The Goree Unit, also known as the Thomas Goree Unit, is a state prison located in Huntsville, Texas. It is one of the many facilities managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The prison was established in 1917 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and has a capacity of approximately 1,300 prisoners.
The Goree Unit is named after Thomas J. Goree, a prominent figure in the development of Texas prisons. Goree was an attorney who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He later became a member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and played a key role in the establishment of the state’s first reformatory for women. The Goree State Farm for Women, which was located near the Huntsville Unit, was in operation from 1914 to 1979.
The Goree Unit is located in Walker County, just four miles south of downtown Huntsville. The facility houses male prisoners and offers a range of programs and services designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. Despite its efforts to provide rehabilitation and support to inmates, the Goree Unit has faced criticism over the years for its conditions and treatment of prisoners.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,321 |
| Physical Address | 7405 Hwy 75 South Huntsville, TX 77344 |
| 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 | (936) 295-6331 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Goree Unit
The Goree Unit, also known as the Thomas Goree Unit, is a prison located in Huntsville, Texas. The facility was opened in 1911 as the Goree Farm for Women, and it was named after Thomas Goree, a prominent figure in the development of Texas prisons.
The Goree Farm for Women was a working farm where female inmates grew crops and raised livestock. In the 1930s, the prison became known for its radio program, “Thirty Minutes Behind the Walls,” which featured talented inmates performing live on the air. The program was a hit with listeners across the country and helped to raise awareness about prison reform.
Over the years, the Goree Unit has undergone several changes and renovations. In the 1980s, the facility was converted into a men’s prison, and a new women’s facility was built nearby. Today, the Goree Unit is a large medium security facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, consisting of approximately 717 acres.
The Goree Unit is also home to a trusty camp, which is a minimum-security facility where inmates work outside the prison walls on various projects, such as road maintenance and park cleanup. Inmates who are assigned to the trusty camp are considered to be low-risk and have a good behavior record.
Overall, the Goree Unit has played an important role in the history of Texas prisons, and it continues to be an important part of the state’s correctional system.
Facility and Administration
The Goree Unit, located in Huntsville, Texas, is a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility is named after Thomas Goree, a former Confederate soldier who became a prominent educator and penologist.
The Goree Unit is overseen by Cynthia Tilley, the Senior Warden. She is responsible for the overall administration and management of the facility, including the supervision of staff and inmates. The prison superintendent, who reports to the Senior Warden, oversees the day-to-day operations of the facility.
The Goree Unit consists of several units, including administrative segregation, general population, and medical and mental health units. Administrative segregation is used to house inmates who are deemed to be a threat to the safety and security of the facility or other inmates. The general population unit houses inmates who are not in administrative segregation. The medical and mental health units provide medical and mental health care to inmates who require it.
The Goree Unit has an ombudsman who serves as a liaison between the inmates and the administration. The ombudsman is responsible for investigating and resolving complaints made by inmates, as well as providing information and assistance to inmates and their families.
Overall, the Goree Unit is a well-managed facility that provides necessary care and security to its inmates. The administration is dedicated to maintaining order and safety within the facility while also providing inmates with the resources they need to rehabilitate and re-enter society.
Inmate Information
The Goree Unit is a correctional facility run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice that houses both male and female offenders. The prison is located at 7405 Hwy 75 South Huntsville, TX 77344. Inmates at Goree are classified into different custody levels, including G1, G2, and Transient. The custody level of an inmate is determined by various factors, including their criminal history, behavior, and the severity of their offense.
To locate an inmate at Goree, individuals can use the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s inmate locator tool. This tool allows users to search for inmates by name, TDCJ number, or State Identification Number (SID). The inmate locator provides information on an inmate’s projected release date, parole eligibility date, and current facility.
Inmates at Goree are subject to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in disciplinary action. The prison has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, drug use, and other prohibited activities. Inmates who violate these rules can be placed in solitary confinement or transferred to a higher security facility.
Overall, the Goree Unit is a well-run correctional facility that provides inmates with access to a variety of programs and services. While the prison is known for its unique architecture, its primary focus is on rehabilitating offenders and preparing them for reentry into society.
Communication and Contact
The Thomas Goree Unit provides various communication options for inmates to stay in touch with their loved ones and the outside world. Inmates can communicate with their family and friends through mail, phone calls, and email.
Address and Phone Number
The Thomas Goree Unit is located at 7405 Highway 75 South, Huntsville, TX 77344. The unit’s phone number is (936) 295-6331 (**012). Visitors can also find the unit’s location by using the Unit Directory provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Inmates can receive and send mail to their family and friends. Inmates can receive letters, postcards, and photographs. However, there are some restrictions on the type of mail that inmates can receive. For example, inmates cannot receive packages, and mail must not contain any contraband or prohibited items.
Mailing address is
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
- P.O. Box 660400
- Dallas, TX 75266-0400
Visitors can find more information about sending mail to inmates on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Phone Calls
Inmates can make phone calls to their family and friends using the phone service provided by the Thomas Goree Unit. Inmates can make collect calls, prepaid calls, and debit calls. However, there are some restrictions on the number of calls that inmates can make and the duration of the calls. Visitors can find more information about phone calls on the Federal Communications Commission website.
Inmates can also send and receive emails through the JPay email system. Visitors can find more information about the JPay email system on the JPay website. However, inmates must have a JPay account to use the email system.
Contact Information
Visitors can contact the Thomas Goree Unit by phone at (936) 295-6331. Visitors can find more contact information on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Overall, the Thomas Goree Unit provides various communication options for inmates to stay in touch with their loved ones and the outside world. Visitors can find more information about the unit’s communication policies and guidelines on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Programs and Services
Goree State Farm for Women offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their return to society. These programs and services include educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs.
