Before You Drive to Jordan Unit: Pre‑Visit Checklist to Avoid a Wasted Trip
A little prep can save you a long drive and a denied visit. Run through this checklist before heading to Jordan Unit—confirm your visit is actually happening, and make sure you've got the right ID, clothing, and only allowed items.
At Jordan Unit (like other TDCJ units), visitation is a privilege, not a guarantee. The warden can temporarily restrict or cancel visits for safety and security reasons - rule violations, unit lockdowns, escapes, disturbances, or a health emergency. Conditions can change quickly. A same-day cancellation means a wasted trip, so confirm everything before you load the car.
- Look up the unit’s contact information - Use the TDCJ unit phone list to find Jordan Unit’s number.
- Confirm the person is assigned to Jordan Unit - Ask staff to verify the incarcerated person is currently housed there.
- Verify visitation eligibility - Confirm they have visitation privileges and that you’re allowed to visit.
- Ask about today’s status and restrictions - Visitation information can be updated daily (and multiple times on visitation days), so ask if visitation has been canceled or limited before you drive.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. TDCJ maintains a list of acceptable identification, and staff will check yours at the door. Missing ID? Wrong type? You'll be turned away - even if everything else checks out.
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older: bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches TDCJ’s acceptable ID list.
- ✓ If you’re bringing children: plan ahead for their ID/document needs (rules can differ by age), and call the unit if you’re unsure what to bring.
- ✓ If you have a Victim of Family Violence card: bring it with you if it applies to your situation.
- ✓ If your address situation is sensitive: a post office box may be relevant - call the unit ahead of time for how to handle special cases.
Before you leave, check your outfit against TDCJ’s clothing guidelines. If you’re on the fence about whether something is too revealing or could be seen as offensive, change now. Simple, conservative clothing is the easiest way to get through the door without delays.
Note: Expect compliance checks - unit staff can search visitors, and they may also stop a visit over clothing that doesn’t meet guidelines.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Cell phones (not allowed inside the secure perimeter)
- ✓ Smartwatches
- ✓ Laptop computers
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Digital recorders
- ✓ Any other electronic or wireless devices
- ✓ Paper money
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Lighters (and similar fire-starting items)
Bringing prohibited items onto TDCJ property means they'll be treated as contraband. Best case: you lose the item and the visit. Worse case: it creates bigger problems than a canceled trip. Don't chance it. Leave electronics and anything questionable secured off the unit, and double-check pockets and bags before entering the secure area.
Expect searches. Vehicles and visitors are subject to search by unit staff, so keep your car and belongings as simple as possible - fewer items, fewer complications. Traveling with family? Do a quick "everyone empty your pockets" check before you reach the gate.
Cash rule: Don’t bring cash onto the unit except coins, and keep coins to $35 or less.
- Comply calmly and immediately - If staff tells you to leave the area or remove/surrender an item, don’t argue on the spot.
- Ask for the reason - A quick, respectful question can help you understand what needs to change for next time.
- Call the unit after you leave - Once you’re off-site, contact Jordan Unit to confirm current visitation status and what you need to do before returning.
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