The McConnell Unit, also known as William G. McConnell Unit, is a correctional facility located in Bee County, South Texas. The prison was established in 1993 and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The facility is named after William G. McConnell, a former prison warden who served the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for over 30 years.
In recent years, the McConnell Unit has been in the news due to a large-scale racketeering case that involved the participation of inmates and correctional officers. The operation was coordinated by inmates incarcerated at the McConnell Unit through the use of illegal cell phones. A subsequent investigation led to a federal indictment charging 14 alleged members and associates of the Raza Unida Street and Prison Gang with committing violent acts to support racketeering. As a result, 25 people, including 14 former TDCJ correction officers, were sentenced to federal prison.
Despite the controversy surrounding the McConnell Unit, it remains an important correctional facility in Texas. The prison is accredited by the American Correctional Association and offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,896 |
| Physical Address | 3001 South Emily Drive Beeville, TX 78102 |
| 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 | (361) 362-2300 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
The William G. McConnell Unit, commonly known as the McConnell Unit, is a correctional facility located in Beeville, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and is one of the many state prisons in Texas. The prison was named after William G. McConnell, who was a former TDCJ executive director.
The McConnell Unit was established in 1993 and began receiving inmates in 1995. It is a medium-security facility that houses male offenders. The prison has a capacity of 2,896 inmates and is spread across 43 acres of land. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA), which ensures that the prison meets the highest standards of safety, security, and rehabilitation.
Before the establishment of the McConnell Unit, the site was home to the Bee County Coliseum, which was used for various events, including rodeos and concerts. The coliseum was demolished to make way for the construction of the prison. The prison is located one mile east of the Beeville city limits off Highway 181 in Bee County.
The McConnell Unit has a long history of providing correctional services to the state of Texas. It has been an important part of the state’s correctional system for over two decades and has helped to reduce crime rates in the state. The prison has also been involved in various rehabilitation programs that aim to reduce recidivism rates among offenders.
Overall, the McConnell Unit is an important correctional facility in Texas that provides essential services to the state’s criminal justice system. Its history and services make it an integral part of the state’s efforts to reduce crime and provide rehabilitation to offenders.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The McConnell Unit has a variety of facilities and infrastructure to support the daily operations of the prison. The facility has a garment factory that produces clothing for TDCJ offenders and employees. The factory provides work opportunities for offenders and helps reduce the cost of clothing for the TDCJ. The garden at McConnell Unit provides fresh produce for the facility’s kitchen and also offers work opportunities for the offenders.
The unit also has a Security Horses program, which provides horseback patrols for the facility’s perimeter. The program helps deter contraband and escape attempts and also provides work opportunities for the offenders.
Unit maintenance is a critical component of McConnell’s infrastructure. The facility has a maintenance department that is responsible for the upkeep of the unit’s buildings, grounds, and infrastructure. The department ensures that the unit’s facilities are safe and functional for both staff and offenders.
The McConnell Unit is located near Texas State Highway 181, which provides easy access to the facility. However, the facility’s location also presents some challenges, such as the need for additional security measures due to its proximity to the highway.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The McConnell Unit offers a range of educational and vocational programs to inmates to help them acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive lives after release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their literacy, acquire marketable skills, and obtain employment upon release.
Adult Basic Education
All institutions at the McConnell Unit offer literacy classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), and parenting classes. These classes help inmates acquire basic literacy skills, improve their English proficiency, and learn how to be better parents. Inmates who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent can also enroll in the General Educational Development (GED) program, which helps them prepare for the GED exam.
Career and Technology Programs
The McConnell Unit offers various career and technology programs that help inmates acquire marketable skills in different fields. These programs include courses in bricklaying, stone masonry, welding, and carpentry. Inmates can also enroll in courses that teach them how to use different computer software, such as Microsoft Office, and how to operate different types of machinery.
Vocational Training
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has long recognized the importance of vocational training as a tool to help inmates acquire marketable skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. The McConnell Unit offers vocational training programs in a range of fields, including automotive repair, plumbing, and electrical work. These programs provide inmates with hands-on experience and the opportunity to acquire industry-recognized certifications.
In conclusion, the McConnell Unit offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive lives after release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their literacy, acquire marketable skills, and obtain employment upon release.
Special Programs and Services
The McConnell Unit offers a variety of special programs and services to its inmates, including faith-based programs, peer education, chaplaincy services, the Go Kids Initiative, substance abuse education, life skills programs, and support groups.
Faith-Based Dormitory
The faith-based dormitory is a program that allows inmates to live in a separate unit where they can participate in religious activities and classes. This program is designed to help inmates develop a stronger spiritual foundation, which can help them make positive changes in their lives.
