What to bring (and what to leave home) for a visit to Jester 3
A smooth visit to Jester 3 comes down to a few basics: the right ID, only the allowed amount of money, and leaving prohibited items — especially your phone — outside the secure perimeter.
If you're 18 or older, bring a current government-issued photo ID. Staff check this first, and you won't get past the front desk without it.
One of your IDs must also show a current physical address. The exception: victims of family violence certified by the attorney general for address protection.
Money and Personal Items
- ✓ Bring coins only if you need money during your visit - no cash bills are allowed.
- ✓ Keep the total amount of coins to $35 or less.
- ✓ Leave extra cash and other valuables at home or secured in your vehicle so you’re not turned away at check-in.
Warning: Cell phones are not allowed inside the secure perimeter. Leave your phone somewhere secure before you enter (for example, locked in your vehicle).
Before you hit the road, call the unit to confirm the person you're visiting is assigned to Jester 3 and that visitation hasn't been canceled. A quick call can save you a wasted trip.
This matters especially if you're using the TDCJ online visitation scheduler. When you submit a relationship request, it goes to the inmate's unit for staff verification before you can schedule visits. If anything is still pending, the unit can tell you where things stand.
Bringing children? Make sure the paperwork is sorted beforehand. Kids 17 and under can only visit if a Non-Victim Child Affidavit for that child is on file in the inmate's classification folder. Not sure if it's filed? Confirm before you travel - otherwise you might arrive and find out the minor can't be admitted.
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