming, medical coding, and carpentry.
Overall, the vocational training programs offered at Terrell are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce upon release. By providing inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable job skills, these programs can help reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety.
Correctional Institutions Division
The Correctional Institutions Division (CID) is a division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice responsible for the operation of correctional facilities across the state of Texas. The CID has a mission to provide a safe and secure environment for staff and offenders, while also providing rehabilitation programs to help offenders successfully re-enter society upon release.
The CID operates a variety of facilities, including prisons, state jails, and transfer facilities. The division is responsible for the custody and care of approximately 146,000 offenders across the state of Texas. The CID is also responsible for the supervision of offenders on parole and mandatory supervision.
The CID is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for staff and offenders. The division has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of its facilities, including the use of electronic surveillance systems and the implementation of strict security protocols.
The CID is also committed to providing rehabilitation programs to help offenders successfully re-enter society upon release. The division offers a variety of programs, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Overall, the CID plays a critical role in the criminal justice system in Texas. The division is responsible for the custody and care of a large number of offenders and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment while also offering rehabilitation programs to help offenders successfully re-enter society upon release.
Additional Operations
Besides its primary function as a correctional institution, the Terrell Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice also operates various additional operations. These operations are aimed at providing vocational training to inmates, generating revenue for the unit, and supporting the surrounding community.
Agricultural Operations
The Terrell Unit has approximately 14,667 acres of land, including 2,200 leased acres, which are used for agricultural operations. These operations include the cultivation of edible and field crops, cotton, and alfalfa, as well as a cow/calf operation and a swine finishing operation. The unit also operates a grain dryer/storage, a fresh vegetable cannery, and an alfalfa dehydrator. Inmates who participate in these operations receive vocational training and earn a wage.
Farm Shop
The farm shop at Terrell Unit is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the unit’s agricultural equipment. Inmates who work in the farm shop receive vocational training in mechanics and welding.
Security Horses
The Terrell Unit maintains a herd of security horses that are used for perimeter patrols and other security-related tasks. Inmates who work with the horses receive vocational training in animal care and handling.
Security Pack Canines
The unit also operates a program that trains and utilizes security pack canines. Inmates who participate in this program receive vocational training in dog handling.
Southern Region Mechanical Shop
The Southern Region Mechanical Shop is located at the Terrell Unit and provides maintenance and repair services for vehicles and equipment used by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in the Southern Region. Inmates who work in the mechanical shop receive vocational training in mechanics.
Unit Maintenance
Inmates at the Terrell Unit also participate in unit maintenance activities, such as cleaning and landscaping. These activities provide vocational training in custodial and groundskeeping skills.
Southern Region Offender Transportation
The Terrell Unit is responsible for the transportation of offenders within the Southern Region of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Inmates who participate in this program receive vocational training in transportation and logistics.
Office of the Inspector General Regional Headquarters
The Terrell Unit also houses the Office of the Inspector General Regional Headquarters for the Southern Region of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The office is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and criminal activity within the department.