Texas

How to contact an inmate at Preston E. Smith Unit

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Preston E. Smith Unit. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Preston E. Smith Unit

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Preston E. Smith Unit
  5. Overview of Preston E. Smith Unit
  6. Inmate services at Preston E. Smith Unit

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Preston E. Smith Unit:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Preston E. Smith Unit

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Preston E. Smith Unit .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Preston E. Smith Unit

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Preston E. Smith Unit 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 Preston E. Smith Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Preston E. Smith Unit

  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 Preston E. Smith Unit.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Preston E. Smith Unit?

    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 Preston E. Smith Unit?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Preston E. Smith Unit. 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 for 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 Preston E. Smith Unit. 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 Preston E. Smith Unit?
    Mailing address:

    Preston E. Smith Unit
    1313 County Rd 19
    Lamesa , TX 79331
    (806) 872-6741

Overview of Preston E. Smith Unit

The Preston E. Smith Unit is a Texas state prison that is located in Lamesa, Dawson County. The correctional facility was named after Preston E. Smith, who was the governor of Texas between 1969 and 1973. The facility has a capacity of 2,384 male inmates of medium custody level and serves as an administrative site for inmates that have a history of behavioral or management problems. The Smith Unit is constructed on a sprawling 165-acre plot, which houses several dormitories and buildings, including a medical treatment facility that serves the inmates' healthcare needs.

The Preston E. Smith Unit provides a wide range of services, including educational, vocational, and counseling, to assist the inmates in becoming better citizens upon release. The prison houses several units designed to provide job training to inmates and warehouses meat production facilities that serve Texas state institutions. Inmates can also receive assessments and counseling services relevant to their offense history. The facility hosts the Texas Correctional Industries Infirmary Sewing Plant, which provides skills and technical knowledge to prisoners while providing essential services to the prison in events such as winter clothing manufacture.

The rehabilitation of inmates is vital in the Preston E. Smith Unit, and emphasis is placed on behavioral and educational programs to ensure inmates have the skills required for a successful reintegration into society when they are released. The prison's management implements policies designed to ensure the separation of rival groups and prevent violent behavior between inmates. The security protocols include the installation of surveillance cameras to monitor various

What services are provided by Preston E. Smith Unit?

Preston E. Smith Unit in Lamesa, Texas, is a medium-security detention centre for male offenders run under the auspices of Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The facility was inaugurated in 1989, with an aim to rehabilitate and educate inmates to enhance their chances of successful re-entry into their community post-release. Herewith, is a detailed insight into the programs and services provided by Preston E. Smith Unit.

Education Programs: Preston E. Smith aims to offer a wide range of educational opportunities to its inmates, which include academic and vocational courses. Inmates can earn high school diplomas as well as college degrees while serving their sentence through the Windham School District program. Vocational offerings include courses such as welding, which combine classroom instruction and hands-on training in a particular technical area. By being a part of these educational programs, the inmates can gain skills and knowledge, which positively impacts their resumes and can help them secure meaningful employment upon release.

Life Skills Programs: The unit offers various programs to help inmates develop positive behaviours and life skills, which can add to their strength and character. These programs are tailored to address issues such as social isolation, poor impulse control, drug and alcohol abuse, and ineffective communication. The offered sessions provide inmates with the necessary tools to manage their emotions and behaviours effectively, thereby increase their inclination towards interacting with society in an acceptable manner.

Mental Health Programs: The unit recognises the significance of mental health, and therefore it provides ample opportunities for all inmates to engage in mental health programs to the full extent. This helps those individuals overcome the psychological issues and severe disorders that often maintain and reinforces self-defeating patterns of behaviour, which diminish the chances of successful community re-entry post-release.

In conclusion