Before Your First Visit to Dolph Briscoe Unit: What to Confirm and What to Bring

Before you leave home, confirm the person you're visiting is assigned to Dolph Briscoe Unit and eligible for visits. Then call the unit for final confirmation - TDCJ's online visitation info updates once daily on weekdays and multiple times on visitation days, but a quick call tells you what's true right now. Also check that visitation hasn't been canceled unit-wide; cancellations are posted on the TDCJ homepage. Even if your person is eligible, nobody gets visits when the unit is canceled.

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to Dolph Briscoe Unit.
• ✓ Verify the inmate has visitation privileges.
• ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation before traveling (online info updates once daily on weekdays and multiple times on visitation days).
• ✓ Verify visitation has not been canceled (unit-wide cancellations are posted on the TDCJ homepage).

You need to be on the inmate's Visitors List to get in. Not sure if you're approved - or if your status has changed? Call the unit to verify before you make the trip. That one call can save you from being turned away at the front gate.

Bring a valid photo ID that meets TDCJ's identification guidelines. Staff check IDs during entry, so don't assume "close enough" will work. Use an ID type from TDCJ's approved list and make sure it's current.

• ✓ Cash: don’t bring it, except coins (not more than $35 total).
• ✓ Cell phones: none are allowed inside the unit’s secure perimeter.

Expect a security screening when you arrive. Vehicles and visitors are subject to search, and cell phones aren't allowed inside the secure perimeter. Leave your phone secured outside so you're not stopped at check-in.

Check your clothing for compliance before you leave. TDCJ publishes visitor guidelines, and following them closely helps you avoid getting delayed at the door or having to change plans at the last minute.

Need a special visit or accommodation? Arrange it with the unit ahead of time. Even after you've made those arrangements, call before you leave to confirm everything is still in place. This is especially helpful if you're traveling a long distance or working around a tight schedule.

If you're turned away, first check whether the unit is under a visitation cancellation - these are posted on the TDCJ homepage. Also keep in mind that each inmate is only allowed one visit per weekend. Coordinate with others on the Visitors List; if someone else already visited that weekend, you'll be declined.