The Wynne Unit, also known as the John M. Wynne Unit, is a prison facility located in Huntsville, Texas. It is part of the Correctional Institutions Division of the State of Texas and has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since August 2008. The unit is named after John M. Wynne, a former chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.
The Wynne Unit is a maximum-security prison that houses male inmates. It is one of several units located in the Huntsville area and is known for its strict security measures. Inmates at the Wynne Unit are typically serving long sentences for serious crimes, and the facility is designed to keep them securely confined and prevent escapes. Despite its high level of security, the Wynne Unit also provides a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,621 |
| Physical Address | 810 FM 2821 Huntsville, TX 77349 |
| 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) 295-9126 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Wynne Unit
Establishment
The John M. Wynne Unit, also known as the Wynne Unit, is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison located in Huntsville, Texas. The original Wynne Unit was established in 1937 and was named after John Magruder Wynne, a former Texas prison superintendent. The unit was constructed on 1,415 acres of land and has since been expanded through the years. It is co-located with the Byrd and Holliday Units.
Significant Events
Over the years, the Wynne Unit has been the site of several significant events. In 1883, the Huntsville Unit, which is adjacent to the Wynne Unit, was established as the first state prison in Texas. In 2007, the Wynne Unit was the site of a major riot that resulted in the injury of several inmates and correctional officers. The riot was eventually brought under control, and the prison returned to normal operations.
Modern Developments
In 2008, the Wynne Unit became accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). The unit is known for being one of the most industrialized prisons in the United States and has a variety of vocational and educational programs for inmates. The unit has a capacity of 2,621 inmates and is currently under the supervision of Senior Warden Rodger Bowers.
Despite its history and significance, the Wynne Unit has faced its fair share of criticism and controversy. In recent years, the unit has been the subject of several lawsuits and investigations related to allegations of inmate abuse, neglect, and mistreatment. However, the TDCJ has taken steps to address these issues and improve the conditions at the unit.
Facilities and Operations
The John M. Wynne Unit is a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility has a variety of facilities and operations that support its mission to provide safe and secure confinement, supervision, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
Industrial Operations
The Wynne Unit has several industrial operations that provide work and training opportunities for offenders. These operations include a mattress factory, a box factory, a license plate factory, and a sticker plant. Offenders working in these facilities receive vocational training and earn wages for their work.
Agricultural Operations
The Wynne Unit also has agricultural operations that produce edible and field crops, eggs, and swine. These agricultural operations are co-located with the Holliday Unit, and the two units work together to produce crops and livestock. The Wynne Unit also has a horse breeding program that provides work and training opportunities for offenders.
Maintenance and Support Services
The Wynne Unit has a variety of maintenance and support services that keep the facility running smoothly. These services include unit maintenance, laundry services, and food service warehouse operations. The facility also has a computer recovery facility, a sign and graphics facility, and a regional pest control program.
The Wynne Unit also has a veterinary clinic that provides medical care for the facility’s security horses and other animals. The facility has a mechanical department that maintains and repairs equipment and vehicles.
The Wynne Unit has a security pack canine program that includes scent-specific canines, narcotic canines, and human remains detection (HRD) canines. These canines are trained to detect contraband and provide security for the facility.
Overall, the Wynne Unit has a variety of facilities and operations that support its mission to provide safe and secure confinement, supervision, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
The Wynne Unit offers a variety of education and rehabilitation programs to help inmates improve their skills, increase their chances of finding employment after release, and reduce their likelihood of reoffending. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
Academic Programs
Windham School District, which is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, provides academic programs at the Wynne Unit. These programs include adult basic education, special education, and adult basic education/GED classes. Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate inmates’ schedules.
Vocational Training
The Wynne Unit offers vocational training programs in a variety of fields, including computer maintenance technician, diesel mechanics, small engine repair, welding, and truck driving. Inmates who complete these programs receive industry-recognized certifications that can help them find employment after release.
Lee College Vocational offers advanced welding courses for inmates who have completed the basic welding program. This program provides inmates with the skills they need to become certified welders.
Rehabilitation and Support Programs
The Wynne Unit offers a range of rehabilitation and support programs to help inmates overcome substance abuse issues, improve their decision-making skills, and plan for their release. These programs include substance abuse education, support groups, the Life Decisions program, and peer education.
