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baten-pre-visit-checklist

Before You Drive to Baten Unit: Pre-Visit Checklist

A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Use this checklist to confirm the basics, bring the right ID, and avoid common turn-away issues before heading to Baten Unit.

• 3 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
Before You Drive to Baten Unit: Pre-Visit Checklist

Before you leave, confirm the person you're visiting is actually at Baten Unit and has visitation privileges. Sounds basic, but this is one of the fastest ways to avoid a long drive that ends with "no visit today" at the front desk.

Note: Call the unit before you travel. Visitation listings update once daily on weekdays and multiple times on visiting days.

Keep the "one visit per cycle" rule in mind. Visiting cycles run Monday through Sunday, and each inmate typically gets one visit per cycle. If multiple people want to visit the same weekend, coordinate ahead of time - otherwise someone might show up after a visit has already happened that week.

Even if you're sure you've got the right day, double-check the current schedule before you go. Listings change, especially on visitation days. A quick call to the unit is your best last-minute confirmation.

Confirm you're on the inmate's Visitors List before you travel. Not sure if you're approved - or if your approval is still active? Call the unit to verify. This is another common reason people get turned away after a long drive.

Note: If your approval status is unclear, call and confirm before you leave home. Visitation info updates daily and multiple times on visiting days.

ID Address Requirements

  • ✓ Current, official government-issued photo ID (required for visitors age 18 and older)
  • ✓ Make sure at least one ID used to determine your identity shows a current physical address (unless you qualify for the address-protection exception)

Note: If you’re a certified victim of family violence with address protection, you may visit using a post office box instead of a physical address when you present the attorney general certification card plus a government ID.

Before You Drive to Baten Unit: Pre-Visit Checklist

Prohibited Items Coins

  • ✓ Leave your cell phone behind - no cell phones are allowed inside the secure perimeter
  • ✓ Don’t bring other electronic/wireless devices, including items like pagers, laptop computers, cameras, and digital recorders
  • ✓ Check your clothing before you drive over so it complies with visitation clothing guidelines

Bring money the way the unit allows. Paper cash isn't permitted inside the secure perimeter - only coins, and no more than $35. Planning to use vending machines? Keep it simple: a small wallet, change purse, or clear plastic bag works fine.

Expect your vehicle to be searched on TDCJ property. If you're driving a truck, clear out the bed beforehand - no garden tools, loose clothes, or anything that could be seen as a weapon or escape aid.

Note: When in doubt - about assignment, privileges, or your approval status - call the unit before you drive. Details change, and the listings update frequently.

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