If you think that dress code is the only thing that you have to pay attention to when you visit a TDCJ inmate, you are wrong. Besides the dress code, you also have to pay attention to the items that you bring because there are rules about the approved items and prohibited items.
Approved Items for Visitation
Here are some approved items that you are able to bring inside the secured perimeter of a unit when you visit a TDCJ inmate as explained on the website of TDCJ.
- You are permitted to bring a small wallet, clear plastic bag which is a Ziploc type or change purse.
- It is also permissible for you to bring $25 cash (in coins). For your information, in the visitation areas, there are vending machines.
- If you bring an infant or a small child, it is permitted for you to bring no more than three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles. And if you bring these items, you have to store them in a clear plastic bag.
Prohibited Items for Visitation
So, what items are prohibited to bring inside the secured perimeter of a unit? Here are the prohibited items as explained on the TDCJ site.
- Purses
- Any food items
- Briefcases
- Diaper bags
- Baby strollers
- Cameras
- Dolls
- Toys
- Photographs or photograph albums
- Knives
- Paper money
- Medication, except for prescribed medications on a case-by-case basis
- Drugs
- Lighters
- Tobacco
- Matches
- Pagers
- Cell phones
- Laptop computers
- Digital recorders
- Any other type of electronic or wireless devices
- Any other non-authorized items
There are also items which are prohibited on TDCJ property as you are able to read below as also explained on the TDCJ site.
- You are not able to bring any intoxicating beverages such as beverages that contain alcohol or drugs which are used for changing someone’s mental state.
- It is prohibited to bring any controlled substance as defined by Section 481.002, Texas Health and Safety Code or dangerous drugs as defined by Section 483.001, Texas Health and Safety Code and prohibited by Article 38.11, Texas Penal Code.
- You are not allowed to bring any firearm or instrument which is used or designed as a dangerous weapon or containing explosive substance. Someone who has a license according to the Chapter 411, Subchapter H, Texas Government Code to bring a handgun, may have the handgun on TDCJ property as long as the unloaded gun is put in a locked weapons box in a locked vehicle, locked compartment of a locked vehicle, trunk of a locked vehicle with a locking device attached to the firearm, or locked vehicle with the firearm hidden from view and a locking device attached to the firearm.
- It is not permissible to bring any instrument that may be able to be used or affected for escaping.
Do you bring a vehicle? If so, your vehicle may be searched and you have to make sure that the doors, windows, and trunks of your vehicle are secured and locked. If your vehicle is a truck, then make sure that the beds are free of garden tools, clothes, or any other items that can be used as a weapon or used for escaping.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