Peer Education
Peer education is a program that allows inmates to teach each other about various topics, such as health, safety, and life skills. This program is designed to help inmates learn from each other and develop leadership skills.
Chaplaincy Services
Chaplaincy services are available to all inmates at the McConnell Unit. Chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Go Kids Initiative
The Go Kids Initiative is a program that allows inmates to record themselves reading children’s books, which are then sent to their children or grandchildren. This program is designed to help inmates maintain a connection with their families and promote literacy.
Substance Abuse Education
Substance abuse education is a program that provides inmates with information and skills to help them overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. This program is designed to help inmates develop the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives.
Life Skills
Life skills programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed after they are released from prison. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including job skills, financial management, and communication.
Support Groups
Support groups are available to inmates who are struggling with a variety of issues, such as addiction, mental health, and family problems. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for inmates to share their experiences and receive guidance from their peers.
Overall, the McConnell Unit offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. These programs are designed to promote personal growth and positive change and are an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Security and Custody Levels
McConnell is a maximum-security prison. The facility houses inmates of custody levels G1-G5. The prison has an approximate acreage of 299 and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since January 2002.
The security and custody levels of inmates at McConnell are determined based on various factors, including the nature of their crime, their behavior while incarcerated, and the risk they pose to the institution and society. Inmates are classified into different custody levels, ranging from minimum to maximum security, based on their risk level and other factors.
The prison has a security staff that is responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility. They are trained to respond to emergencies, prevent disturbances, and maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates. The staff also conducts regular searches of the facility to prevent contraband from entering the prison, such as drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items.
Administrative segregation is used to manage inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the prison. Inmates in administrative segregation are housed in a separate area of the prison and have limited privileges. The prison also offers vocational programs, such as carpentry, to help inmates acquire job skills that can help them upon release.
The prison has a diverse inmate population, with a majority of inmates being African-American or Hispanic. The prison has had issues with race-related violence in the past, but staff members work to prevent such incidents from occurring. The prison has also had issues with the Mexican Mafia and a smuggling ring in the past, but staff members have taken steps to prevent such activities from occurring within the prison.
Overall, McConnell is considered one of the toughest prisons in Texas due to its maximum-security status and high custody-level inmates. The prison houses a significant number of inmates serving life sentences, and staff members work hard to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
Medical Services and Facilities
The William G. McConnell Unit is a correctional facility located in Beeville, Texas. The facility provides medical services and facilities to its inmates, including dental, medical, and mental health services. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers.
The medical capabilities of the McConnell Unit are designed to meet the needs of its inmate population. The facility provides ambulatory medical services, which include routine medical care, emergency medical care, and specialist consultations. The facility also has an assisted living unit for inmates with chronic medical conditions who require ongoing medical care.
Dental services are also available at the McConnell Unit. Inmates receive routine dental care, including exams, cleanings, and fillings. The facility also provides emergency dental care, such as extractions and root canals.
Mental health services are an essential component of the medical services provided at the McConnell Unit. The facility has a team of mental health professionals who provide a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Medical services at the McConnell Unit are provided in a safe and humane environment. The facility is committed to providing high-quality medical care to its inmates, and the staff is trained to provide care in a manner consistent with accepted community standards for a correctional environment.
In conclusion, the William G. McConnell Unit provides a range of medical services and facilities to its inmate population, including dental, medical, and mental health services. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers. The medical services provided at the McConnell Unit are designed to meet the needs of its inmate population in a safe and humane environment.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at McConnell Unit is possible, but visitors must follow strict guidelines and rules. Visiting hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors must arrive at the unit at least one hour before the end of the visitation period.
To visit an inmate, visitors must be approved and on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors can contact the unit’s family liaison officer for more information on how to be placed on the list. Additionally, visitors can call the TDCJ Visitation Hotline at (844) 476-1289 to inquire about basic visitation policy questions, inmate location, and how to appeal a visitation denial.
Visitors must make an appointment to visit an inmate at McConnell Unit. To make an appointment, visitors must call the unit at (361) 362-2300 ext. 4200. Visitors should note that appointment availability may be limited, and they should plan accordingly.
Visitors must follow the dress code and rules when visiting an inmate. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and undergarments, and must not wear revealing or provocative clothing. Visitors must also bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must pass a security check before entering the unit.
Overall, visitors must follow strict guidelines and rules when visiting an inmate at McConnell Unit. Visitors should plan ahead, make an appointment, and follow the dress code and rules to ensure a successful visit.