How to send messages, photos, and packages
James W. Allred Unit receives incoming mail through TDCJ's digital mail platform: mail is sorted, scanned, and uploaded to inmate tablets (effective September 6, 2023). Want to become an approved sender for deposits or commissary purchases? The inmate needs to add you to their Approved Visitation List, or you can register your phone with Securus for the Approved Phone List. For victim services and offender-notification signups, use the IVSS portal at https://ivss.tdcj.texas.gov/. Texas units commonly offer phone access, video visits, electronic messaging, and tablet services through the Inmate Technology program and outside vendors. Features vary by unit, so check the facility page before paying for services or credits.
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Mailing someone at the James W. Allred Unit? Here's the key thing to know: most mail now goes through TDCJ's Digital Mail Processing Center first, where it's scanned and delivered digitally.
To be an approved sender for deposits or purchases, the inmate must add you to their Approved Visitation List. If you’re not on that list, you can register your phone with Securus to be placed on the Approved Phone List.
Sign up through the TDCJ IVSS portal at https://ivss.tdcj.texas.gov/.
Incoming mail is handled through TDCJ’s digital mail platform: it’s sorted and scanned, then the scanned mail is uploaded to inmate tablets (implemented September 6, 2023).
Allred Unit uses the digital mail system to deliver scanned mail to inmate tablets. Tablets often support messaging and other content, but exact services and eligibility depend on unit rules and custody level.
Address personal mail to the TDCJ Digital Mail Processing Center, PO Box 660400, Dallas. Be sure to include the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number on every piece of mail.
Books, magazines, and packages from verified publishers should be mailed directly to the Allred Unit, not the digital processing center. Other sources and privately sent packages may be restricted, so using publisher/approved-seller channels is the safest approach.
Want to buy commissary-style items online for someone at the James W. Allred Unit? eCommDirect is the program you need. It's the only approved online package program for TDCJ inmates — no other services will work.
Before you can schedule an in-person visit at the James W. Allred Unit, you need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. Here's how to get through the steps that trip people up most.
Scheduling your first visit at Allred Unit starts with the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Once you know the steps, it's straightforward: create an account, complete your profile, request relationship approval, then book your visit.
