What You Can and Can't Bring Into Hobby Unit: A Visitor's Checklist

Quick Do Not Bring

• ✓ Cell phones (not allowed inside the secure perimeter)
• ✓ Cash (don’t bring it into the secure perimeter, except coins - and coins can’t total more than $35)

These two items cause the most rejected visits at Hobby Unit. The rules come directly from TDCJ's visitation guidance - check it before you travel.

Expect screening when you arrive. Hobby Unit staff may search both your vehicle and your person before entry.

• ✓ Clear out your car before you go so you’re not scrambling to explain or store extra items
• ✓ Lock up valuables and anything you don’t need for the visit before you approach the secure area
• ✓ Keep your photo ID and any necessary paperwork easy to reach so you can move through check-in without digging through bags

Even small or harmless-looking items can get flagged during a search. Bring only what you truly need, and assume staff may inspect everything.

• ✓ Leave anything non-essential in your locked vehicle before you enter the secure perimeter
• ✓ If you bring money at all, keep it to coins only, and keep the total at $35 or less
• ✓ Don’t carry a phone toward the secure perimeter - store it in the car (or trunk) ahead of time so you’re not turned back at the entrance

Call Hobby Unit before you travel to confirm the person you're visiting is still assigned there and has visitation privileges. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.

• ✓ Leave your cell phone secured in your vehicle before you approach the secure perimeter
• ✓ Bring coins only if you need money during the visit, and keep it at $35 or less
• ✓ Bring your photo ID and keep it easy to access
• ✓ If you’re unsure about anything before you leave, call the unit to confirm