Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Field Operations involves direct oversight of offenders and is overseen by Regional Directors in Tyler, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Midland. Field personnel, consisting primarily of Parole Officers, are responsible for monitoring the activities of offenders and their compliance with the conditions of release and laws of society. The Parole Officers also investigate release plans prior to release, assess and classify parolees after release, and develop a supervision plan based on the needs of each offender. Supervision programs include substance abuse aftercare treatment, drug and alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, and sex offender treatment and supervision.
Parole Officers promote offender compliance with the conditions of release by supporting the use of interventions and motivational options, and they strive to enhance successful offender reintegration through services impacting the factors that contribute to recidivism. In addition, field staff, when necessary, work with the Board of Pardons and Paroles and its hearing officers in processing violations of release. Parole Officers also supervise parolees transferred from other states under the Interstate Compact.
The primary function of the Central Coordination Unit (CCU) is to provide support services to Field Operations. In that role, CCU has several responsibilities. The Unit monitors the Detainer/Deportation caseload until the case is officially closed, and notifies the field regarding any changes in case status. In addition, CCU verifies death notices that are sent to the Unit, and processes the case files for their transfer to State archives.
Furthermore, CCU receives transfers from the Interstate Compact Office for offenders who request to move to other states or to move to Texas from other states; and the Unit monitors the case until discharge, death, or return to Texas.
Lastly, the Central Coordination Unit arranges for placement of offenders whom the Board has voted into and out of ISF’s and SAFPF’s throughout the state.