The Boyd Unit, also known as William R. Boyd Unit, is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison located in Teague, Texas. It is a correctional institution that houses male inmates of various security levels, from minimum to maximum. The prison has a capacity of 1,372 inmates and is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA).
The Boyd Unit provides a range of programs and services to its inmates, including education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The prison also has a number of work programs, such as the Texas Correctional Industries program, which allows inmates to work in various industries and earn wages. Additionally, the prison has a number of volunteer programs and partnerships with community organizations to support inmate rehabilitation and reentry into society.
Overall, the Boyd Unit is an important correctional institution in the state of Texas, providing a secure and rehabilitative environment for its inmates. While incarceration is a difficult and often controversial issue, the Boyd Unit strives to provide its inmates with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,372 |
| Physical Address | 200 Spur 113 Teague, TX 75860-2007 |
| 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 | (254) 739-5555 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Boyd Prison
The William R. Boyd Unit, located in Teague, Texas, is a mixed-security prison that houses adult male offenders. The prison was named after William R. Boyd, a former director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The Boyd Unit was established in 1995 and is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA).
Over the years, the Boyd Unit has undergone several renovations and expansions to improve the living conditions for inmates and staff. In 2018, the prison completed a $5.5 million renovation project that included upgrades to the security systems and living quarters.
The Boyd Unit is known for its commitment to providing education and vocational training to inmates. The prison offers a variety of educational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and college courses. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, such as welding, automotive repair, and culinary arts.
In addition to providing educational and vocational opportunities, the Boyd Unit also offers a range of rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Overall, the Boyd Unit has a long history of providing quality correctional services to the state of Texas. The prison’s commitment to education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs has helped countless inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Infrastructure and Capacity
The facility is responsible for maintaining and managing a large and complex infrastructure to house and care for its inmate population. This section will discuss the prison’s infrastructure and capacity, including construction and maintenance, capacity, and overcrowding.
Construction and Maintenance
The Boyd Unit has undergone a significant construction program to expand and improve its facilities. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit to determine whether the prison is adequately managing new construction contracts. The audit found that the prison has undertaken a large and complex prison construction program, with 13 prisons costing an estimated $1.6 billion under construction.
The prison has also invested in maintenance and repair projects to keep its infrastructure functioning well. In the early 2000s, budget constraints led to an insufficient investment in maintenance and repair projects, which further compounded the existing facility issues. As a result, the prison has developed a Prison Infrastructure Improvement Strategy to address the aging infrastructure within the state’s prisons.
Capacity and Overcrowding
The Boyd Unit has a rated capacity that is used to calculate prison crowding and is essential to managing the prison’s inmate population to distribute the population throughout the system efficiently and equitably. However, the size of the inmate population exceeds the rated capacity of its prisons.
Overcrowding can lead to a range of issues, including increased violence, reduced access to programs and services, and increased health risks. The prison has implemented strategies to manage overcrowding, including double bunking across all security levels.
In conclusion, the Boyd Unit has invested in construction and maintenance projects to keep its infrastructure functioning well. However, the prison continues to face issues with overcrowding, which can have a range of negative impacts on the prison’s operations and the well-being of its inmates.
Inmate Information
Sentencing and Custody
The William R. Boyd Unit accommodates inmates who are sentenced to serve time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The inmates are housed in secure facilities and are under the custody of trained correctional officers. The prison has a capacity of 1,372 inmates and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 1998.
The inmates are classified according to their custody level, which determines the level of supervision and security required. The custody levels range from minimum to maximum, based on the inmate’s criminal history, behavior, and other factors. The prison provides various programs and services to help inmates improve their behavior, skills, and knowledge, which can help them reintegrate into society after their release.
Inmate Support Groups
Inmates at the Boyd Unit can participate in various support groups, which can help them cope with the challenges of incarceration and prepare them for their eventual release. The prison offers support groups for substance abuse, anger management, and other issues that inmates may face. These groups are led by trained facilitators and can provide a supportive environment for inmates to share their experiences and learn from others.
Life Skills and Activities
The Boyd Unit provides various life skills and activities programs to help inmates develop skills that can help them succeed in their personal and professional lives. These programs include vocational training, educational classes, and job readiness programs. Inmates can also participate in recreational activities such as sports, music, and art classes, which can help them improve their physical and mental well-being.
Overall, the Boyd Unit provides a structured and supportive environment for inmates to serve their sentences and prepare for their eventual release. The prison offers various programs and services that can help inmates improve their behavior, skills, and knowledge, which can increase their chances of success after their release.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
The Boyd Unit offers a variety of education and rehabilitation programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of success upon release. These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary tools to become productive members of society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Literacy and Adult Basic Education
Many inmates at the Boyd Unit have below-average levels of educational attainment. To address this issue, the prison offers literacy and adult basic education programs. These programs provide inmates with the foundational skills needed to read, write, and perform basic math calculations. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to pursue vocational training or post-secondary education.
Carpentry and Vocational Training
The Boyd Unit also offers vocational training programs in carpentry and other trades. These programs teach inmates the skills needed to work in various industries, including construction and manufacturing. Inmates who complete these programs have a higher chance of finding employment upon release.
