Smith Unit, TX

Start by creating your own account on the online scheduler—staff can't do it for you. You'll need to complete setup with a 7-digit email validation code, and keep in mind the email on your account can't be deleted or changed later. To add an inmate, search by their 8-digit TDCJ or SID number; your Relationship Request will show as pending until the unit approves it. Visit types include Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet, though availability depends on the facility and the inmate's privileges. Most visits (except attorney–client) may be electronically monitored. In-person visiting runs Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with two-hour regular visits and normally one visit per Monday–Sunday cycle. Remote kiosk/tablet video visits may be available once per month for up to 60 minutes.

To receive phone calls from Smith Unit, register your telephone number at texasprisonphone.com. You may need the inmate's TDCJ ID to finish setup—assistance phone lines are available if you run into problems. Calls go through the state's vendor system, which typically monitors calls and uses prepaid or account-based payment options. Other ways to stay in touch—like remote video visits, electronic messaging, and tablet services—may be available, but exact features, scheduling, and eligibility depend on Smith Unit and the inmate's privileges. If you're using vendor or scheduling portals, follow the account steps carefully: password resets are usually handled by email, and new accounts often require an emailed validation code. Always confirm rules, schedules, and fees on the Smith Unit inmate page and approved vendor portals before paying or scheduling.

Smith Unit participates in TDCJ's statewide digital mail program (launched Sept. 6, 2023). Incoming personal mail goes to a Digital Mail Processing Center, where pages are scanned and uploaded to the inmate's digital account. Address your letter with the inmate's full first and last name and TDCJ number, and send it to: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Inmate's Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number, PO Box 660400, Dallas, TX 75266-0400. If the inmate doesn't have a tablet, the unit provides black-and-white printed copies. Legal or privileged mail follows separate facility procedures.

Sending money to someone at Smith Unit is straightforward once you know the rules: you must be an approved sender, and you have to use an accepted payment method. Smith Unit only accepts deposits from people on the inmate's Approved Visitor List or Inmate Telephone List (policy effective Sept 1, 2020). Mailing funds? Send a money order or cashier's check with the inmate deposit slip to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060—don't send cash or include personal letters with the money order. Online commissary purchases go through eCommDirect, with quarterly limits of $70 for Jan–Sep and $95 for Oct–Dec (effective July 1, 2022). Fees apply: purchases include a $3.75 charge, and deposits cost $2.50 plus 2.25% (combined purchase+deposit is $3.75 plus 2.25%).