Preston E. Smith Unit

The visiting hours for general population inmates at Smith Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visits with inmates in the expansion cellblock are by appointment only.

Visiting periods usually last for about two hours, and each inmate is allowed one visit per weekend by two adults (18+). Minor children are not counted in the visiting number. 

Visiting Applications

Before you can visit your inmate at Smith Unit, you must fill out an application and get approval from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

• 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

Before you travel to Smith Unit

• Make sure the inmate you are visiting is assigned to Smith Unit 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.
• Verify you are an approved visitor. If you are unsure, you may call Smith Unit for verification. 
• Bring photo identification (ID). Click here for a list of appropriate photo identification.
• Check clothing for compliance. (see 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

You can't call an inmate at Smith 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.

There are a number of ways to send money to an inmate at Smith Unit, both online and through snail mail. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number. 

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

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. 

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