Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find info on a released Texas inmate search

You can use the online inmate search tool the TDCJ provides to find information on a released Texas inmate. You can access this tool via their website at https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/offender_info/index.html or https://ivss.tdcj.texas.gov/offender-search-popups/.

You can search for an offender by providing a name, SID number, or current TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) number. The search results will provide details such as the inmate’s location, crimes, and projected release date.

How do I get a TDCJ inmate number?

If you do not know the TDCJ inmate number, you can find it via the online inmate search or by telephone at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283. The telephones are answered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.

What happens when an inmate violates a rule within the prison?

Inmates who break a written or posted rule may face disciplinary action. The sanctions could include extra duty, loss of privileges, or loss of class and good conduct time.

In some cases, they may even receive a monetary penalty if found guilty of damaging state property. It’s important to note that all rules for which an inmate may be punished must be in writing, clearly explain the prohibited conduct, and be distributed or posted correctly.

Should I send money to an incarcerated inmate?

Inmates are given essential food, clothing, and hygiene products. They can purchase additional items from the commissary within the unit.

To do so, they need funds deposited into their trust fund accounts. However, you are advised to avoid sending money to inmates you don’t know.

Unfortunately, inmates sometimes establish “pen pal” relationships to ask for money from unsuspecting individuals. Even if you know the inmate, do not send them funds as a favor.

If you know of extortion or extortion attempts, report it to the warden or the Office of Inspector General. Individuals involved in extortion, including inmates and accomplices, will be prosecuted.

How do inmates spend their day?

The day starts with a wake-up call at 3:30 a.m. and breakfast at 4:30 a.m. All inmates are required to report to their assigned work positions at 6:00 a.m.

In the prison system, every physically able inmate is given a job, but they do not receive any payment for their work. However, good work habits can earn them certain privileges. Inmates can also learn valuable job skills that can help them secure employment upon release.

Most inmates work support jobs like cleaning, cooking, laundry, and maintenance. Alternatively, they may work for the TDCJ Agribusiness or Land & Minerals Department or participate in the prison industries program at Texas Correctional Industries.

What kind of dress code applies to inmates?

Male inmates must wear a white cotton pullover shirt tucked into white elastic pants daily. The shoes they wear must either be issued by TDCJ or purchased from the commissary.

Male inmates must keep their hair trimmed up the back of their necks and head and be clean-shaven. Hair must be neatly cut around the ears. Female inmates are not allowed to have extreme haircuts.

What is Parole in Absentia (PIA)?

A parole review for eligible inmates who are incarcerated in a non-TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) facility.

Where do I go to pick up an inmate upon release?

Once a release date is set, the status line containing the unit information will be updated. The status line number is at (512) 406-5202.

Will an inmate be released early if they finish their program early?

In some cases, if the program is completed more than 30 days before the target release date, the Board of Pardons and Parole may reconsider the release date.

How can I receive notification about an inmate in prison?

If you are a victim, a family member of a victim, or a concerned citizen, you can request written notification by contacting the Victim Services Division (VSD) in several ways.

You can use the online portal, call our toll-free number (800) 848-4284, write to 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas 78757-6899, or email us at [email protected].

We will provide notifications about changes to an inmate’s status, including parole eligibility, Board decisions, release to and return from bench warrant, discharge dates, and many other status changes. Please note that any information you supply will remain confidential.

Can I be notified when an inmate is released from prison?

If you have registered with the Victim Services Division, you will receive written notifications about an inmate’s upcoming release.

To register for this service, you can visit TDCJ website, call our toll-free number (800) 848-4284, write to us at our mailing address located at 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas, 78757-6899, or send us an email at [email protected].

How can a victim apply to become a victim impact panelist?

If you’re a crime victim and wish to volunteer as a panelist, contact the Victim Services Division office at (800) 848-4284 and ask to speak with either the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse staff or the Victim Services Division Volunteer Coordinator. Please note that to be a TDCJ-approved volunteer, you must apply for the same.

Why are victim impact panels provided for inmates?

Victims don’t decide to become victims, but they are unfortunately forced into the criminal justice system and may experience painful repercussions from the crime for the rest of their lives.

Panelists are there to support inmates in realizing their actions’ long-lasting and far-reaching effects. This helps create awareness and accountability for inmates, many of whom express remorse for their actions and better understand the negative impact of criminal behavior.