Louis C. Powledge Unit

The Louis C. Powledge Unit is a minimum-security prison for male inmates that is located in Palestine, Texas. This facility is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house up to 816 in the main unit plus 321 in the Trusty Camp.

This facility sits on more than 20,000 acres and has agricultural operations that include: Feedmill and Grain Storage, Farm Shop, Cow/Calf Operation, Poultry Laying Operation, Swine Farrowing/ Nursery/Finishing Operations, Pork Processing Plant, Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, Edible and Field Crops, and Unit Garden.

There is also a Metal Fabrication Plant that employs a number of inmates.

Prison Insights

Louis C. Powledge Unit

Go back

What Do Inmate Families Think?

Go back

What Do Former Inmates Think?

Go back

What Do Employees Think?

Go back
Sorry, there are no insights for this section of the facility yet.
Overall Score = /10
Total Respondents =

Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours for general population inmates at Powledge Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

You can expect your visiting period to 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. 

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 approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before you can visit an inmate at Powledge Unit. Click on the visiting application and instructions below to get started.

Dress Code

The dress code at Powledge 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. 

What can you bring to a visit?

When checking in for a visit, you will need to provide the officer at the unit security checkpoint 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.

Visitor Identification: Visitors ages 18 and older must have a pictured and signed identification card. Children 17 years of age and younger may be required to provide an ID such as, a birth certificate, ID card, or student ID card.

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

Physical Address

Powledge Unit
1400 FM 3452
Palestine, TX 75803

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/8e9HYtQjdCfUTRPp7

General Phone Number

(903) 723-5074 (**028)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Powledge Unit
1400 FM 3452
Palestine, TX 75803

eMessages

Inmates at Powledge Unit can receive 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 Powledge 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 Powledge Unit, both online and through snail mail. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number

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 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

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. 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.

Programs For Inmates

  • Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), CHANGES/Pre-Release, Cognitive Intervention
  • Career and Technology Programs: Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing; Painting and Decorating; Welding
  • Trinity Valley Community College Vocational: Auto Body; Welding
  • Additional Programs/Services: Faith Based Dormitory, Administrative Segregation Protective Custody Video Initiative, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Life Decisions Program, Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative
  • Community Work Projects: Services provided to city and county agencies and the Texas Department of Transportation.
  • Volunteer Initiatives: Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Support Groups, Mentoring, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities

Pictures of Louis C. Powledge Unit

Careers at Louis C. Powledge Unit

If you would like more information about the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like to see the job listings at Powledge Unit, click here.

>