Changes/Pre-Release is a program that helps inmates prepare for life after release. This program provides inmates with information on housing, employment, and other resources that can help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Chaplaincy services are available to inmates who want to participate in the House Church program or receive spiritual guidance. 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.
Overall, the education and rehabilitation programs at the Wynne Unit are designed to help inmates improve their skills, increase their chances of finding employment after release, and reduce their likelihood of reoffending. These programs provide inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.
Security and Inmate Management
Inmate Classification
The Wynne Unit, located in Walker County, is a part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system. The Correctional Institutions Division (CID) of TDCJ is responsible for the custody and care of over 140,000 prisoners in Texas. At Wynne, inmates are classified into one of five custody levels, ranging from G1 to G5, with G1 being the lowest level of security. Inmates are classified based on their age, criminal history, behavior, and other factors.
Security Measures
The prison employs a range of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public. The prison has a secure perimeter fence, and all visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility. Correctional officers are stationed throughout the prison, and all staff members undergo extensive training in security procedures and inmate management.
In addition, the prison has a trusty camp, where inmates with a history of good behavior are housed in a less restrictive environment. These inmates are assigned to work details, such as field crops or pest control, and are supervised by correctional officers.
Incidents and Escapes
Despite these security measures, incidents and escapes have occurred at the Wynne Unit. In 2015, a fire broke out in the prison’s textile factory, injuring several inmates and causing extensive damage to the facility. In 2018, an inmate escaped from the prison by stealing a bicycle and riding away from the facility.
In response to these incidents, the prison has implemented additional security measures, such as increased staff training and the installation of additional security cameras. The prison also conducts regular drills to prepare for emergencies and escape attempts.
Rodger Bowers, the warden of the Wynne Unit, has stated that the safety and security of staff and inmates is the prison’s top priority. The prison continues to work to improve its security measures and inmate management practices to prevent future incidents and escapes.
Services and Community Engagement
Community Services
The John M. Wynne Unit provides various community services to city and county agencies, as well as local organizations. These services include litter pickup, landscaping, and maintenance work. In addition, the prison has partnered with local organizations to provide volunteer work for inmates, such as reading programs for children and animal care at local shelters. The prison also offers a presentation program where inmates can share their experiences with local groups.
Employment and Job Skills Training
The Wynne Unit provides employment and job skills training to inmates to prepare them for reentry into society. Inmates can participate in vocational programs, such as welding, carpentry, and automotive technology. The prison also offers a variety of job readiness courses, including resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies. Inmates can also participate in apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs to gain practical work experience.
The prison’s education department offers literacy and education programs to inmates. Inmates can earn their GED or take courses to improve their reading and writing skills. The prison also offers college courses through partnerships with local community colleges. Inmates can earn associate degrees in fields such as business, computer science, and liberal arts.
Overall, the John M. Wynne Unit provides a range of services and community engagement opportunities to inmates. These programs aim to help inmates develop job skills, improve their educational attainment, and prepare for reentry into society.
Health and Wellness Services
The Wynne Unit provides a range of health and wellness services to ensure the physical and mental well-being of its inmates. The prison recognizes that maintaining good health is essential for successful re-entry into society. The health services offered at Wynne include medical and mental health services.
Mental Health Services
Mental health services at the Wynne Unit are provided by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). UTMB provides mental health care to inmates who are experiencing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The mental health services provided by UTMB include individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
In addition to these services, UTMB also provides crisis intervention services to inmates who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The crisis intervention team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide immediate assistance to inmates who are in crisis.
Medical Services
The Wynne Unit provides medical services to inmates through a contract with a private medical provider. The medical services provided at Wynne include routine medical care, emergency medical care, and dental care. Inmates have access to medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The medical staff at the Wynne Unit includes physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who are trained to provide care to inmates with a wide range of medical conditions. Inmates who require specialized medical care are referred to outside medical providers.
Overall, the health and wellness services provided at Wynne are designed to ensure that inmates receive the care they need to maintain good health and well-being. The prison recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive health care to its inmates to ensure successful re-entry into society.