The Roach Unit is a correctional facility located in Childress, Texas. It is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and is a maximum-security prison. The facility houses male inmates and has a capacity of 1,384.
The Roach Unit has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since August 2002. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and life skills courses. Inmates can also participate in religious services and counseling, as well as various recreational activities.
Overall, the Roach Unit plays an important role in the Texas criminal justice system. While its primary purpose is to house and rehabilitate inmates, the facility also serves as a source of employment for many people in the surrounding area. The prison provides a range of services and programs to help inmates successfully re-enter society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,384 |
| Physical Address | 15845 FM 164 Childress, TX 79201 |
| 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 | (940) 937-6364 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Roach Unit, Texas
The Roach Unit, also known as the T.L. Roach Unit, is a prison in Texas operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The unit was named after T.L. Roach, a former warden of the Huntsville Unit. The Roach Unit is located in Childress County, Texas, about two miles southwest of Highway 287 on FM 164.
The Roach Unit was opened in 1995 and is a medium-security prison for male inmates. It has a capacity of 1,384 inmates and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since August 2002. The unit has a staff of about 350 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
Over the years, the Roach Unit has faced several challenges, including overcrowding, understaffing, and budget cuts. In 2011, the unit was placed on lockdown after a fight broke out among inmates. In 2015, the unit was again placed on lockdown after an inmate was found dead in his cell.
Despite these challenges, the Roach Unit has also implemented several programs to help rehabilitate inmates and reduce recidivism. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The unit also has a number of volunteer organizations that provide support and services to inmates and their families.
In recent years, the Roach Unit has undergone several audits and inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. In 2020, the unit underwent a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) re-certification audit to determine its continued compliance with PREA standards. The audit found that the Roach Unit was in compliance with all applicable standards and requirements.
Location and Contact Information
The Roach Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located in Childress, Texas. The prison is situated two miles southwest of Highway 287 on FM 164 in Childress County. The full address of the Roach Unit is 15845 FM 164, Childress, TX 79201.
The Roach Unit is easily accessible by car. Visitors can take Highway 287 and exit on FM 164 to reach the prison. The facility is located in a rural area, surrounded by open fields and farmland.
For those who wish to contact the Roach Unit, the phone number is (940) 937-6364 (**050). The phone line is available during regular business hours. Visitors can also contact the unit via mail. The mailing address for the inmates is:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number
P.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400Visitors who plan to visit the Roach Unit should be aware that the facility has strict visitation policies. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present valid identification upon arrival. Visitors are also subject to a search before entering the facility.
Overall, the Roach Unit is located in a rural area of Childress, Texas, and can be reached via Highway 287 and FM 164. The prison’s contact information includes a phone number and mailing address for those who wish to get in touch with the facility. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the prison’s visitation policies before planning a visit.
Inmate Information
The Roach Unit is a male-only prison facility located in Childress, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and houses inmates who have been convicted of various crimes and sentenced to serve time in the state prison system.
Inmates at the Roach Unit are provided with access to a range of programs and services designed to help them during their incarceration. These include educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. In addition, the prison offers religious services and counseling to those who request it.
To locate an inmate who is currently incarcerated at the Roach Unit, individuals can use the TDCJ Inmate Search tool. This online search requires the last name and at least the first initial of the first name, the TDCJ number, or the SID (state identification) number of the inmate. It is important to note that only inmates who are currently incarcerated in a TDCJ facility are included in the online search.
The Roach Unit has a capacity of approximately 1,300 inmates and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. The prison provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society.
Overall, the Roach Unit is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering programs and services to help them improve their lives and prepare for a successful re-entry into the community.
Prison Facilities and Operations
The T.L. Roach Unit is a state prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Located two miles southwest of Hwy 287 on FM 164 in Childress County, the unit was established in August 1991 and has a maximum capacity of 1,384 male inmates.
The Roach Unit is an ACA-accredited unit and houses inmates at various custody levels, including G1, G2, and G4. The facility operations of the unit are overseen by Senior Warden Chad Rehse, while the Regional Director of Region V is Lonnie “L.E.” Townsend. The Deputy Division Director is Richard Babcock.
