How to Contact an Inmate at Coffield Unit (TX)
Staying in touch is usually straightforward once you know the phone system rules. Here are the key limits to plan around, plus the fastest way to get your number approved so you can start receiving calls from Coffield Unit.
At TDCJ units, including Coffield Unit, phones are generally available from 5:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. That said, access can change when facility conditions require it. If calls suddenly stop coming through at the usual time, a schedule change is one of the first things to check.
Each call is limited to 30 minutes. You'll hear a warning about one minute before the call disconnects, so start wrapping up addresses, times, or next steps as soon as that warning kicks in. TDCJ policy gives inmates unlimited telephone minutes per month, but the 30-minute per-call cutoff still applies.
Privacy note: All calls are monitored and recorded, except calls to the attorney of record.
Before you can receive calls from someone at Coffield (or any TDCJ unit), your phone number has to be registered through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment site. Have the inmate's TDCJ ID number handy. You'll need it to complete the registration.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Register your telephone number online through Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment (you will need the inmate’s TDCJ ID number).
- ✓ Plan for calls during the unit phone window, typically 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (this can change if conditions require it).
- ✓ Expect calls to cut off at 30 minutes, with a one-minute warning message before disconnection.
Reminder: Because calls (other than attorney calls) can be monitored and recorded, avoid discussing anything sensitive or legally complicated over the phone.
If you run into problems with the inmate phone system (or related tech like e-messaging, tablets, or Securus video visitation), TDCJ offers a few ways to get help. You can use the ITS Contact Form, send a written complaint to the TDCJ Inmate Technology Services Contract Manager (PO Box 4016, Huntsville, TX 77342-4016), or email offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov. The Inmate Technology office also has set phone support hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (except state holidays). Phones are answered 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Confirm the current phone access window: TDCJ lists unit phone availability as 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., but conditions can change that.
- Plan around the 30-minute cutoff: Calls disconnect at 30 minutes with a one-minute warning, so save detailed updates for the beginning of the call.
- Double-check how monthly minutes are being applied: TDCJ policy states unlimited minutes per month, but if something does not match what you are seeing, contact Inmate Technology Services for clarification.
Not getting calls? Check two basics first: that you enrolled your number through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment process, and that you used the correct TDCJ ID number for the person you're trying to hear from. If enrollment won't go through or your number still isn't eligible after registering, reach out through the ITS Contact Form, mail the Contract Manager, or email offenderphones@tdcj.texas.gov to get it sorted out.
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