Texas

How to contact an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail

Last Updated on July 30, 2025

A friendly help guide for Larry Gist State Jail. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

Skip to main content

Larry Gist State Jail

Complete Guide to Inmate Communication

Location: Beaumont, TX
Last Updated:

Quick Navigation

How to contact an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. Search for the inmate using our search tool below
  2. Create your account or log in to Penmate
  3. Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
  4. Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily

Watch this short video on how to contact an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail:

How to Send Messages to Inmates

How to message an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Larry Gist State Jail

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Larry Gist State Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Larry Gist State Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Larry Gist State Jail

  1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

    If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Larry Gist State Jail.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Larry Gist State Jail?

    You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

  3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail?

    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

    Securus messaging

    Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

    JPay

    Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

    Smart Jail Mail

    You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Larry Gist State Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

  4. What is the mailing address of Larry Gist State Jail?

    Mailing address:

    Larry Gist State Jail
    3295 FM3514
    Beaumont, TX 77705
    Phone: (409) 727-8400

    Business hours:

    • Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  5. What are the visiting hours at Larry Gist State Jail?

    Visiting hours at Larry Gist State Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (409) 727-8400 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

  6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Larry Gist State Jail?

    Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Larry Gist State Jail for their specific mail policies.

  7. How do I send money to an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail?

    You can send money to an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

  8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail?

    Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Larry Gist State Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

  9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Larry Gist State Jail?

    All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Larry Gist State Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

  10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Larry Gist State Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Facility Overview

Contact Information

Larry Gist State Jail
3295 FM3514
Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 727-8400

Official Website

www.tdcj.state.tx.us

Programs and services at Larry Gist State Jail

About Larry Gist State Jail

Within the sprawling urban landscape of Dallas, Texas, GIST operates as a significant component of the state’s broader correctional infrastructure, serving residents who require structured support and guidance during their period of incarceration. This TX correctional facility typically focuses on providing essential services while maintaining the security and safety standards expected within the state’s correctional system.

The facility generally serves a diverse population of residents, with programs that may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and various rehabilitation services designed to support successful reintegration into the community. GIST often emphasizes accessibility to basic services such as healthcare, mental health support, and substance abuse counseling, recognizing that many residents arrive with complex needs that extend beyond their immediate legal circumstances. The facility’s approach typically centers on creating pathways for personal growth and skill development, understanding that meaningful change often requires comprehensive support systems.

As part of Texas’s extensive correctional network, GIST plays an important role in the state’s commitment to public safety while working toward rehabilitation goals. The facility’s residents services may encompass library access, religious programming, and family visitation opportunities that help maintain crucial connections to the outside community. Located in Dallas, the facility benefits from its proximity to urban resources and support networks, which can facilitate smoother transitions for residents preparing to return to their communities throughout the region.

Programs & Services

Educational advancement through structured GED preparation forms the cornerstone of personal development initiatives, while comprehensive vocational training opportunities may deliver practical skills that enhance residents’ prospects for successful reintegration. These multifaceted initiatives typically operate under a rehabilitation-focused philosophy that recognizes the transformative potential of education and skill development in addressing the underlying factors that contribute to recidivism.

Academic initiatives often include systematic GED preparation courses designed to help residents achieve their high school equivalency credentials, providing foundational knowledge across core subjects. Moreover, vocational training initiatives may deliver hands-on instruction in various trade skills, equipping participants with marketable competencies that align with current workforce demands. These educational components typically emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, creating pathways for residents to develop confidence in their academic and professional capabilities.

Complementary support services often encompass structured work programs that allow residents to gain valuable employment experience while contributing to facility operations. Faith-based initiatives may provide spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking personal transformation through religious engagement. Additionally, decision-making skills development typically focuses on helping residents analyze situations critically and make constructive choices, while specialized veteran services often address the comprehensive needs of military personnel. These comprehensive support initiatives work synergistically to address the diverse challenges residents may face during their period of incarceration and upon their eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation area at Larry Gist State Jail

The steady rhythm of morning announcements and scheduled counts creates a predictable framework that residents can rely on today and consistently throughout their time at the facility. Each day begins with wake-up calls followed by personal hygiene routines, with residents moving through their housing units in an orderly fashion that helps establish a sense of normalcy. The structured programming schedules deliver essential stability, as residents typically participate in educational classes, vocational training, or work assignments that occupy much of their day, while meal times serve as natural transition points that bring the community together in dining areas.

Moreover, the living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller rooms, where residents maintain their personal belongings and create modest personal spaces within the facility’s guidelines. Personal property policies usually allow for approved items such as photographs, books, and hygiene products that can be purchased through the commissary system. Whereas the physical environment may seem institutional, residents often develop routines around keeping their living areas organized and participating in unit-based activities that foster a sense of community among those sharing the same housing space.

The facility typically offers various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and organized sports when weather and scheduling permit. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while telephone access and correspondence help residents maintain important relationships with their support systems outside the facility. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, janitorial services, and other facility operations that provide residents with productive ways to contribute to the daily functioning of their community while developing practical skills.

Ready to Connect?

Start communicating with your loved one today

Search for an Inmate