Before Your First Visit to William P. Clemens Unit: A Complete Preparation Checklist

Before you leave home, confirm the person you're visiting is actually at the William P. Clemens Unit and has visitation privileges. Things change fast - visits can be restricted or canceled due to rule violations, security concerns, lockdowns, disturbances, escapes, or health emergencies. A quick call to the unit before you hit the road can save you a wasted trip.

Visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. That's the overall window - not a guarantee you'll get the full day. Plan around check-in time and any delays once you arrive.

Each visit lasts two hours, and the clock starts when both you and the inmate are present. Keep in mind that eligible inmates typically get one visit per visiting cycle. If you're coordinating with other family members, sort out who's going when before anyone makes the trip.

ID Requirements

• ✓ If you’re 18 or older, bring a current, official government-issued photo ID.
• ✓ Make sure at least one ID you use shows your current physical address.
• ✓ If you’re a certified victim of family violence with address protection through the attorney general, an exception to the address requirement may apply.

Children 17 and under may need ID if their age is in question. A birth certificate, DPS ID, or student ID works for minors - student IDs are only accepted for those 17 and younger. Adults still need to meet the standard adult ID requirements, even when bringing a child.

Contraband Cash

• ✓ Paper money (cash bills)
• ✓ Tobacco
• ✓ Lighters or matches
• ✓ Cell phones (no cell phones are allowed inside the secure perimeter)
• ✓ Smartwatches
• ✓ Laptop computers
• ✓ Cameras and digital recorders
• ✓ Any other electronic or wireless devices

Bringing money? Coins only, $35 or less. Don't bring paper bills onto unit property - cash is treated as contraband and will cause problems at check-in.

Visitation is a privilege, and staff can restrict it for rule violations or security concerns. Dress modestly and keep your behavior calm and respectful - from the parking lot through check-in and the visit itself. If staff have concerns, you can be denied entry or have your visit cut short.

• ✓ Wear modest, non-revealing clothing.
• ✓ Skip anything with offensive or inappropriate graphics.
• ✓ Follow TDCJ clothing guidance and be ready to adjust if staff say an item doesn’t meet the rules.

1. Arrive early and plan for delays - check-in and processing take time, and visitation can be impacted by security concerns or emergencies.
2. Check in and sign in - follow staff instructions and complete the visitor check-in process.
3. Present your ID - adults must show current government-issued photo ID, and at least one ID must show a current physical address.
4. Expect searches - vehicles and visitors are subject to search by unit staff; don’t bring anything that could be treated as contraband.
5. Request a split visit at check-in (if you need it) - you must tell the visitation officer during the visitors’ check-in process.

Planning to rotate adults during the visit? Ask for a split visit at check-in. Both regular and special split visits allow up to four adults total - you can swap people in and out, but you can't exceed four for the entire visit.

If something seems off - schedule confusion, a sudden rule change, or word of a disruption - call the unit before you drive out. Ask whether the inmate has visitation privileges and whether visits are happening that day. Visits can be restricted or canceled with little notice due to rule violations, security issues, lockdowns, or health and safety emergencies.