How to Contact an Inmate at Estes Unit, TX (TX)

You'll manage visitation through the TDCJ online visitation scheduler. The system lists four visit types: Regular, Contact, Video/Tablet, plus one other type. Pay close attention to the Video/Tablet option. The scheduler guide explicitly states that Video/Tablet is not the same as the Securus Video program (which is only offered at limited units). These are two separate things.

Phone service is generally available from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., unless unit conditions dictate a change. If you're trying to catch a call, that's the window to plan around. Each call is limited to 30 minutes, and you'll hear a warning one minute before the system disconnects. TDCJ says inmates have unlimited minutes per month, so the real constraint is the per-call time limit and daily availability, not a monthly cap.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Use the TDCJ online visitation scheduler and look for the listed visit types (Regular, Contact, Video/Tablet, plus one other type).
• ✓ If you see “Video/Tablet,” treat it as its own category. The scheduler guide says it is not the same as the Securus Video program offered at limited units.

• ✓ Plan for calls during the posted phone-service window of 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (this can change if conditions require it).
• ✓ Expect a 30-minute maximum per call and a one-minute warning before disconnection.
• ✓ Assume calls are monitored and recorded unless the call is to the attorney of record.
• ✓ Use an allowed destination number type: a home landline, a post-paid cell phone, or a pre-paid cell phone.
• ✓ Do not use blocked number types: internet services, 800 numbers, businesses, pay phones, or international numbers.
• ✓ Keep in mind that TDCJ states inmates have unlimited minutes per month, so you may be able to reconnect later even if a call times out.

Before you schedule, double-check the visit-type options in the TDCJ online visitation scheduler, including the names of the four visit types available. If you're trying to arrange a video visit, make sure you're selecting the right option. The scheduler guide specifically says "Video/Tablet" is not the same as the Securus Video program offered at limited units.

Phone access can shift based on unit conditions, so confirm the current service hours (listed as 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., unless conditions dictate a change) before counting on a specific calling routine. It also helps to set expectations with your loved one about the 30-minute per-call limit and the one-minute warning before disconnection. If your number isn't connecting, check that it fits the allowed destination types: home landline, post-paid cell, or pre-paid cell. Calls to internet services, 800 numbers, businesses, pay phones, and international numbers are blocked. Also keep in mind that all calls are monitored and recorded except calls to the attorney of record. And while TDCJ lists "unlimited minutes per month," the 30-minute per-call limit still applies, so confirm how that works in practice.