Carol Vance Unit
The Carol Vance Unit (formerly Jester 2) is a minimum-security prison for male inmates located in Richmond, Texas. This facility is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house a maximum of 378 inmates.
This facility opened in 1885 and sits on over 900 acres. Agricultural operations include the Unit Garden, Security Horses, Swine Finishing Operation, Contract Farming and Grazing, Mechanical Shop, and Combine Shed.
Jesse Hyde of the Dallas Observer said that the Vance Unit "looks like any other minimum-security prison in Texas—a cluster of brick buildings, a fence topped with razor wire, a group of inmates loitering in the yard."
However the interior is quite different than in other prisons. The walls have murals depicting events in Christianity, including the Crucifixion of Jesus and an apocalyptic vision from the Book of Revelation.
Prison Insights
Carol Vance Unit
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What Do Inmate Families Think?
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What Do Employees Think?
Visiting Hours and Rules
The visiting hours at the Carol Vance Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A visiting period lasts for about two hours and each inmate is allowed one visit per weekend.
A maximum of two adults (18+) are allowed at a visit. Children 17 and younger are not counted in the visitor number.
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.
Visiting Applications
You must fill out an application and get approved by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before you can visit an inmate at the Carol Vance Unit. Click on the visiting application and instructions below to get started.
What can you bring to a visit?
All visitors are subject to search and will be screened by a metal detector prior to entering the visitation area. A photo ID is required for all visitors 18 years of age and older. All other items must be kept in your vehicle except:
- A small wallet, clear plastic bag, or change purse
- $25 cash (in coins) for the vending machines
- Visitors with infants or small children may bring no more than three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles (“sippy” cup for toddlers). These items must be stored in a clear plastic bag.
Dress Code
The dress code at Carol Vance Unit is modest and strictly enforced. You could be denied your visit if you are not dressed appropriately.
- Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toe shoes may be worn.
- Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics are prohibited.
- Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, but must cover the shoulders.
- Shorts, skirts no shorter than three (3) inches above the middle of the knee while standing, capri pants or long pants are allowed.
- Length is not restricted for children ages 10 and younger.
- Clothing with pictures or language that may be considered profane or offensive is not allowed.
Physical Address
Carol Vance Unit
2 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/LhBZnA8XaLsETEtU6
General Phone Number
(281) 277-3030 (**015)
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name/DOC Number
Carol Vance Unit
2 Jester Road
Richmond, TX 77406
Inmates are allowed to have newspapers, magazines, and books, but you can't mail them directly. They must be mailed by the publisher, publication supplier, or bookstore. Make sure you set up the shipping address just like the inmate mailing address above. Always include the inmate's name and number.
eMessages
You can send your inmate 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 Carol Vance 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 Carol Vance Unit. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number to put money on an inmate's books.
JPAY
JPAY allows you to send money to an offender for a service fee. 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
1. Visit www.AccessCorrections.com
2. Telephone (toll-free): call 1.866.345.1884 for live bilingual agents available 24/7
ECOMMDIRECT
Click here and enter offender number, name and confirm offender. Add deposit amount to your cart and checkout using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card for a service fee.
US MAIL
MONEY ORDERS or CASHIER’S CHECKS made payable to “Inmate Trust Fund for Offender Name and Number”
- You may obtain deposit slips from offender or send 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
Special Treatment Programs: InnerChange Freedom Initiative (Faith Based Treatment) Program
Additional Programs/Services: Transformational Ministry Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative
Community Work Projects Services provided to city and county agencies, the area food bank, and Habitat for Humanity.
Volunteer Initiatives: Literacy/Education, Employment/Job Skills, Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Parent Training, Support Groups, Mentoring, Victims Awareness, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities, Post-Release Housing
In the Vance Unit, the State of Texas operates services regarding to the safety and physical care of the prisoners, while the Innerchange Freedom Initiative operates all of the programming.[14]
IFI program
The InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) program is for minimum-custody inmates who speak English, are within three years of their release date, and have a record of good behavior. Sex offenders are not permitted to participate, as IFI program participants are required to do community work.
Pictures of Carol Vance Unit
Careers at Carol Vance Unit
If you are interested in a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like more information about available jobs at Carol Vance Unit, click here.
