General Overview of Houston Correctional Facility
The Houston Correctional Facility is a federal detention center located in downtown Houston, Texas. Officially called the Federal Detention Center (FDC) Houston, this facility houses both male and female offenders, including pre-trial detainees and those serving short-term sentences. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), it holds prisoners from federal court proceedings in the Southern District of Texas. With a capacity of around 1,000 inmates, FDC Houston plays a critical role in the federal justice system, providing incarceration services to offenders awaiting sentencing or trials.
This secure, urban facility is designed to handle a variety of prisoners, including those convicted of federal crimes and detainees involved in ongoing legal processes. The prison offers basic services such as health management and legal resources, and inmates have access to limited educational and vocational training.
Contact Information for Houston Correctional Facility
- Address: Federal Detention Center, Houston, 1200 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
- Phone Number: (713) 221-6000
- Email Address: Contact inquiries for general information through the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, or directly call to get specific inmate details.
Visiting Information for Houston Correctional Facility
Visiting an inmate at Houston Correctional Facility requires advance planning. The prison has strict guidelines on visiting hours and regulations. Generally, visitors must schedule their visit in advance to ensure space is available, as the facility has a limited number of visitation slots.
- Visiting Hours: Regular visitation hours are typically on weekends and federal holidays. Hours may change, so it’s essential to confirm before visiting.
- What to Bring: A valid government-issued ID is required, and personal belongings such as bags or mobile phones are not allowed inside the facility. All visitors are subject to security checks.
- What Visits Are Like: Visitors meet inmates in a secure visitation area, and visits are often time-limited to about one hour, though this may vary depending on the inmate’s classification.
How to Book a Visit at Houston Correctional Facility
Booking a visit at Houston Correctional Facility requires contacting the prison directly or scheduling online through the BOP’s inmate visitation system.
To book, you will need:
- The inmate’s name and BOP register number.
- A valid form of identification for all visitors, including minors.
- It’s important to book well in advance, especially during holidays when visitation demand is higher.
Visitors can generally expect to meet with their family member or friend in a monitored setting, with limited physical contact allowed.
Directions and Parking for Houston Correctional Facility
Located at 1200 Texas Avenue, Houston, this detention center is in the heart of downtown Houston. It is easily accessible via the I-10 highway, and public transport options like METRORail or local buses serve the area well. Parking in the downtown area can be limited and expensive, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. Some public parking garages are available nearby, but it’s best to allow extra time to find a spot before your visit.
What Is Life Like Inside Houston Correctional Facility?
Life inside Houston Correctional Facility is strictly regimented. Inmates have access to basic services like medical care, legal resources, and some limited educational programs. Prisoners typically spend much of their day in their cells, with periods allowed for recreation in designated areas. The facility also has a commissary where inmates can purchase basic supplies using funds deposited into their accounts by family or friends.
In recent years, FDC Houston has seen various challenges, including overcrowding and complaints related to inmate treatment. However, the facility remains an important part of the federal correctional system, processing inmates from a wide range of federal offenses.
Famous Prisoners at Houston Correctional Facility
While not widely publicized, several notable federal inmates have passed through the Houston Correctional Facility due to its role as a pre-trial detention center for the Southern District of Texas. Many high-profile defendants involved in financial crimes, drug trafficking, and political corruption have been held here while awaiting trial or sentencing.
FAQs About Houston Correctional Facility
1. What is the address of Houston Correctional Facility? The address is 1200 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.
2. How can I contact an inmate at Houston Correctional Facility? You can contact inmates through mail by addressing it to the inmate’s name and register number. For phone calls, inmates must place calls through the prison’s phone system.
3. What are the visiting hours at Houston Correctional Facility? Visiting hours typically occur on weekends and holidays but should be confirmed before visiting, as they may vary.
4. How do I book a visit to Houston Correctional Facility? You can book a visit by contacting the facility directly or using the online visitation scheduling system provided by the BOP.
5. What should I bring when visiting Houston Correctional Facility? Visitors should bring a government-issued ID and leave personal items like bags or phones in their vehicle or at home, as they are not allowed inside the facility.
6. Does Houston Correctional Facility offer vocational programs? Inmates at FDC Houston have access to limited educational and vocational programs, primarily focused on basic literacy and work skills.
7. Is there parking available at Houston Correctional Facility? Parking in the area is limited; however, public parking garages are available in the vicinity of the facility.
8. Can I send money to an inmate at Houston Correctional Facility? Yes, money can be sent to an inmate’s commissary account through the BOP’s online service, but do not send money directly to the facility.
9. How do I get to Houston Correctional Facility via public transport? The facility is accessible by METRORail and local buses in downtown Houston. It’s recommended to check local schedules for the most up-to-date public transport routes.
10. What types of prisoners are held at Houston Correctional Facility? This facility holds both male and female inmates, primarily those awaiting trial or sentencing on federal charges.
Conclusion
Houston Correctional Facility plays a pivotal role in the federal justice system in Texas, providing detention services for pre-trial detainees and short-term inmates. With strict security measures and limited inmate services, life inside the facility is highly controlled. Visitors should be well-prepared before arriving and plan their visit in advance. For more information on federal detention centers like Houston, visit the
Sources:
- Federal Bureau of Prisons – FDC Houston (www.bop.gov)
- Harris County Jail Information (harriscountyso.org)
- Wikipedia – Federal Detention Center Houston (en.wikipedia.org)