How to Send Messages to Inmates

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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit.

Frequently asked questions about TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal 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 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   Mailing address:

   TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit
   9055 TX-591 Spur
   Amarillo, TX 79107
   Phone: (806) 383-1175

5. What are the visiting hours at TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   Visiting hours at TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit 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 (806) 383-1175 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit, 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit?

   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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit 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 TDCJ Nathaniel J. Neal Unit, 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.

Programs & Services

**Important Note: The Nathaniel J. Neal Unit has been closed since 2020 due to maintenance issues and has not reopened as of the most recent information available.**

When operational, the Nathaniel J. Neal Unit typically provided comprehensive programming designed to support rehabilitation and successful reentry for its male residents across multiple security classifications (G1, G2, and G4). As a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility that housed up to 1,732 individuals at various security levels, the unit likely offered educational opportunities that may have included adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help residents develop fundamental academic skills. Vocational training programs were commonly available at similar TDCJ facilities, potentially including courses in trades such as automotive repair, welding, carpentry, or food service that could provide marketable job skills upon release.

The facility's programming structure likely encompassed substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and behavioral modification courses designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Religious and spiritual programs were typically available through chaplaincy services, offering worship opportunities, religious education, and pastoral counseling. Life skills workshops may have covered topics such as financial literacy, job interview preparation, and conflict resolution to better prepare residents for community reintegration. Additionally, the unit potentially provided recreational activities and physical fitness programs to promote overall well-being and constructive use of time during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

**Important Note: The Nathaniel J. Neal Unit has been closed since 2020 due to maintenance issues and has not reopened as originally planned in 2022.**

When the Neal Unit was operational from December 1994 to 2020, the facility housed up to 1,732 male inmates across multiple security classifications (G1, G2, and G4) in unincorporated Potter County near Amarillo. The multi-custody design typically meant that daily routines varied depending on an inmate's security level, with higher-security residents generally having more structured schedules and limited movement throughout the facility. Like most Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, the unit likely operated on a regimented schedule that included designated times for meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreation periods.

The facility's location adjacent to the Clements Unit may have provided opportunities for shared resources and programs when both units were operational. Inmates at various security levels would have had different privileges regarding visitation, commissary access, and participation in vocational or educational programming. Family members visiting the facility would have needed to follow standard TDCJ visitation procedures, which typically include scheduling visits in advance and adhering to dress codes and security protocols. Communication with loved ones would have been maintained through monitored phone calls, written correspondence, and approved visitation sessions, all subject to the facility's security requirements and the individual inmate's custody level.

Since the facility's closure, families and legal representatives seeking information about former Neal Unit inmates would need to contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice directly, as individuals may have been transferred to other facilities within the state system.