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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit.

Frequently asked questions about TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit?

   Mailing address:

   TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan Unit
   1502 S 1st St
   Diboll, TX 75941
   Phone: (936) 829-2616

5. What are the visiting hours at TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan Unit?

   Visiting hours at TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 (936) 829-2616 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At TDCJ Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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 Rufus H. Duncan 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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, where inmates have access to structured opportunities designed to foster meaningful change. The facility's approach emphasizes building practical capabilities alongside addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to incarceration. Through comprehensive programming, participants can develop both technical competencies and life skills that support successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational training services typically provide inmates with pathways to develop marketable skills for future employment. Vocational training may offer instruction in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant equipment and techniques. These services often include classroom instruction combined with practical application, helping inmates build confidence while acquiring certifications that enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Additionally, support services encompass work programs that provide inmates with structured daily activities and opportunities to contribute to facility operations through maintenance responsibilities. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking personal transformation through religious practice. Restorative justice services often focus on helping inmates understand the impact of their actions while developing empathy and accountability, creating opportunities for healing and positive behavioral change that extends beyond their time in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units create a structured environment where inmates at Terrell Unit must learn to navigate their daily existence within clearly defined boundaries. Today's routine begins early with scheduled count times, followed by meal service in the dining hall where inmates typically gather in designated areas. Consistently throughout each day, movement between different areas of the facility requires proper authorization and adherence to established security protocols.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Each housing area typically provides basic amenities including beds, storage areas for approved personal property, and shared bathroom facilities. While the physical environment may seem restrictive, inmates often develop routines around maintaining their living spaces and managing their limited belongings, which may include items purchased from the commissary system.

Additionally, the facility provides various structured programming schedules that help inmates establish meaningful daily routines beyond basic housing needs. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or other facility operations that provide both structure and potential skill development. Recreation opportunities typically offer physical exercise and social interaction during designated periods, while visitation policies generally allow inmates to maintain connections with family members and approved visitors. Communication options usually include monitored telephone access and correspondence, helping inmates preserve important relationships that support their adjustment to the institutional environment.