Briscoe Unit
The Dolph Briscoe Unit is a multi-security level prison for male inmates that is located in Dilley, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house a maximum of 1,384 inmates. This facility opened in 1992 and houses G1, G2, and G4 custody levels.
Prison Insights
Briscoe Unit
Thank you for visiting us to better understand how inmates are treated while incarcerated at this institution. Please be sure to share this website with others so that we can spread the word and help to maintain rights for current and former inmates.
Please note that by checking the box below, you understand we will be contacting you via email to better understand how we can help you and where our data will be used.
After confirming by checking the box below and inputting your email address, please press "submit" and then click on "View Insights" for the area you'd like to reveal.
What Do Inmate Families Think?
What Do Former Inmates Think?
What Do Employees Think?
Visiting Hours and Rules
The visiting hours at Briscoe Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Each offender is only allowed one visit per weekend. To the extent possible, individuals on an offender’s Visitors List should coordinate with one another and with the offender to prevent subsequent visitors from being declined when they arrive at the unit.
Ombudsman Visitation Hotline
The ombudsman visitation hotline is for basic visiting questions. The hotline is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at (936) 437-4927 or toll free at (844) 476-1289.
Visiting Applications
Most TDOC offenders are allowed to visit with friends and family if they fill out the appropriate paperwork and follow the departmental policies and procedures.
- Policy 507.01 - Visitation (in pdf format)
- Visitation Form (in pdf format)
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 shall not be allowed.
For a complete list of the visiting rules click here.
All vehicles and visitors are subject to search when entering TDCJ property. Visitors are screened by a metal detector prior to entering the visitation area in accordance with agency policies. Pat searches are conducted by TDCJ security staff of the same gender; however, metal detector screening may be performed by either gender.
Permissible Items
- small wallet, clear plastic Ziploc® type bag, or change purse
- coin money in an amount not to exceed $25
Visitors with infants or small children may bring no more than three (3) diapers, a supply of baby wipes and two (2) baby bottles, or a “sippy” cup for toddlers, into the unit. These items shall be stored in a clear plastic bag.
Cell phones, smartwatches, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders, or any other type of electronic or wireless devices ARE NOT ALLOWED in the visiting room.
Physical Address
Briscoe Unit
1459 West Highway 85
Dilley, TX 78017
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/D6F1tvYZu2s7H4Ey9
General Phone Number
(830) 965-4444
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name/DOC Number
Briscoe Unit
1459 West Highway 85
Dilley, TX 78017
Families and friends of offenders are encouraged to write often. Letters sent to offenders should include their name, TDCJ number, and unit address on the envelope.
How to Call an Inmate
You can't call an inmate at Briscoe 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
JPay provides several ways to send money to an inmate at Briscoe Unit.
Online
To send money online with a credit or debit card, click here. It's the quickest and easiest way to send money.
Phone
You can send money by phone using your credit or debit card. Call (800) 574-5729 to speak with a live agent 24/7.
Walk-In Cash
To send money using cash, visit any MoneyGram agent location and use receive code 6188. Click here to get a list of nearby MoneyGram locations.
Money Orders
All money orders must be sent with a deposit slip to:
JPay
P.O. Box 279010
Miramar, FL 33027
Programs For Inmates
Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), Special Education, CHANGES/Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Cognitive Intervention
Career and Technology Programs: Construction Carpentry; Electrical Trades; Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance
Southwest Texas Junior College Academic
Southwest Texas Junior College Vocational: Construction Carpentry; Construction Carpentry II
Additional Programs/Services: Faith Based Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative
Community Work Projects: Services provided to city agencies, the area food bank, local organizations, and Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer Initiatives: Literacy/Education, Substance Abuse Education, Employment/Job Skills, Support Groups, Life Skills, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities
Pictures of Briscoe Unit
Careers at Briscoe Unit
To find out more information about a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and available jobs at Briscoe Unit, click here.