The unit sits on approximately 1,700 acres of land and utilizes scent-specific canines and human remains detection (HRD) canines for security purposes. The facility also has a variety of vocational and educational programs available to inmates, including academic classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, the T.L. Roach Unit is a significant correctional facility in the Texas prison system, providing secure custody for a large number of male inmates while also offering rehabilitation and education programs to help reduce recidivism rates.
Educational Programs
The T.L. Roach Unit offers various educational programs to inmates, including GED, literacy, adult basic education, adult basic education/GED, special education, Title I, changes/pre-release, English as a second language, and career and technology programs. These programs aim to develop mental skills and provide marketable job training skills to inmates so that they can re-enter society successfully.
The Adult Education Program at T.L. Roach offers a variety of classes, including academic, vocational, and life skills courses. Inmates can enroll in classes to earn a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The literacy program provides basic reading and writing skills to inmates who need it. The Adult Basic Education program provides instruction in reading, writing, and math.
In addition, T.L. Roach offers special education programs for inmates with disabilities. These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual and help them achieve their educational goals. Title I programs provide additional support to inmates who are struggling with reading and math.
Changes/Pre-release programs are designed to help inmates prepare for their release from prison. These programs include life skills training, career counseling, and job placement assistance. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are also offered to non-native English speakers.
Career and Technology Programs at T.L. Roach provide vocational training to inmates in a variety of fields. Inmates can earn certifications in welding, automotive technology, and computer repair, among others. These programs provide inmates with the skills they need to find employment once they are released from prison.
Overall, the educational programs at Roach aim to provide inmates with the skills they need to succeed in life after prison. These programs are an important part of the rehabilitation process and can help reduce recidivism rates.
Vocational Training
The T.L. Roach Unit offers a variety of vocational training programs to help inmates develop marketable job skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates learn new skills and improve their cognitive abilities, as well as provide them with hands-on experience in various industries.
One of the programs offered at the T.L. Roach Unit is construction carpentry, which teaches inmates the basic skills needed to work in the construction industry. This program covers topics such as blueprint reading, framing, and finishing work. Additionally, inmates can enroll in the refrigeration, maintenance, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) program, which teaches them the skills needed to install, repair, and maintain HVACR systems.
Another program offered at the T.L. Roach Unit is landscape design, construction, and maintenance. In this program, inmates learn about plant identification, landscape design, and maintenance techniques. This program provides inmates with the skills needed to work in the landscaping industry.
The T.L. Roach Unit also offers a manufacturing and logistics operation program, which provides inmates with hands-on experience in manufacturing and logistics. This program covers topics such as quality control, inventory management, and shipping and receiving. Inmates who complete this program will have the skills needed to work in a variety of manufacturing and logistics-related positions.
Finally, the T.L. Roach Unit offers cognitive intervention programs designed to help inmates develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These programs are designed to help inmates learn how to make better decisions and improve their overall cognitive abilities.
Overall, the vocational training programs offered at the T.L. Roach Unit provide inmates with the skills and experience needed to find employment upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates develop new skills and improve their cognitive abilities, which can help them become successful members of society.
Visitation Information
The Roach Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice allows visitation for inmates as a way to maintain family and community ties. Visitation is a privilege, and as such, there are rules and regulations that must be followed by visitors.
Visiting Hours
The visiting hours at the Roach Unit are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours to allow for processing time. Visitors are not allowed to enter the unit after 3:30 p.m.
Dress Code
Visitors are expected to dress appropriately for their visit. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or offensive is not allowed. Visitors are not allowed to wear shorts, skirts, or dresses that are shorter than knee-length. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, and halter tops are also not allowed. Visitors are also not allowed to wear hats or head coverings, except for religious reasons.
