General Overview of Ellis Correctional Facility
Ellis Correctional Facility, officially known as the O.B. Ellis Unit, is a maximum-security prison located in Huntsville, Texas. Established in 1962, the facility was originally designed for rehabilitating young offenders. However, due to overcrowding in other facilities, it was converted to a maximum-security prison by 1965, becoming the home for Texas’ death row inmates until 1999. Today, the facility houses around 2,073 male inmates, ranging from minimum to maximum security levels. The prison plays a crucial role in Texas’ correctional system and offers various educational and vocational programs aimed at preparing inmates for life after release.
Contact Information for Ellis Correctional Facility
- Address:
O.B. Ellis Unit
1697 FM 980
Huntsville, TX 77343 - Telephone Number: (936) 295-5756
- Email: Direct email not available; contact through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) website.
Visiting Information for Ellis Correctional Facility
Visiting inmates at Ellis Correctional Facility is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 5 PM. Each visit lasts for two hours and can either be a contact or non-contact visit, depending on the inmate’s custody status. Inmates are allowed one visit per week. For those traveling over 300 miles, the warden may approve extended visit times if requested in advance.
What to Bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
- Only essential personal items like keys and small amounts of cash for vending machines are allowed.
- Children are allowed, but all visitors must be on the approved visiting list.
How to Book a Visit at Ellis Correctional Facility
To book a visit, potential visitors need to be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. This can be arranged through an application process, which includes submitting identification and undergoing a background check. Visitors can request special extended visits by contacting the warden if traveling long distances.
- Required for booking:
- Valid ID
- The inmate’s full name and ID number.
Visitation is an essential part of inmate rehabilitation, providing emotional support from family and friends during incarceration.
How to Get to Ellis Correctional Facility
Ellis Correctional Facility is located 12 miles north of Huntsville, Texas. To reach the prison:
- From Houston:
Take I-45 North to FM 980 East. - From Dallas:
Take I-45 South to FM 980 East.
Parking is available at the facility for visitors. There is no public transportation directly to the prison, so driving or arranging for a ride is necessary.
Life Inside Ellis Correctional Facility
Life at Ellis Correctional Facility includes a structured daily routine focused on rehabilitation and discipline. Inmates have access to educational programs, such as literacy classes, GED preparation, and vocational training in areas like HVAC repair, carpentry, and agriculture. The prison also operates a garment factory and a bus repair shop that provide inmates with work experience.
Ellis Correctional Facility has faced criticism in the past for overcrowding and incidents of violence, though it continues to operate with a focus on security and rehabilitation. Medical, dental, and mental health services are provided on-site.
Famous Prisoners at Ellis Correctional Facility
Ellis Correctional Facility once housed some of Texas’ most notorious death row inmates, including Ronald Clark O’Bryan, infamous for the “Halloween candy” murder, and Cameron Todd Willingham, later controversially executed for arson. Many of these high-profile inmates were transferred to other units like Polunsky after 1999 when the death row was relocated.
FAQs about Ellis Correctional Facility
What is the capacity of Ellis Correctional Facility?
The facility can house up to 2,073 inmates, with an additional 409 inmates accommodated in its trusty camp.Where is Ellis Correctional Facility located?
The prison is located at 1697 FM 980, Huntsville, Texas, 12 miles north of the city.What are the visiting hours at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Visiting hours are on Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 AM to 5 PM. Each visit lasts for two hours.How can I book a visit to Ellis Correctional Facility?
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. To schedule a visit, contact the warden for special arrangements or visit the TDCJ website for general information.What types of inmates are housed at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Ellis Unit houses male inmates across various custody levels, from minimum security to maximum security offenders.What vocational programs are available at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Inmates can participate in training for HVAC, carpentry, computer maintenance, and agricultural work.Is there parking available at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Yes, parking is available for visitors directly at the facility.Has Ellis Correctional Facility housed death row inmates?
Yes, Ellis was home to Texas’ death row inmates until 1999, after which they were transferred to Polunsky Unit.Can I send mail to an inmate at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Yes, mail can be sent to inmates using the address:
Inmate Name, ID Number, Ellis Unit, 1697 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77343.Are there educational opportunities for inmates at Ellis Correctional Facility?
Yes, the prison offers GED programs, literacy classes, and vocational training in various fields.
Conclusion
Ellis Correctional Facility plays a significant role in Texas’ criminal justice system, offering both maximum security incarceration and rehabilitation programs for inmates. While its past association with housing death row inmates and incidents of prison unrest add to its history, the facility is focused on education, skill development, and preparing inmates for reentry into society.
For more information, you can visit the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s official page on Ellis Unit
Sources Used:
- Wikipedia: Ellis Unit
- Prison Pro
- The Prison Direct
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice