Formby State Jail

The Formby State Jail is a maximum-security, mixed custody facility located in Plainview, Texas. This facility is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house a maximum of 1,100 inmates classified J1-J5.

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Formby State Jail

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Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours at the Formby State Jail are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Each inmate may have one visit per weekend with a maximum of two (2) adults, ages 18 and older. Children ages 17 and younger may visit without being counted in the visitor number. 

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

Visiting Applications

Before you can visit an inmate at Formby State Jail, you must submit a visiting application and get approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The visiting application and instructions are below.

Dress Code

The Formby State Jail requires that visitors dress conservatively. If you are not dressed appropriately,  you will not be allowed to visit with your inmate. 

  • Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toe shoes are allowed
  • Clothing that is tight fitting, revealing, or made with see-through fabrics is prohibited
  • 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 prohibited

Visiting Checklist

  • Confirm the offender is assigned to Formby State Jail 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 at www.tdcj.texas.gov.Unit Visitation Schedule
  • Verify you are an approved visitor. If you are unsure, you may contact the unit for verification.
  • Bring photo identification (ID). Click here for a list of appropriate photo identification.
  • Check clothing for compliance. (see dress code above)
  • 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.
  • Do not bring cash (except coins, not more than $25).
  • No cell phones inside the secure perimeter.
  • Special visits or visits requiring special accommodations should be arranged prior to the visit. If you have made special arrangements with the unit, call prior to leaving to ensure that plans for your visit have been made and are in place. Click here for examples of special visits and special accommodations.
  • Spiritual visits must be coordinated through the warden’s office.

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.

For more detailed information about visitation, please refer to the following resource documents:

General Information Guide for Families of Offenders, (English/Español) - PDF

Offender Rules and Regulations for Visitation (English/Español) - PDF

Physical Address

Formby State Jail
998 County Road AA
Plainview, TX 79072

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/cA3PjETzPo8qrG3YA

General Phone Number

(806) 296-2448 (**106)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Formby State Jail
998 County Road AA
Plainview, TX 79072

eMessages

Offenders can receive incoming eMessages. To register, please contact JPAY at 1-866-333- 5729 or www.jpay.com on the web.


How to Call an Inmate

You can't call an inmate at Formby State Jail, 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

The most popular ways to send money to an inmate at Formby State Jail are:

ACCESS CORRECTIONS – SECURE DEPOSITS 

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. 

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.

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 
ACE, AMERICA’S CASH EXPRESS available from anywhere in the United States. Deposit funds to an offender trust fund account for a service fee. Call 1.866.734.2306 or visit www.acecashexpress.com for the nearest ACE location.

Programs For Inmates

Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), CHANGES/Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Cognitive Intervention

Career and Technology Programs: Construction Carpentry; Culinary Arts; Electrical Trades

Additional Programs/Services: Faith Based Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), My Dad Reads to Me (Storybook), Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative

Community Work Projects: Services provided Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer Initiatives: Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities, Parent Training

Pictures of Formby State Jail

Careers at Formby State Jail

If you are interested in a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like more information about available jobs at Formby State Jail, click here.

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