How to Visit Polunsky Unit (OK)

Start with the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. If you see "Not Approved for Visits" instead of a Schedule Visit button, that means the inmate's visitation privileges have been removed. You won't be able to schedule through the portal. Even when scheduling looks available, check the unit visitation schedule and any unit-wide cancellations posted by TDCJ. Always double-check before you travel so you don't show up on a day visits are canceled.

You'll need your own account to use the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. TDCJ staff can't create one for you, so set it up ahead of time. One other thing to know: the online system is limited to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Before you commit to the drive, confirm the inmate is actually assigned to the Polunsky Unit and still has visitation privileges. TDCJ specifically recommends calling the unit for final confirmation before traveling. It's worth doing even if the online information looks current.

1. Create your visitor account - You must create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account; staff cannot do it for you. The online system is restricted to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
2. Find the inmate and try to schedule - In the scheduler, look for the Schedule Visit option next to the inmate’s name.
3. Watch for “Not Approved for Visits” - If you see “Not Approved for Visits” instead of a Schedule Visit button, the inmate’s visitation privileges have been removed and you will not be able to schedule a visit through the system.

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to the Polunsky Unit and has visitation privileges (call the unit for final confirmation before you travel).
• ✓ Confirm the unit visitation schedule and verify visitation has not been canceled. Unit-wide cancellations are posted by TDCJ.
• ✓ Bring photo identification that meets TDCJ’s acceptable ID requirements.

Traveling more than 250 miles one-way? Ask about an extended visit. These are discretionary, so the warden or a designee may permit one if time and space allow. When approved, an extended visit can last up to four hours.

Right before you leave, verify three things: that the inmate is still assigned to the Polunsky Unit, that the inmate still has visitation privileges, and that visitation hasn't been canceled for the unit. The Online Visitation Scheduler gives a direct warning when privileges are removed by showing "Not Approved for Visits." Unit schedules and cancellations are posted by TDCJ, but a quick call to the unit is the safest final check.

Before you build your plans around the online scheduling system, make sure you can actually use it. You need to create your own visitor account, and the system is only available to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you don't meet those requirements, contact the unit directly to figure out your next steps.

• ✓ The current TDCJ list of acceptable photo IDs (and which forms of ID are accepted for your situation).
• ✓ How the Polunsky Unit handles extended-visit requests for travel over 250 miles one-way, and whether time and space are likely to allow an extended visit (up to four hours).