T.L. Roach Unit

The T.L. Roach Unit is a mixed-custody prison for male inmates that is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This facility is located in Childress, Texas, and can house a maximum of 1,651 inmates.

Agricultural operations at the Roach Unit include Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, Unit Food Bank Garden, and Contract Farming Operations. Manufacturing and Logistics Operations on site include a Soap and Detergent Factory and the Childress Distribution Center.

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T.L. Roach Unit

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Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours for general population inmates at Roach Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Visiting periods usually 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 Roach Unit. Click on the visiting application and instructions below to get started.

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.

Contraband Items Not Allowed Inside the Secured Perimeter of Roach Unit

Knives, drugs, medications, food items, purses, diaper bags, briefcases, cameras, baby strollers, toys, dolls, photographs or photograph albums, paper money, tobacco, lighters, matches, cell phones, smartwatches, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, digital recorders, or any other type of electronic or wireless devices or any other non-authorized items. 

Visitors are prohibited from engaging in the following activities: 

  • Loitering around the unit’s front gate, parking lot, or perimeter pickets
  • Walking along the perimeter road
  • Photographing buildings, fences, or other parts of the unit
  • Playing radios loudly
  • Yelling at offenders

For a complete list of the visiting rules, click here

Dress Code

The dress code at Roach 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

Roach Unit
15845 FM 164
Childress, TX 79201

Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/7HPNdYEAeRyWb8rp6

General Phone Number

(940) 937-6364 (**050)

Inmate Mailing Address(es)

Inmate Name/DOC Number
Roach Unit
15845 FM 164
Childress, TX 79201

eMessages

Inmates at Roach 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 Roach 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 Roach 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

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

Programs For Inmates

Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), Special Education, Title I, CHANGES/Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Cognitive Intervention

Career and Technology Programs: Construction Carpentry; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance

Additional Programs/Services: Special Alternative Incarceration Program (SAIP) - Boot Camp for Men, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, Crime Stoppers, Community Tours, GO KIDS Initiative

Community Work Projects: Services provided to city and county agencies, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the area food bank, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Volunteer Initiatives: Literacy/Education, Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Arts/Crafts, Support Groups, Religious/Faith Based Studies and Activities

Pictures of T.L. Roach Unit

Careers at T.L. Roach Unit

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

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