Texas

How to contact an inmate at Byrd Unit

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Byrd Unit. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Byrd Unit

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Byrd Unit
  5. Overview of Byrd Unit
  6. Inmate services at Byrd Unit

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Byrd Unit:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Byrd Unit

You can use your phone or computer to send emails letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send an message, start by searching for an inmate at Byrd Unit .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Byrd Unit

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Byrd Unit is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Byrd Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Byrd Unit

  1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

    If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Byrd Unit.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Byrd Unit?

    You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

  3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Byrd Unit?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

    Securus messaging

    Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Byrd Unit. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

    JPay

    Some county jails and state prisons may support for sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

    Smart Jail Mail

    You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Byrd Unit. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

  4. What is the mailing address of Byrd Unit?
    Mailing address:

    Byrd Unit
    21 FM247
    Huntsville , TX 77320
    (936) 295-5768

    Business hours:
    • Monday: Open 24 hours
    • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    • Thursday: Open 24 hours
    • Friday: Open 24 hours
    • Saturday: Open 24 hours
    • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Overview of Byrd Unit

Byrd Unit is a Texas state prison located in Huntsville, Texas. It is named after former Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director O.B. Byrd. This facility primarily serves as a maximum-security prison and has a capacity of approximately 2,300 inmates. Though, as of late 2019, it held more than 3,200 inmates.

The prison is comprised of various dormitories and cellblocks, with different security levels designated to each building. Inmates at the Byrd Unit have access to vocational training, various educational programs, and substance abuse treatment. Work assignments for inmates include various industries, such as agriculture, textiles, and furniture manufacturing, as well as outside maintenance and public service.

The prison provides various programs to the inmates, such as education and vocational counselling, substance abuse treatment, chaplaincy services, and more. The prison's staff includes correctional officers, facility maintenance personnel, healthcare practitioners, and others. With few instances of violence, the Byrd Unit is said to be one of the calmer, more manageable correctional facilities. Although not the largest or most modern one, it's educational and vocational services for rehabilitative opportunities have positively impacted inmate success rates. Additionally, the prison provides regular unrestricted access to the open workspace, allowing prisoner access to recreation and making prison stay a little easier for them.

To summarize, Byrd Unit is a maximum-security prison situated in Huntsville, Texas, named after the Texas Department of Criminal Justice former Executive Director

What services are provided by Byrd Unit?

Located in Huntsville, Texas, Byrd Unit is a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It houses over 3,200 male prisoners and offers a range of programs to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism rates. These programs aim to prepare inmates for re-entry into society by developing skills, addressing substance abuse issues, and promoting positive behavioral changes.

One of the programs provided by Byrd Unit is vocational training. Inmates can attend classes to acquire skills in fields such as welding, HVAC, and automotive mechanics. This training is beneficial for inmates as it prepares them for employment opportunities upon release and addresses one of the main barriers to successful re-entry into society – lack of job skills and experience.

Byrd Unit also offers educational programs to its inmates including adult basic education and high school equivalency programs. These programs allow inmates to earn a GED or high school diploma and provide opportunities for further education or employment. Coupled with vocational training programs, education offers inmates a pathway to a better life after incarceration and can reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.

In addition, Byrd Unit has counseling services available for substance abuse and mental health issues. Substance abuse is a major factor contributing to criminal activity, and addressing it in a correctional setting can decrease the chance of relapse and re-offending. Byrd Unit provides drug and alcohol counseling services and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychiatric evaluations to address mental health issues.

Overall, Byrd Unit provides its inmates with opportunities to learn job skills, earn an education, and address substance abuse and mental health issues. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and ensure a successful, positive re-entry into society.