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 Torres Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Torres 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 Torres Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Torres 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 Torres Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Torres 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 Torres 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 Torres 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 Torres 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 Torres Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Torres Unit
   125 Private Road 4303
   Hondo, TX 78861
   Phone: (830) 426-5325

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Torres Unit?

   Visiting hours at Torres 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 (830) 426-5325 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 Torres 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 Torres Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Torres Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Torres 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 Torres Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Torres 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 Torres 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 Torres 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 Torres 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 forms the foundation of rehabilitation services at Torres Unit, where inmates can access various development opportunities designed to build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses educational gaps, develops marketable job skills, and provides structured support systems. These services often focus on preparing inmates for successful community reintegration through practical skill-building and personal development initiatives.

Educational services may include adult basic education programs that help inmates earn their GED or improve fundamental literacy and math skills. Vocational training opportunities typically provide hands-on instruction in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to develop marketable skills for future employment. Additionally, job readiness training often covers essential workplace behaviors, interview techniques, and professional communication skills that employers value in potential candidates.

Support services frequently encompass structured work programs that provide inmates with practical job experience while maintaining facility operations. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking personal transformation through religious participation. The facility often includes commercial driving license (CDL) training, which can provide inmates with immediate employment opportunities upon release, as commercial driving represents a field with consistent job availability and competitive wages.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of Torres Unit create a highly structured environment where every aspect of daily life follows established protocols. Inmates currently navigate a regimented schedule that begins with early morning counts and continues through designated periods for meals, work assignments, and recreational activities. The facility typically maintains consistent routines that help residents adapt to institutional life while providing necessary structure throughout each day.

Housing arrangements generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style accommodations, where inmates may personalize their limited space with approved personal items and commissary purchases. Additionally, the dining areas serve meals at scheduled times, with inmates following specific procedures for entering and exiting the facility areas. While living conditions emphasize security and order, inmates often develop coping strategies and routines that help them manage their daily environment.

Programming schedules typically provide opportunities for educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that break up the routine of institutional life. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that give inmates purpose and structure during their incarceration. Family connections continue through scheduled visitation periods and approved communication methods, allowing inmates to maintain important relationships that support their adjustment to the correctional environment.