Texas Department of Criminal Justice
STGMO Gang Renouncement and Disassociation (GRAD)
The following are frequently asked questions and answers regarding Security Threat Groups (prison gangs), which should assist in giving some insight to an offender's family and friends about the dangers of getting involved with a Security Threat Group while incarcerated in TDCJ-CID.
What happens when an offender violates a rule within the prison?
Offenders who violate a written or posted rule are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Sanctions may include extra duty, loss of privileges, loss of class and/or goodtime, solitary confinement, or they may receive a monetary judgement in cases where they are found guilty of destroying state property. All disciplinary rules for which an offender may be punished must be in written form, must provide adequate notice of the conduct prohibited, and must be adequately distributed or posted.
Should I send money to an incarcerated offender?
All essential items (food, clothing, hygiene items, etc.) are provided to offenders. Offenders may purchase additional items from the unit commissary by using funds deposited into their trust fund accounts. It is recommended you DO NOT send funds to offenders you do not know. Unfortunately, offenders often establish "pen pal" relationships in order to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. DO NOT send funds to any offender as a favor for offenders you do know. Any knowledge of extortion or extortion attempts should be reported to the unit warden or the TDCJ Internal Affairs Division. Any offenders who are involved in extortion, as well as any individuals who assisted in the extortion shall be prosecuted.
Do offenders in prison have color televisions in their cells?
With a few exceptions due to unit design, offenders do not have televisions in their cells. There are, however, color televisions available for viewing by offenders who earn the privilege. Televisions are usually located in dayrooms where sixty to ninety offenders may watch one set. Seating is generally on metal benches bolted to the floor. Correctional officers are in charge of the remote controls and only the basic networks, sports, and educational channels are permitted. The televisions are purchased with profits from sales in the offender commissaries (in-prison stores where snack foods, toiletries and approved magazines and books may be purchased).
Are the prison units air conditioned?
All Texas prisons have a heating system, but in the summer only the prison hospital and psychiatric units have air conditioning. The other units have forced air systems that keep inside air moving and fresh air coming in.
How do offenders spend their day?
The day starts with wake-up call at 3:30 a.m. and breakfast is served at 4:30 a.m.. Offenders report to their work assignments at 6:00 a.m.. Every offender who is physically capable has a job in the prison system. Offenders are not paid for their work, but they can earn privileges as a result of good work habits. They also learn job skills that can help them find employment when they are released from prison.
Most offenders work in prison support jobs--cooking, cleaning, laundry and maintenance. Offenders may also work in the TDCJ Agribusiness Department or for Texas Correctional Industries in our prison industries program
What happens if an offender refuses to work?
Offenders who refuse to work lose their privileges and are placed "cell restriction." Cell restriction means remaining in the cell 24 hours a day, with no trips to the day room, commissary, or recreation yard. Meals are also eaten in the cell. Personal property is taken away while on cell restriction.
No. Offenders are not on chain gangs because only low-risk offenders perform jobs or community service work outside of the prison walls. These offenders are supervised by correctional officers, usually on horseback.
Offenders performing public service projects contribute tax savings to local governments. The service jobs range from removing asbestos in public schools to cleaning storm damage from creeks and rivers to building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Community service work not only benefits the general citizenry, but also allows offender to make restitution to the community. Often this work instills a sense of pride and connects the offender to society which may lead to rehabilitation.
What kind of dress code applies to offenders?
A white cotton pullover shirt tucked into white elastic pants is worn on a daily basis. Shoes must be either State-issued or purchased from the commissary. Male offenders must be clean shaven and must keep their hair trimmed up the back of their necks and head. Hair must be neatly cut around the ears. Female offenders will not have extreme haircuts.
Are offenders allowed to make telephone calls?
There are two (2) options available for offenders to make telephone calls.
For more information concerning OTS or to register, click on the link below. http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/offender_telephone.html
What is the process for requesting a hardship transfer?
Special consideration for transfer may be made when an offender's family has medical problems limiting the ability to travel long distances. To apply for this special consideration you need to obtain a letter from the attending doctor stating the medical problems and how it impacts the ability to travel. This should be verifiable and preferably on the doctor's letterhead. If the offender is in a privately operated state jail facility and is a state jail confinee, attach the doctor's letter to your letter requesting a hardship transfer and mail it to the Correctional Institutions Division Director, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX, 77342. Although submitting a request does not guarantee the offender will be moved to a unit closer to the family, you can be assured that the agency will give careful consideration to the request.
What if the offender's time calculations are not correct?
For issues dealing with time calculations concerning incarcerated offenders, those issues must be directed to the TDCJ-Classification and Records Department. The address and telephone number is (936) 437-6231, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX, 77342.
How does an offender appeal a disciplinary case he/she received?
As stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook, given to each offender upon entry into the prison system, offenders have the right to appeal any disciplinary decision made by the unit. This appeal is done by utilizing the offender grievance procedure and submitted to the warden or Facility Administrator. If the offender is not satisfied with the Warden or Facility Administrator's decision, he may then file the next level of grievance for appeal purposes. The Counsel Substitute will assist offenders with an appeal if they request assistance. Offenders are encouraged to use informal measures to address concerns at the unit level, where applicable.
What if staff is treating the offender unfairly?
As stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook, given to each offender upon entry into the prison system, offenders have the right to file grievances regarding their treatment at the facilities and units. According to policy offender grievances must first be submitted to the Warden or Facility Administrator. If the offender is not satisfied with the Warden or Facility Administrator's decision, he may then file the next level of grievance, as stated in the TDCJ Offender Orientation Handbook.