William G. McConnell Unit

The McConnell Unit visiting hours are from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Contact visits are allowed if the visitors are immediate family. Most visiting periods last for about two hours, and each inmate is allowed one visit per weekend. 

Two adults (18+) are allowed to visit an inmate at one time. Minor children are not counted in the visiting number. 

Visits with inmates in Administrative Segregation are available on Fridays by appointment only.

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. 

Visiting Applications

Before you can visit an inmate at McConnell 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.

• 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

What can you bring to a visit?

When checking in for a visit, be prepared to provide the following information at the unit security checkpoint:

• Name and TDCJ number of the offender you are visiting
• Your relationship to the offender
• Your current physical address and phone number

A photo ID is required for all visitors 18 years of age and older. Everything must be kept in your vehicle except your ID and: 

• $25 cash (in coins) for the vending machines
• 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.

Visitors are allowed to purchase soft drinks and snacks from vending machines for offenders during general and contact visits, but the items must be consumed during the visit.  

Dress Code

The dress code at McConnell 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. 

You must also include your name and return address on the envelope. All envelopes must be properly addressed (see above) or the mail will be rejected. 

eMessages

You can't call an inmate at McConnell 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 McConnell Unit, both online and through snail mail. Remember, you will need their inmate ID number to send money.

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. During, October through December, the holiday spend limit is $85.

You can choose from nearly 100 top selling items and purchase them for your inmate instead of sending cash. 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 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

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

If you are interested in a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and would like more information about available jobs at McConnell Unit, click here.