Texas

How to contact an inmate at Ferguson Unit

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

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

How to contact an inmate at Ferguson 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 Ferguson Unit
  5. Overview of Ferguson Unit
  6. Inmate services at Ferguson Unit

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

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Ferguson 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 Ferguson Unit .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Ferguson Unit

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Ferguson 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 Ferguson Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Ferguson 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 Ferguson Unit.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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 Ferguson Unit?
    Mailing address:

    Ferguson Unit
    12120 Savage Dr
    Midway , TX 75852
    (936) 348-3751

    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 Ferguson Unit

Ferguson Unit, located in Midway, Texas, is a maximum-security prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The prison was named after a former governor of Texas, James E. Ferguson, who served from 1915- 1917. The facility was opened in 1962 and initially, it was designated as a junior prison, focusing on rehabilitation for youthful offenders. Since then, the demographic of the inmates has changed, and now, the unit mostly houses male offenders with life sentences.

The prison can accommodate up to 2,972 male inmates. The standard architectural design of 115 square feet prison cell accommodates one inmate, and each cell has a writing desk, an attached toilet and sink, and a bed with an innerspring mattress. Prisoners can participate in educational and vocational programs such as adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. Onsite visitors and family members can spend time with prisoners in the prison library, overflow area in the visiting room and participate in special religious services.

Ferguson Unit operates under strict security measures. The site is guarded by razor wire fencing, and surveillance cameras are installed around the facility's perimeter. Staff members' screens, monitor every move of the inmates, and it has a single storied administrative building that oversees the inmates' daily operations. The Texas Rangers also have a substation on the grounds. Ferguson is a no-contact facility and operates under very strict rules to maintain security daily. In summary, Ferguson Unit is

What services are provided by Ferguson Unit?

The Ferguson Unit is situated in Midway, Texas, and is among the numerous state prisons operated by Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The unit has multiple programs and services for the benefit of both inmates and the outside community. These programs and services are primarily oriented to improve the lives of the offenders inside the prison and help them reintegrate into society positively.

The Ferguson unit operates on the principles of restorative justice, and various programs are in place to cater to this objective. The unit provides offenders with faith-based initiatives designed to train them with the right mindset and values. These faith-based programs provide diverse theological options, and the institution collaborates with over 3000 volunteer members from the community churches who use their proficiency in theological teaching to transform the lives of the inmates for the better.

The unit also boasts of academic and vocational education and certification programs, allowing inmates to learn new skills that they can use either in and out of jail. Ferguson provides vocational programs including welding, agriculture, cosmetology, electrical services, computer services technology, and more. The institution covers a wide range of essential personal skill courses, from GED classes to formal college degree programs in partner with various colleges and universities. Furthermore, the prison includes mental health and wellness programs, which cover general mental wellness, substance abuse prevention, psychiatric clinics, therapeutic intervention programs, and peer-mentoring sessions. Therapeutic programs within the prison help inmates improve their coping mechanisms working with the challenges they face. With all these programs and services, the Ferguson unit remains committed to achieving its goal of improving offenders' behaviors and the quality of their lives in and out of prison.