J.B. Wheeler State Jail

The visiting hours at Wheeler Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. All offenders in the general population are allowed one visit every weekend, normally two adults for two hours. Children under the age of 18 are not counted in this number, and must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor (18 years or older). 

Visiting Applications

You must fill out an application and get approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before you can visit your inmate at Wheeler Unit.

• Policy 507.01 - Visitation 
• Visitation Form 
  • Guide To Submit A Visitation Form For An Adult
  • Guide To Submit A Visitation Form For A Minor

• List of Items Permitted Through Checkpoint

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.

Before you travel to Wheeler State Jail

• Confirm the offender is assigned to the Wheeler 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.
• 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 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.
• Do not bring cash (except coins, not more than $25).
• No cell phones inside the secure perimeter.

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.

What can you bring to a visit?

All adult visitors must have a valid photo ID to visit an inmate. Leave 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.

For a complete list of the visiting rules, click here. 

Offenders may receive magazines, books or newspapers from the publisher or store that sells them. You can't send money, stamps, or other negotiable items in the mail to an inmate. DO NOT SEND PACKAGES. 

eMessages

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

You can't call an inmate at Wheeler Unit, but they do have access to phones during certain hours. The Offender Telephone System (OTS) allows eligible offenders to make telephone calls to individuals listed on the offender’s approved calling list. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Texas, please click here.

There are a number of ways to send money to an inmate at Wheeler 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. 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

• Visit www.AccessCorrections.com 
• 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 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

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is currently hiring at all levels of the agency. If you are interested in a career with the TDCJ and would like to see the job listings at Wheeler Unit, click here.