Before You Drive to Polunsky: A Pre-Visit Checklist
A long drive is hard enough without getting turned away at the gate. Use this checklist to confirm the person you're visiting is eligible, the unit is actually allowing visits, and you're bringing only what Polunsky allows.
Before you plan the trip, confirm the inmate is actually assigned to the Polunsky Unit. Transfers happen, and visitation records get updated regularly, so check close to your visit date. You also want to verify that the specific inmate has active visitation privileges. Even if the unit is open for visits, an individual inmate can be restricted from receiving visitors.
Call the unit before you leave. Visitation is a privilege, and it can be temporarily restricted or discontinued for disciplinary reasons, security concerns, unit lockdowns, serious incidents, escapes, disturbances, or health and safety emergencies.
Check Polunsky's visitation schedule for the day you plan to go, then verify it again right before you travel. TDCJ visiting hours are generally on Saturdays and Sundays (8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), but you still need to confirm the unit's specific schedule and make sure visitation hasn't been canceled. If visitation is canceled, even an otherwise eligible inmate can't receive visitors.
Heads up: Unit-wide visitation can be canceled for lockdowns and other emergencies. A quick phone call to Polunsky before you drive can save you a wasted trip.
If you're 18 or older, bring a current, official government-issued photo ID. At least one form of ID must show a current physical address. TDCJ does make an exception for victims of family violence who have been certified by the attorney general for address protection. Still, bring the strongest ID you have so check-in goes smoothly.
Check your clothing against the unit's visitation dress guidelines before you leave home. Show up out of compliance and you can be denied entry. Rule violations can also lead to visitation being temporarily restricted if staff have security concerns.
Prohibited Items and Cash Limits
- ✓ Do not bring cash, except coins not exceeding $35.
- ✓ No cell phones inside the secure perimeter.
- ✓ Leave electronic and wireless devices behind (for example: smartwatches, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders).
- ✓ Do not bring contraband, including weapons, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances or drugs, and items intended to pass to an inmate (for example: paper money, tobacco, lighters, matches).
Coordinate with anyone else on the inmate's Visitors List before you go. At Polunsky, each inmate is only allowed one visit per weekend. If someone else has already visited that weekend, later visitors can be turned away when they arrive.
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