How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visiting at the James W. Allred Unit is a privilege—visits can be restricted or canceled for rule violations, lockdowns, or security incidents. You'll need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account (staff can't do it for you), verify your email with the 7-digit code, and complete the Background Questionnaire before your account goes active. When building your profile, enter phone numbers as XXX XXX XXXX (no dashes). Each inmate's official Visitors List can include up to 10 people. Hours are normally Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Inmates generally get one visit per visiting cycle, and those classified G1, J1, or J2 can have one contact visit per week. TDCJ also offers Video/Tablet visitation, which is separate from the Securus Video program.
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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.
Allred Unit visitation runs on a weekly cycle, and that cycle determines how often an eligible inmate can receive visitors. Once you understand the cycle dates, weekend hours, and extended visit options, planning your trip gets much easier.
Planning a visit to James W. Allred Unit? Two things matter most: the weekend visiting window and the one-visit-per-cycle rule. Here's how the schedule works and how to avoid showing up on a day you can't get in.
Create the account yourself in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler—staff can’t register you. Verify your email with the 7-digit code, complete the Background Questionnaire, and enter your phone number as XXX XXX XXXX (no dashes).
Visits are normally Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Inmates are generally allowed one visit per visiting cycle, and those classified G1, J1, or J2 are eligible for one contact visit per week.
If you’re visiting with an infant, you may bring up to three diapers, baby wipes, and two bottles or a sippy cup in a clear plastic bag. Electronic devices (including cell phones, pagers, laptops, cameras, and digital recorders) aren’t allowed inside the secure perimeter.
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.
Sending money to someone at the James W. Allred Unit boils down to two things: you need to be an approved sender, and you need to use an accepted payment method. Here's how to make sure your deposit actually goes through.
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.
