Tag Archives: texas prisons
Advocacy Group Calls for External Oversight of TDCJ
Citing potential savings, the need to monitor TDCJ staff, and inmate rights, advocacy groups call for an independent oversight of the state's prisons system.
2 Prison Guards and 2 Inmates Treated for Heat Exhaustion in Texas
TDCJ reported that two inmates and two prison guards were treated for heat-related illnesses this week during the Texas heat wave.
Hiring New Guards While the Older Ones are Planting Evidence – Part 1
Texas Prison Guards Pay and Vacancies This is part one a two-part series on pay for Texas prison guards and the illegal quota system. Increase in Pay for Prison Guards The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced back in February
TDCJ’s Offender Beekeeping Program
Since 2006, TDCJ has utilized 2,500 offenders in their beekeeing program at various prisons across Texas. In 2016, 547 pounds of honey was produced by TDCJ bee hives.
Texas to Modify Its LGBTQ Inmate Policy
Texas Department of Criminal Justice has agreed to modify its policies regarding the treatment of LGBTQ offenders to comply with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. The modifications are part of a settlement from a 2014 civil rights by an
Update on Hurricane Harvey Prison Evacuations
Severe weather prompted the evacuation of nearly 6,000 inmates from five prisons, three half-way houses and two treatment facilities in Texas.
Visitation Cancelled at Willacy County State Jail Due to Illness
Due to a confirmed illness at Willacy County State Jail in Raymondville, Texas inmates are temporarily restricted from receiving visitors on August 26, 2017 and August 27,2017. The Texas Department of Criminal Justices has confirmed at least 24 inmates have tested
Hurricane Harvey
An announcement released today by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice stated they are taking steps to protect supervised offenders and prison staff as hurricane Harvey bears down on Texas. Executive Director Bryan Collier said, "This is something that we
West Texas Intermediate Sanction Facility To Close by June 2
The West Texas Intermediate Sanction Facility close its doors by June 2 and will transfer roughly 270 inmates to the Rudd Unit.
New Law Halts Prison Proxy Weddings in Texas
A new Texas state law bans proxy marriages which were previously common among prisoners. The law which took effect back in September now requires both parties to be present during a marriage ceremony. Previously, only one party needed to be present and
Good Article on the Private Prison Industry / Racket
Although we usually focus on issues involving Texas prison life or Texas parole or, even more often, Texas parole packets, we do keep an eye on anything to do with the Texas prison system. Politico magazine/website carries an article today
Texas To Close Two Prison Facilities
Budget negotiators at the Texas Senate and House have tentatively agreed to close two private run state prisons resolving a political feud that threatened the criminal justice agency. Under Friday’s agreement, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice will decide which