Educational Programs
Goree State Farm for Women offers a variety of educational programs, including a GED program and literacy classes. Inmates can also participate in the Go Kids Initiative, which provides educational programming for children of incarcerated mothers.
Vocational Programs
The prison offers vocational training in fields such as cosmetology, horticulture, and garment manufacturing. Inmates can also participate in community work projects, which allow them to gain valuable work experience and earn money for their families.
Therapeutic Programs
Goree State Farm for Women offers a range of therapeutic programs, including substance abuse education, faith-based dormitories, and a sex offender treatment program. Inmates can also participate in peer education and dynamic risk assessment programs, which help them develop the skills they need to make positive changes in their lives.
Reentry Planning
Inmates at Goree State Farm for Women receive assistance with reentry planning, including access to chaplaincy services and special treatment programs. The prison’s reentry operations unit works with parole officers and community supervision field staff to provide returning citizens with the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
Overall, Goree State Farm for Women offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to help inmates prepare for their return to society. By providing educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs, the prison helps inmates develop the skills they need to succeed after their release.
Visitation Information
The Thomas Goree Unit in Huntsville, Texas, allows visitation for offenders. Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with a maximum of four visitors per offender. Visitors must arrive at the unit by 2:00 p.m. to be processed for visitation.
Visitors must adhere to the dress code policy, which includes no revealing clothing, no shorts, no tank tops, and no see-through clothing. Visitors are also not allowed to wear hats or sunglasses, except for religious reasons. Failure to comply with the dress code policy may result in denial of visitation.
The unit has vending machines available for visitors to purchase snacks and drinks. However, visitors are not allowed to bring any outside food or drinks into the unit.
Money orders for offenders are accepted at the unit. Visitors can purchase money orders at the unit or send them through the mail. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Overall, visitors should plan accordingly and follow all rules and regulations to ensure a successful visitation experience.
Inmate Funds and Commissary
In the Goree Unit, incarcerated individuals have access to funds that they can use to buy items from the commissary or to send money home. These funds come from various sources such as jobs, assignments, and gifts from family and friends. The money is held in their incarcerated individual account, which is managed by the prison’s financial department.
To ensure that incarcerated individuals are afforded a secure account that provides them with spendable funds while incarcerated, the prison has strict policies in place. These policies include guidelines on how much money an individual can have in their account, how often they can access their funds, and what types of items they can purchase from the commissary.
Inmates can access their funds through the JPay system, which is a secure online platform that allows them to view their account balance and transaction history, and make purchases from the commissary. The JPay system is also used by family and friends to send money to an inmate’s account.
To send money to an inmate’s account, family and friends can use the JPay system or send a money order through the mail. It is important to note that there are limits to how much money an individual can receive in a single transaction, and that the prison may hold the funds for a certain period of time before they are made available to the inmate.
The commissary is a store located inside the prison that carries a wide variety of items, including personal care items such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. Inmates are entitled to a “commissary buy” every two weeks if they have available funds and are not otherwise restricted. The items available for purchase may vary depending on the prison’s policies and the inmate’s security level.
Overall, the prison’s policies regarding inmate funds and commissary are designed to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to the items they need or want while maintaining a secure environment.
Work and Rehabilitation
Goree State Farm for Women had a range of work and rehabilitation programs that aimed to help inmates develop skills, earn money, and prepare for life after release.
Outside Trusty
One program was the Outside Trusty system, which allowed inmates who had demonstrated good behavior to work outside the prison walls. They would work for local businesses and individuals, earning wages that would be used to pay for their board, clothing, and other necessities. This program provided inmates with the opportunity to gain work experience, earn money, and develop relationships with people outside of prison.
Agricultural Operations
Goree State Farm for Women had a large agricultural operation that included a dairy, hog farm, and vegetable garden. Inmates who participated in these programs learned skills related to animal husbandry, horticulture, and food production. They also earned money by selling the products they produced to other prisons and local markets.
Horse Breeding Program
Another program at Goree State Farm for Women was the horse breeding program. Inmates who participated in this program learned skills related to horse care and breeding. They also earned money by selling the horses they bred to other prisons and individuals.
Garment Factory
The garment factory at Goree State Farm for Women employed many inmates who learned skills related to sewing, tailoring, and garment production. They produced clothing for other prisons, schools, and hospitals. This program provided inmates with the opportunity to earn money and develop skills that could be used after release.
Rehabilitation
Goree State Farm for Women also had a range of educational and vocational programs that aimed to help inmates develop skills and prepare for life after release. These programs included classes in typing, shorthand, cooking, and beautician work. Inmates who participated in these programs could earn certificates and diplomas that would be useful in finding employment after release.
Rules and Regulations
The Goree Unit has a set of rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of all inmates, staff, and visitors. It is the responsibility of each inmate to understand and abide by these rules.
The prison system has a strict set of rules and regulations that are designed to maintain order and discipline. These rules cover a range of topics, including inmate behavior, visitation, mail, and phone calls. Inmates are expected to follow these rules at all times, and failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.
Studies have shown that having clear and consistent procedures in place can help reduce the likelihood of conflicts and incidents within a prison. The Goree Unit has a set of procedures that are designed to ensure that all inmates are treated fairly and with respect. These procedures cover a range of topics, including disciplinary hearings, grievances, and medical care.
Inmates at the Goree Unit have certain privileges that they can earn through good behavior. These privileges may include access to educational programs, job training, and recreational activities. However, these privileges can be revoked if an inmate violates any of the prison’s rules and regulations.
Overall, the rules and regulations at the Goree Unit are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. It is important for all inmates to understand and follow these rules to avoid any disciplinary action.