Visitation Rules
Visitors must follow all rules and regulations when visiting the T.L. Roach Unit. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the visit and future visitation privileges. Some of the rules include:
- Visitors must have a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors are subject to search before entering the unit.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring in any food, drinks, or tobacco products.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring in any electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, and smartwatches.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring in any weapons or contraband.
Overall, visitors are expected to behave in a respectful and orderly manner while visiting the Roach Unit. Any disruptive behavior may result in the termination of the visit and future visitation privileges.
Communication with Inmates
Communication with inmates at the Roach Unit in Texas is regulated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Inmates are allowed to send and receive mail, make phone calls, and receive visits from approved visitors.
Mailing
Inmates at Roach Prison are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs through the mail. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband, and any mail that violates TDCJ rules will be returned to the sender. Inmates are allowed to send mail as well, but outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be delayed for security reasons.
Money
Inmates at the Roach Unit are not allowed to possess cash, but they can receive money from friends and family through the TDCJ Trust Fund. The money can be used to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for phone calls and other services. Friends and family can send money to inmates through JPay, a service that allows for online money transfers.
Inmates at the Roach Unit do not have access to email. However, friends and family members can use JPay to send electronic messages to inmates. The messages are printed out and delivered to the inmates through regular mail.
Last Name
Inmates at the Roach Unit are identified by their last name and TDCJ number. When writing to an inmate, it is important to include the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number on the envelope.
JPay
JPay is a service that allows friends and family members to send money, electronic messages, and other services to inmates at the Roach Unit. The service charges a fee for each transaction, and the fees vary depending on the service.
Sending Money
Friends and family members can send money to inmates at the Roach Unit through JPay or by mailing a money order to the TDCJ Trust Fund. The money order should be made payable to the inmate and include the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number.
Overall, communication with inmates at the Roach Unit is regulated by TDCJ rules and regulations. Friends and family members should be aware of these rules when communicating with inmates to ensure that their messages and transactions are not rejected.
Medical Services
The T.L. Roach Unit in Texas provides medical services for its inmates through its Correctional Managed Health Care Program. The program offers ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services to male prisoners. Medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The unit has a fully staffed 13-bed infirmary, including two mental health beds.
The medical capabilities of the Roach Unit are managed by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, which provides high-quality medical care to the inmates. The program has a telemedicine service that enables inmates to receive specialized care from medical professionals who are not on-site. This service helps reduce the need for inmate transportation and ensures that inmates receive timely and appropriate medical care.
The Roach Unit also offers CPAP accommodating housing for inmates with sleep apnea. This housing is designed to accommodate the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which help inmates breathe more easily during sleep.
Overall, the Roach Unit provides comprehensive medical services to its inmates through its Correctional Managed Health Care Program. The program is managed by Texas Tech and offers ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services, as well as telemedicine services and CPAP accommodating housing.
Work and Community Programs
The Roach Unit offers various work and community programs to inmates to help them develop job skills, gain work experience, and give back to society. These programs include work camps, probation, special alternative incarceration programs, boot camps for men, and community work projects.
The work camp program provides inmates with vocational training and work experience in fields such as agriculture, carpentry, and welding. Inmates can earn certifications in these fields, which can help them secure employment after release.
Probation is a program that allows eligible inmates to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision. This program helps inmates transition back into society and reduces the burden on correctional facilities.
The special alternative incarceration program is designed for non-violent offenders who are first-time offenders or have a history of drug abuse. This program provides a structured environment for inmates to receive treatment for drug addiction and develop life skills.
The Roach Unit also offers a boot camp program for men, which is an intensive, six-month program that combines military-style discipline with education and vocational training. This program is designed to help inmates develop self-discipline, respect for authority, and marketable job skills.
In addition to these programs, the Roach Unit also offers community work projects, which allow inmates to give back to society by performing community service. These projects include cleaning up parks, highways, and other public areas, as well as participating in local charity events.
Overall, the Roach Unit’s work and community programs provide inmates with opportunities to develop skills, gain work experience, and give back to society. These programs can help reduce recidivism rates and improve the chances of successful reentry into society after release.