Understanding Contact Visits at Texas Units: what physical contact is (and isn't) allowed

TDCJ's online scheduler lists four visit types: Regular, Contact, Video/Tablet, and Special. A "contact" visit is what most people mean when they ask about hugging or holding hands. Video/Tablet is something different - and TDCJ notes it's not the same as the Securus Video program offered at limited units.

TDCJ allows limited physical contact during these visits, but the boundaries are tight. Brief contact - a hug, a kiss - is permitted at the start and end of the visit. Hand-holding during the visit is okay as long as hands stay clearly visible to staff. Stick to these guidelines and you'll avoid putting your loved one's privileges at risk.

• ✓ Embrace once at the beginning of the visit and once at the end.
• ✓ Kiss once at the beginning of the visit and once at the end.
• ✓ Hold hands during the visit only if your hands stay on top of the table, in full view of staff.

Privacy during TDCJ visits is minimal. All inmate visits may be electronically monitored - the one exception being attorney-client visits. Assume staff can observe and record what's happening during a regular visit, including your conversation and behavior.

Staff watch for anything that crosses the line - physical contact beyond what's allowed or behavior that raises security concerns. Keep hugs and kisses brief and only at the start or end of your visit. If you're holding hands, keep them on top of the table where staff can see them.