Ruben M. Torres Unit

The Ruben M. Torres Unit is a medium-security prison for male inmates that is located in Hondo, Texas. This facility can house a maximum of 1,384 inmates. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

Facility operations at the Torres Unit include a Print Shop, Unit Maintenance, Scent-Specific Canines, Human Remains Detection (HRD) Canines, and Laundry Services for the Ney State Jail.

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Ruben M. Torres Unit

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Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours at Torres Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

All offenders, except those who are being processed through intake, in solitary confinement, G5, lockdown status or administrative segregation, 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). The number of children allowed per visit will be based on the amount of space available for visitation and on the visitor’s ability to manage and control the children. Additional adult visitors may be allowed at the warden’s discretion if special circumstances arise and space permits.

Visiting Applications

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

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?

All adult visitors must have a valid photo ID. One of the following is required: 1) valid state driver’s license; 2) valid state Department of Public Safety (DPS) ID card; 3) valid Armed Forces ID card; 4) passport; or 5) ID card issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as, Visa Border Crossing ID Card (USA B1/B2 Visa BCC). If an identification document other than a passport is used, the identification document must contain a current physical address. 

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.

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

Torres Unit
125 Private Road 4303
Hondo, TX 78861

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/jAQn534jojhDfLi1A

General Phone Number

(830) 426-5325 (**055)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Torres Unit
125 Private Road 4303
Hondo, TX 78861

Offenders may receive approved publications, such as 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 Torres 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.

How to Call an Inmate

You can't call an inmate at Torres 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.

The Offender Telephone System (OTS) allows eligible offenders to make telephone calls to individuals listed on the offender’s approved calling list. Offenders with major disciplinary problems, gang affiliations or on death row do not have access to the pay telephone system, but are afforded access to telephones 

Offenders must conduct telephone conversations in an acceptable manner. Loud, boisterous conversations are not permitted. Offenders are prohibited from speaking in code, passing gang related information, planning criminal activity, or using the telephone in furtherance of any criminal conduct. 

Threats, obscenities, and other types of abusive language may result in immediate termination of the telephone call, suspension of future telephone privileges, and disciplinary action.

How to Send Money

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

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

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), CHANGES/Pre-Release, Cognitive Intervention

Career and Technology Programs: Automotive Fundamentals; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; Electrical Trades

Additional Programs/Services: Faith Based Dormitory, Transformational Ministry Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Life Decisions Program, Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, GO KIDS Initiative

Community Work Projects: Services provided to city agencies, local organizations, the area food bank, and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Volunteer Initiatives: Substance Abuse Education, Support Groups, Mentoring, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities

Pictures of Ruben M. Torres Unit

Careers at Ruben M. Torres Unit

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

TDCJ offers fantastic benefits. There’s also a $5,000 hiring bonus available for correctional officers at many units across the state. That bonus is also available to several maintenance supervisor roles in many locations statewide.
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