The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is excited to announce that we are moving to a digital mail platform to reduce the amount of dangerous contraband in our facilities.

Effective September 6, 2023, all units will be moved to the digital mail platform. Incoming mail for all inmates should be sent to the digital mail processing center where it will be sorted, scanned, and uploaded to the inmate’s secure tablet. These messages and photos will be scanned in color and can be saved to the tablet to be permanently available for the inmate to enjoy. Exceptions to this include legal mail; certified mail; media mail; and books, magazines, packages, and other subscriptions from verified or publishers, which should be sent to the unit.

Type of Document Where to Send General/personal mail from family and friends Digital Mail Processing Center Greeting cards Digital Mail Processing Center Photos Digital Mail Processing Center Documents that require inmate signature Unit Law Library Surveys to be completed by inmates Contact Research & Development Department Legal mail Unit Special mail Unit Media correspondence Unit Correspondence from organizations, businesses, and agencies Unit To send mail to the Digital Processing Center, please address it to:

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Inmate’s Full First and Last Name + TDCJ Number

PO Box 660400

Dallas, TX 75266-0400

Inmates who do not have a tablet will receive black and white printed copies of their correspondence. While no single effort can completely stop the transmission of dangerous contraband, we feel that every measure we can take to improve health and safety in our facilities is worth adopting. You may have questions about the TDCJ’s new digital mail platform, so we’ve created a list of frequently asked questions to provide further details.

The process for outbound mail has not changed.

TDCJ continues to improve its mail procedures to ensure organizations can send informational materials while also protecting the safety of its population and staff. These organizations can resume sending their books to TDCJ units where they will undergo increased inspections and then be provided to the designated receiver. To expedite inmates receiving the materials, any item that can be scanned should be sent to the Digital Mail Processing Center to be uploaded to inmate tablets.

TDCJ will continue to leverage new technology on the tablets to provide materials to the inmate population while reducing contraband in its facilities.

Additionally, TDCJ will work with religious organizations to accept digital religious materials to be available to inmates on their tablets. Organizations wishing to learn more about this should contact RPD Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@tdcj.texas.gov.

The Importance of Volunteers

The role of the volunteer within TDCJ is to provide guidance in specific activities and programs, promote personal growth and development, provide support and assistance to victims and inmates, and help facilitate re-entry into the community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you are encouraged to complete the online application and training (see below). Effective September 1, 2023, applications will not be processed until training has been completed. An application must be completed prior to beginning the online training. Volunteers are required to re-train every two (2) years.

Apply: use the online application.

Train: online

Completion of training is not a guarantee of approval. All applications include a criminal background check and are reviewed for eligibility. If you have a specific question regarding eligibility, please contact Volunteer Services at 936- 437-3026, if you are checking your volunteer status, please be prepared to provide the last four of your driver's license.