Mountain View Unit
The Mountain View Unit is a maximum-security prison for female inmates that is located in Gatesville, Texas. Operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Mountain View Unit can house a maximum of 645 inmates, including the state's female death row.
This facility sits on 97 acres and has agricultural operations that include: Edible and Field Crops, Farm Shop, Regional Pest Control, Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, and Swine Finishing Operation. The Mountain View Unit also has a Braille Facility that employs a number of inmates.
Inmates sentenced to death in Texas are executed by a lethal injection of Pentobarbital. The average time on death row for an inmate in Texas is 10.87 years before they are executed.
One notable inmate in the Mountain View Unit is Darlie Routier. She was convicted of murdering her son Damon in 1996. However, Routier maintains her innocence and her case has been the subject of multiple books and television shows.
Prison Insights
Mountain View Unit
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What Do Inmate Families Think?
What Do Former Inmates Think?
What Do Employees Think?
Visiting Hours and Rules
The visiting hours for General Population and Administrative Segregation inmates at Mountain View Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visits with Death Row inmates are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesdays from 8:00 am to noon, and Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 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 Mountain View 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 Mountain View 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
Mountain View Unit
2305 Ransom Road
Gatesville, TX 76528
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/UNbcXnLmLvEJoYaD6
General Phone Number
(254) 865-7226 (**016)
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name/DOC Number
Mountain View Unit
2305 Ransom Road
Gatesville, TX 76528
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 Mountain View 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 Mountain View 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
Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), CHANGES/Pre-Release, Cognitive Intervention, Parenting Seminar
Career and Technology Programs: Business Computer Information Systems II; Computer Maintenance Technician; Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance
Central Texas College Academic / Texas A&M (Central Texas) University Academic
Additional Programs/Services: Faith Based Dormitory, Administrative Segregation Protective Custody Video Initiative, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative
Volunteer Initiatives: Employment/Job Skills, Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Support Groups, Mentoring, Victims Awareness, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities, Women's Storybook ProjectPictures of Mountain View Unit
Careers at Mountain View Unit
If you are interested in a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like more information about available jobs at Mountain View Unit, click here.
