Correctional Institutions Division

Security Threat Group Management Office

The Security Threat Group Management Officer (STGMO) proactively identifies and effectively monitors and manages offender groups and their members who pose a threat to the safety and security of the TDCJ staff, offenders, and the public, through targeted intelligence collection and analysis as well as timely dissemination of appropriate information. STGMO provides oversight, training, and technical support for the unit-level staff who gather information on the activities of security threat group (STG) members. STGMO works closely with the Fusion Center by sharing information on STGs and their members.

Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD) Process

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has initiated a process, which provides a method for offenders to renounce their membership with a known STG. This procedure is called the Gang Renouncement and Disassociation Process or GRAD. Those offenders willing to renounce their gang affiliation will be required to participate in the process and associated activities until successful completion is attained. This is a nine month process.

After successfully completing this process, the offender will be released into general population and placed on a unit recommended by the State Classification Committee. If the offender does not successfully complete the GRAD process or is found to be involved in STG activities after release to general population, the offender will be returned to administrative segregation and will not be allowed to participate in the GRAD process again. The offender must express, in writing, a desire to renounce his membership in the STG and it MUST be to the unit STG officer. The STGMO will make the final decision on any matters pertaining to the GRAD process. In order to participate, an offender shall meet the following basic criteria:

Have a completed and signed GRAD Process Renouncement Form;
Have not been involved in any STG activities for a minimum of one year;
Have a completed and signed Gang Member Disassociation Form;
Have been assigned to administrative segregation Level I for the previous 12 months;
Have not been convicted of a disciplinary for an offender assault for a period of at least two years;
Have not been convicted of a disciplinary for staff assault for a period of at least two years;
Have not been convicted of a disciplinary for extortion for a period of at least two years;
Have not been convicted of a disciplinary for weapon possession for a period of at least two years;
Have not been convicted of a disciplinary for any aggressive sexual misconduct disciplinary cases for a period of at least two years;
Have not been convicted of any major disciplinary cases for a period of at least one year;
The following security precaution designators: Escape (ES), Staff Assault (SA), or Hostage Situation (HS) shall be reviewed for consideration on an individual case by case basis;
Have a signed GRAD Letter of Intention to Participate release form; and
Have not previously completed the GRAD process.

GRAD Process is nine months in length:

Phase I (2 months)

Curriculum: Substance abuse classes (35 lessons @ 2-1/2 hours - minimum of 30 lessons), Alcoholics Anonymous, Chaplaincy videos.

Phase II (4 months)

Curriculum: Cognitive intervention (180 mandatory), anger management/substance abuse (17 weeks - 6 hours per week - minimum of 68 hours), criminal addictive behavior.

Phase III (3 months)

Curriculum: 1/2-day work schedule, laundry, fields, food service, 1/2-day unit programs.

Each group/class consists of 16 offenders who represent a mixture of security threat groups (STG) in order to maintain a balance of ethnicity, length of sentence, etc., in the process; 2 groups/classes assigned each month.

Frequently Asked Questions (en Español)

[Oficina Gerencial de Groupos Que Amenazan la Seguridad (GRAD)]