Preston E. Smith Unit

The Preston E. Smith Unit is a maximum-security prison for male inmates that is located in Lamesa, Texas. This facility is managed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and can house a maximum of 2,234 inmates. 

The Smith Unit sits on nearly 600 acres and has agricultural operations that include: Contract Farming and Grazing, Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, and the Unit Garden. There is also a Mattress Factory at the unit that employs a number of inmates.

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Preston E. Smith Unit

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Visiting Hours and Rules

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. 

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

Physical Address

Smith Unit
1313 CR 19
Lamesa, TX 79331-1898

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/oXi8TBXf9SXA3wwg9

General Phone Number

(806) 872-6741 (**053)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Smith Unit
1313 CR 19
Lamesa, TX 79331-1898

You can't send money, stamps, or other negotiable items in the mail to an inmate. They are also not allowed to get packages from friends and family. Offenders may receive approved publications, such as magazines, books or newspapers, from the publisher or store that sells them.

eMessages

Inmates at Smith 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 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.

How to Send Money

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

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

Programs For Inmates

  • Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), Special Education, CHANGES/Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Cognitive Intervention
  • Career and Technology Programs: Electrical Trades; Mill and Cabinetmaking; Piping Trades/ Plumbing
  • Western Texas College Vocational: Horticulture
  • Additional Programs/Services: Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, Community Tours, GO KIDS Initiative
  • Community Work Projects: Services provided to city and county agencies and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • Volunteer Initiatives: Substance Abuse Education, Arts/Crafts, Life Skills, Mentoring, Support Groups, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities

Recreational Activities

The TDCJ has developed guidelines for out-of-cell time which affords eligible offenders the opportunity to participate in non-programmatic and programmatic recreational activities. Recreation facilities and equipment are provided for offender use. Certain recreational activities may not be available for participation due to an offender’s loss of recreation privileges as a result of disciplinary actions.

Non-programmatic recreational activities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Television viewing
  • Recreational games such as chess, checkers, Scrabble®, dominoes, 
  • Basketball, volleyball, table tennis (in gymnasium only), handball, and weight lifting.

Programmatic recreational activities include intramural sports. Participation in the intramural sports program is available to all eligible general population offenders, and participation is a privilege. The purpose of intramural sports is to promote individual, dual, and team activities. 

Pictures of Preston E. Smith Unit

Careers at Preston E. Smith Unit

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

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