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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit
   12071 FM3522
   Abilene, TX 79601
   Phone: (325) 548-9035

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit?

   Visiting hours at Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 (325) 548-9035 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 Texas Department of Criminal Justice French Robertson 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 transformation begins with access to meaningful opportunities that build both practical skills and inner strength. At Robertson Unit, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of offerings designed to foster growth across multiple dimensions of their lives. The facility's approach emphasizes structured learning environments where individuals can develop competencies that extend far beyond their current circumstances. These carefully designed pathways typically focus on building foundational skills while addressing the deeper aspects of personal development that support successful reintegration.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental approach, with tutoring programs that may furnish individualized academic support tailored to each person's learning needs. GED preparation offerings often include structured classroom instruction alongside self-paced study options, allowing those incarcerated to work toward educational milestones at their own pace. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training opportunities typically encompass hands-on skill development in areas such as automotive repair, where participants can gain industry-relevant experience working with tools and equipment commonly found in professional settings.

Support services extend the facility's commitment to comprehensive development through work programs that may furnish practical experience in various operational areas. Faith-based initiatives often include spiritual guidance and community-building activities that address personal growth from a different perspective. Agriculture programs typically provide opportunities for those incarcerated to engage in meaningful outdoor work while developing skills in crop cultivation and land management, creating connections between physical labor and personal responsibility that often prove valuable in multiple life contexts.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family and maintaining social bonds remain central priorities for those incarcerated at Robertson Unit. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize both individual responsibility and community interaction throughout each day. Those incarcerated typically begin their mornings with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or educational programming that often brings residents together in shared activities.

Housing arrangements generally place individuals in dormitory-style units or cells that may accommodate multiple residents. In addition to this living structure, communal areas furnish spaces for social interaction during designated recreation periods. Meals are typically served in dining halls where those incarcerated gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, creating natural opportunities for conversation and community building. Despite this structured environment, personal time is usually available for reading, writing letters, or participating in informal discussions with fellow residents.

The facility typically offers various recreational activities that may include outdoor exercise, sports programs, and indoor games that encourage positive social engagement. Work assignments often involve kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that require teamwork and cooperation among those incarcerated. Communication with family members generally includes scheduled telephone privileges and visitation opportunities, though specific policies may vary. Those incarcerated can usually maintain connections through correspondence and may have access to commissary services for personal items, helping them preserve some autonomy while serving their sentences.