McConnell Unit, TX

Visiting at McConnell Unit starts with the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. You'll need to create and verify your own visitor account. Unit staff cannot set up accounts for you. Once you're logged in, the scheduler may show several visit types for an inmate: Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet visits. Extended or Special options only appear when allowed by the inmate's privileges or the facility's setup. Before scheduling, complete the visitor background questionnaire in full and enter your telephone number in the required XXX XXX XXXX format. If the Schedule Visit button is blank or replaced by "Call Unit," follow the prompt and call the inmate's unit to arrange the visit directly. Visit availability and type can change based on privileges, unit layout, or temporary restrictions like lockdowns or security incidents.

Communication at McConnell Unit runs through Texas-approved inmate communication vendors. For phone calls, register the number you want to receive calls on through the vendor portal at texasprisonphone.com (or by phone), then follow the vendor's account and payment steps. All calls are routed and billed through the vendor's system and are subject to monitoring. Electronic messaging and tablet features are also handled through TDCJ-approved vendor systems. Availability can depend on unit rules and the inmate's eligibility. When you create a messaging account, you'll receive an email with a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish registration. One thing to know: once created, the account cannot be deleted and the email address cannot be changed. Choose carefully.

McConnell Unit follows the TDCJ rule that only approved senders can deposit funds. You must be on the inmate's Approved Visitor List or Inmate Telephone List (effective September 1, 2020). Deposits to an inmate's Inmate Trust Fund can be made by money order, ACH, or approved vendor payment systems. Follow the vendor or deposit instructions exactly so the money posts correctly. Cash and personal checks are not accepted for trust deposits and will be returned to the sender. Don't mail money to the facility address or include personal correspondence with a money order, since that can cause delays or get your funds sent back. If you need confirmation, the Inmate Trust Fund office can verify receipt, but they won't provide account balances or transaction details to third parties.