Dr. Lane Murray Unit
The Dr. Lane Murray Unit is a medium-security women's prison located in Gatesville, Texas. This facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house a maximum of 1,341 inmates of various custody levels.
Prison Insights
Dr. Lane Murray Unit
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Visiting Hours and Rules
The visiting hours at Murray Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Most visiting periods last for about two hours, and each inmate is allowed one visit per weekend. Contact visits are allowed if the visitors are immediate family.
Two adults (18+) are allowed to visit an inmate at one time. Minor children are not counted in the visiting number.
Visiting Applications
Before you can visit an inmate at Murray Unit, you must fill out an application and get approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. To get the process started, click on the visiting application and instructions below.
Call the Ombudsman Visitation Hotline at (936) 437-4927 or toll free at (844) 476-1289 if you have any questions about visitation. 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, the officer at the unit security checkpoint will ask you for 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 $25 cash (in coins) for the vending machines. You are allowed to carry the coins in a small wallet, clear plastic bag, or change purse.
Visitors with infants or small children may bring no more than three diapers, 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 Murray Unit is strictly enforced. Your visit will be denied if you are not dressed appropriately.
- Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics is prohibited.
- Clothing with pictures or language that may be considered profane or offensive is not allowed.
- 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.
- Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toe shoes are allowed
- Sleeveless shirts and dresses are allowed, but must cover the shoulders.
Physical Address
Murray Unit
1916 North Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville, TX 76596
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/AjBdEeo9RGZqoTdq5
General Phone Number
(254) 865-2000 (**105)
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name/DOC Number
Murray Unit
1916 North Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville, TX 76596
eMessages
You have the option of sending 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 Murray 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 Murray Unit, both online and through snail mail. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number to send money. Do not mail money (cash, check, or money order) directly to your inmate!
ECOMMDIRECT
You can send money to an inmate or make purchases for them from the prison commissary using ECOMMDIRECT. To send money, click here and enter offender’s number, name, and confirm offender. Add deposit amount to your cart and checkout using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card for a service fee.
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
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
MONEY ORDERS or CASHIER’S CHECKS
Must be 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: Assisted Disability Services (ADS) for vision and hearing impaired
Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), Special Education, CHANGES/Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Cognitive Intervention
Career and Technology Programs: Hospitality and Tourism
Central Texas College Academic / Texas A&M (Central Texas) University Academic
Additional programs and services: Faith Based Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Patriot Paws, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, Community Tours, GO KIDS Initiative
Volunteer Initiatives: Literacy/Education, Substance Abuse Education, Mentoring, Life Skills, Parent Training, Support Groups, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities, Women's Storybook Project
Patriot Paws
The Patriot Paws program features 22 inmates at Murray and Crain Unit training service dogs for military veterans and others with disabilities. Patriot Paws started its prison training program in February 2008 at the suggestion of former Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Christina Melton Crain, namesake of the Crain Unit. Thirteen beds are reserved for program participants at Crain and nine at Murray.
“To me, this is TDCJ’s mission statement all rolled into one,” said Lt. Audrey England, the top security officer assigned to the program. “We’re able to help the public in training these animals to go out there and be of service, and we’re also helping offenders reintegrate back into society. I’ve seen it make a difference not only in the lives of veterans, but I’ve also seen a difference in the offenders.”
There is a long waiting list to get into the two-year program. To participate, an offender must be a trusty with a clean disciplinary record and show a genuine interest in working with animals. Animal abusers are excluded.
For their part, the dogs, which are afforded full access to public areas once certified, must be friendly-looking, show no signs of aggression and have a desire to please their owners. They come to Patriot Paws from all over the country, primarily through donations and adoptions.
Most are Labrador retrievers, although a standard poodle and a Burmese mountain dog have also been trained at Gatesville. Throughout the course of their training, the dogs are rotated among offenders every six to eight weeks so they don’t become too attached to one trainer.
Pictures of Dr. Lane Murray Unit
Careers at Dr. Lane Murray Unit
If you are interested in a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like more information about available jobs at Murray Unit, click here.
