Barry B. Telford Unit

The Barry B. Telford Unit is a maximum-security prison for male inmates that is located in New Boston, Texas. The Telford Unit can house a maximum of 2,872 inmates and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

The Telford Unit sits on 1,200 acres and has agricultural operations that include Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, Unit Garden, Cow/Calf Operation, Field Crops, and the Unit Food Bank Garden Program.

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Barry B. Telford Unit

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Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours at Telford Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visiting periods usually last for about two hours, and each inmate is allowed one visit per weekend by two adults (18+). Minor children are not counted in the visiting number. 

Visiting Applications

Before you can visit your inmate at Telford Unit, you must fill out an application and get approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

Before you travel to Telford Unit for a visit

  • Make sure the inmate you are visiting is assigned to Telford Unit and has visitation privileges. Offender Information Search
  • Confirm the unit visitation schedule and verify that visitation has not been cancelled. An eligible offender cannot receive visitors if visitation has been cancelled. Unit wide visitation cancelations are posted on the TDCJ homepage.
  • Verify you are an approved visitor. If you are unsure, you may call Telford Unit for verification. 
  • Bring photo identification (ID). Click here for a list of appropriate photo identification.
  • Check clothing for compliance. (see below)
  • Make sure you are not bringing prohibited items on the unit. Vehicles and visitors are subject to search by unit staff. Click here for items allowed and not allowed.

If you have any questions, call the Ombudsman Visitation Hotline at (936) 437-4927 or toll free at (844) 476-1289. The hotline is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

What can you bring to a visit?

When checking in for a visit, you will need to provide the officer at the unit security checkpoint the following information:

  • Your inmate's name and TDCJ number
  • Your relationship to the offender
  • Your current physical address and phone number

All adult visitors must have a valid photo ID. Keep everything in your vehicle except your ID and up to $25 cash (in coins) for the vending machines. You may carry the coins in a small wallet, clear plastic bag, or change purse.

Visitors with infants or small children may bring three diapers, baby wipes, and two baby bottles (“sippy” cup for toddlers). These items must be stored in a clear plastic bag.

Dress Code

Visitors are encouraged to dress conservatively.

  • Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toe shoes may be worn.
  • Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics shall not be allowed.
  • Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, but must cover the shoulders.
  • Shorts and skirts no shorter than three inches above the middle of the knee while standing, capri pants, or long pants are allowed.
  • Length is not restricted for pre-adolescent boys and girls, generally ages 10 and younger.
  • Clothing with pictures or language that may be considered profane or offensive by current public standards is not allowed.

For a complete list of the visiting rules, click here

Physical Address

Telford Unit
3899 Hwy 98
New Boston, TX 75570

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/riws4BdciUvF11r39

General Phone Number

(903) 628-3171 (**067)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Telford Unit
3899 Hwy 98
New Boston, TX 75570

You can't send money, stamps, or other negotiable items in the mail to an inmate. They are also not allowed to get packages from friends and family. Offenders may receive approved publications, such as magazines, books or newspapers, from the publisher or store that sells them.

eMessages

Inmates at Telford Unit can receive eMessages through JPAY. To register, please contact JPAY at 1-866-333- 5729 or visit www.jpay.com on the web.

How to Call an Inmate

You can't call an inmate at Telford Unit, but they do have access to phones during certain hours. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Texas, please click here.

How to Send Money

There are a number of ways to send money to an inmate at Telford Unit, both online and through snail mail. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number

ECOMMDIRECT

This site allows you to send money to an inmate or make purchases for them from the prison commissary. To send money, click here and enter the offender's number, name, and confirm offender. Add a deposit amount to your cart and checkout using a credit or debit card.

Friends and family can also make purchases each quarter for eligible offenders. The maximum spend is $60, with the exception of the 4th quarter. From October through December, the holiday spend limit is $85.

You can choose from the top selling commissary items and purchase them for your inmate instead of sending money. Items include snacks, hygiene products, and correspondence supplies. 

JPAY

Visit their website at www.jpay.com or call 1.800.574.5729 to send funds using Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. 

ACCESS CORRECTIONS – SECURE DEPOSITS

MONEY ORDERS or CASHIER’S CHECKS

Must be made payable to “Inmate Trust Fund for Offender Name and Number” 

  • You may obtain deposit slips by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060 
  • Send deposit and completed deposit slip to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060

Programs For Inmates

  • Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), CHANGES/Pre-Release, Cognitive Intervention
  • Career and Technology Programs: Construction Carpentry; Electrical Trades; Small Engine Repair
  • Additional Programs/Services: Adult Education Program, Life Decisions Program, Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, Crime Stoppers, GO KIDS Initiative
  • Community Work Projects: Services provided to city and county agencies, area school districts, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
  • Volunteer Initiatives: Employment/Job Skills, Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Parent Training, Support Groups, Victims Awareness, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities, Post-Release Housing

Offender Craft Shop

The use of the unit craft shop is a privilege. The warden may take away an offender’s craft shop privilege at any time. 

To participate in the craft shop program, an offender must:

  • Have a time-earning status of at least Line Class I
  • Be classified as G1, G2, or G3 minimum custody
  • Be assigned to TDCJ at least six months prior to submitting a request for craft shop participation
  • Have a clear disciplinary record for the prior six month period (no major or minor disciplinary case convictions)
  • Have a job assignment (except for offenders who are medically unassigned)

The inmate must also have sufficient funds on deposit with the Offender Trust Fund to make initial purchase of supplies/materials. The required start-up funds are:

  • Basic Arts:  Minimum of $25
  • Woodworking: Minimum of $50 
  • Leather working: Minimum of $100
  • Jewelry: Minimum of $100 
  • Other crafts: Minimum of $25

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Careers at Barry B. Telford Unit

If you would like more information about the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like to see the job listings at Telford Unit, click here.

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