The carpentry program at the Boyd Unit is particularly noteworthy. In this program, inmates learn how to build and repair furniture, construct buildings, and perform other carpentry-related tasks. The program is designed to provide inmates with a marketable skill that they can use to secure employment upon release.
In conclusion, the Boyd Unit offers a variety of education and rehabilitation programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of success upon release. These programs include literacy and adult basic education programs, as well as vocational training programs in carpentry and other trades. By providing inmates with the necessary tools to become productive members of society, these programs help to reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Healthcare Services
The Boyd Unit provides comprehensive healthcare services to its inmates. The healthcare services are managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and are designed to meet the medical, dental, and mental health needs of the inmates.
Medical Services
The medical services at the Boyd Unit are provided by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers. Inmates receive essential medical services that are consistent with accepted community standards for a correctional environment. The medical services include:
- Routine medical care
- Chronic care management
- Emergency medical care
- Infectious disease management
The medical staff at the Boyd Unit is responsible for providing a secure environment for the inmates while delivering medical care. The medical staff works closely with the security staff to ensure that the medical needs of the inmates are met while maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
Dental Services
The dental services at the Boyd Unit are provided by licensed and credentialed dental providers. Inmates receive essential dental services that are consistent with accepted community standards for a correctional environment. The dental services include:
- Routine dental care
- Emergency dental care
- Oral surgery
- Restorative dentistry
The dental staff at the Boyd Unit is responsible for providing a secure environment for the inmates while delivering dental care. The dental staff works closely with the security staff to ensure that the dental needs of the inmates are met while maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
In conclusion, the Boyd Unit provides comprehensive healthcare services to its inmates. The medical and dental services are managed by licensed and credentialed healthcare providers who work closely with the security staff to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Legal Aspects
The Boyd Unit is subject to federal and state laws that govern the rights of inmates and the legal representation they receive. This section will outline some of the legal aspects that inmates at the Boyd Unit should be aware of.
Inmate Rights
Inmates at the Boyd Unit have certain rights that are protected by federal and state laws. These rights include:
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
- The right to receive medical care
- The right to practice their religion
- The right to access legal resources and representation
- The right to file grievances and complaints
Inmates at the Boyd Unit should be aware of their rights and should report any violations to prison staff or to an attorney.
Legal Representation
Inmates at the Boyd Unit have the right to legal representation. This means that they are entitled to an attorney if they are facing criminal charges or if they wish to file a lawsuit. However, inmates should be aware that they may have to pay for their own legal representation unless they qualify for legal aid.
In addition to the right to an attorney, inmates at the Boyd Unit also have the right to access legal resources. This includes access to legal books and materials, as well as access to legal assistance from prison staff or from outside organizations.
Overall, inmates at the Boyd Unit should be aware of their legal rights and should take steps to protect themselves if they feel that their rights are being violated. They should also seek legal representation if they are facing criminal charges or if they wish to file a lawsuit.
Contact and Visitation
The William R. Boyd Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located in Teague, TX. If you need to contact the prison, you can call (254) 739-5555. The unit’s address is 200 Spur 113, Teague, TX 75860-2007.
Visitation at the Boyd Unit is allowed for eligible visitors. There are three types of visits available: Regular, Restricted, and Video/Tablet. Regular visits can last up to two hours and are available on weekends and state holidays. Restricted visits are for visitors who live more than 300 miles away and are available on weekdays. Video/Tablet visits are available seven days a week and can be scheduled online through the TDCJ Visitation Portal. Visitation hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To be eligible to visit an inmate at the Boyd Unit, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. The inmate must submit a list of potential visitors, and each visitor must complete an application and be approved by the unit. Visitors must also pass a background check and follow the unit’s dress code and other visitation rules.
If you have questions about visitation, you can call the TDCJ Visitation Hotline at (844) 476-1289. The hotline is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can provide information about inmate location, basic visitation policy questions, unit family liaison officer information, and how to appeal a visitation denial.
Overall, the William R. Boyd Unit has specific rules and regulations for contact and visitation, which must be followed by all visitors. By following these rules, visitors can ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience.
Safety Measures
The Boyd Unit takes safety measures seriously to ensure the safekeeping of both inmates and staff. The prison has implemented various measures to maintain safety, prevent incidents, and respond quickly in case of emergencies.
One of the primary safety measures at the Boyd Unit is the use of security cameras. The prison has installed cameras throughout the facility to monitor inmate activity and detect any potential threats. The cameras are monitored by staff 24/7, and any suspicious activity is immediately reported and investigated.
Additionally, the Boyd Unit has a strict policy on contraband. The prison conducts regular searches of cells and common areas to prevent inmates from possessing any unauthorized items that could pose a safety risk. The prison also uses metal detectors and drug-sniffing dogs to detect any illegal substances that may be smuggled into the facility.
The Boyd Unit also has a comprehensive training program for its staff. The training covers various topics, including safety procedures, emergency response, and conflict resolution. The staff is trained to respond quickly and effectively in case of any incidents, and they are equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to handle emergencies.
Moreover, the prison has a system for reporting and investigating incidents. Inmates and staff can report any safety concerns or incidents anonymously, and the prison takes immediate action to investigate and address the issue.
Overall, the Boyd Unit has implemented various safety measures to ensure the safekeeping of everyone in the facility. The prison is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and continuously evaluates and updates its safety procedures to ensure the highest level of safety possible.