TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM)

State prisons typically house inmates who have been convicted of a felony charge. Criminals who have been convicted of misdemeanors usually remain at a county facility and do not get transferred to state prison. Most state prisons contain either male or female inmates, as the two are not mixed within the same facility.

There are varying levels of security at different state prisons. Most house medium-security inmates, while some state prisons are dedicated to housing high-security and dangerous criminals. Most states usually only have one maximum-security prison within the state, and that is where all of the extremely violent offenders are sent.

In addition to confinement, state prisons also provide many programs in which inmates may participate. These programs range from substance abuse programs to religious services or career-readiness programs. By participating in these programs, inmates can learn valuable skills that will prepare them for re-entry into the community.

How To Find An Inmate

Finding an inmate at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) can typically be done online. The Texas prison system has an online inmate locator that can be used to search for inmates within the system. You can visit the website at (no website is available at this time) to search for an inmate by using their inmate ID number or first and last name. Upon finding the inmate, you will have access to most of the public information that is available for that inmate.

Information that will be available in most cases includes the booking date, release date, parole hearing dates, and other pertinent information. If available, a booking photo will also be displayed in the results. No information concerning bond amount is typically available since most criminals in TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) have already been convicted and are serving a sentence.

In the event you are unable to locate an inmate through the online tool, you may call the facility at 713-224-6584. Make sure you have plenty of identifying information about the inmate so that the prison staff can assist with your request. You will need at least a first and last name. If available, an inmate ID number and date of birth can make the search easier. When calling the facility, remember that the jail staff is usually extremely busy. Your phone call might take quite a bit of time so make sure you are patient and courteous with the staff.

Visitation Information & Procedures

Inmates at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) are allowed to have visitors as long as the visitation rules are followed. Visitation occurs on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Before you can visit an inmate, you will need to complete registration with the Texas Department of Corrections. Convicted felons and those who may pose a security threat will not be allowed to visit.

When you arrive for a visit, you should not bring anything into the facility other than your photo ID, car keys, and money for the vending machines. You can bring up to $20 in coins for the vending machines in the visitation area. Visitors under the age of 16 are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Visits are typically limited to one hour in length, although they may be shortened during busy times at the discretion of the staff. A brief hug, kiss, or handshake will usually be allowed at the beginning of the visit. However, no additional physical contact beyond that will be allowed. The dress code must always be followed. No suggestive, revealing, see-through, low-cut, or otherwise inappropriate clothing will be allowed in the facility.

All visitors will be subject to a search by electronic equipment upon their arrival at the facility. Attempting to bring contraband of any kind or any prohibited items into the facility will result in a revocation of your visiting privileges and possibly criminal charges.

Sending Mail/Care Packages To An Inmate

Mail and packages are allowed to inmates at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) and other Texas facilities. Inmates may also send mail to anyone they choose, except other inmates or victims. You may be granted an exception to send mail to another inmate if the other inmate is an immediate family member. You should send mail to the following address:

Inmate’s Full Name
Inmate Number
TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM)
707 Top St
Houston, Texas 77002

All mail coming into the facility is subject to being searched and read. The mail will be inspected for contraband and for content that could jeopardize the safety or security of the prison. Inmates may also receive privileged mail at the facility. This is mail that comes from an attorney, government official, or other entity which would send private mail. This type of mail will only be opened in the presence of the inmate, but it must be clearly marked as such on the outside of the envelope.

Photos may also be included in the mail, but they must be no larger than 4” x 6” in size. Photos must not contain any nudity, and they must not be explicit in any way. Inmates can have no more than ten photos at any given time.

Finally, paperback books, newspapers, and magazines are allowed. Hardcover books or spiral-bound books are prohibited. Any books coming to the facility should be shipped directly from the publisher. When shipping books, make sure that the inmate’s full name and ID number are displayed on the package.

Phone Calls

Inmates at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) have phone privileges, although they must establish a call list of approved contacts. Inmates may have up to 20 people on their call list. The inmate must provide basic information, such as the name, address, and phone number of the people they wish to call. Inmates may update their call list every six months, but this change must be initiated by the inmate.

Calls may be made during non-working hours on Monday through Friday. Calls can also be made on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Calls are generally limited to 30 minutes, although calls may be limited to 15 minutes or less during busy times.

All outgoing calls must be either pre-paid calls or collect calls. Money may be deposited into an inmate’s account to pay for their phone calls. These calls can be quite expensive, so most inmates avoid calling people on their call list for simple chit-chat.

Finally, no incoming calls are allowed to inmates at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM). If you have an emergency, such as a death in the family, you should call the facility at 713-224-6584 and speak with the facility chaplain. The chaplain can relay your message to the inmate for you.

Sending Money

Prisons in Texas have a small commissary where inmates can shop. They may purchase items like stationery, snack items, soap, shampoo, and even small electronics. An inmate’s account might also be used to pay fines or restitution when applicable. If you wish to deposit money into an inmate’s account, there are a few different ways to do that.

First, you can deposit money online by using MoneyGram, Western Union, or JPAY. These online services allow you to send money to any inmate in the Texas prison system. Make sure you include the inmate’s full name, facility location, and inmate ID number when sending these funds.

You can also deposit money in person at a Western Union or MoneyGram location. You will need the same details to send the money in person. Finally, you can send the money through the mail. You need to send a money order to the central processing location for the Texas Department of Corrections. Make sure you include the inmate’s full name and inmate number on the money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted, so those items should not be mailed.

Rehabilitation Programs Offered At TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM)

There are many great rehabilitation programs offered at TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM). These programs range from substance abuse or mental health programs to vocational programs that provide job training. Inmates are offered substance abuse programs and mental health programs to help prepare them for re-entry into the community. While participation in these programs is not mandatory, completing these programs can greatly increase the chances of an inmate being successful upon release.

TDCJ - Joe Kegans State Jail (HM) also offers educational programs for inmates. These basic adult education programs can help inmates achieve a GED. Work release programs are also available, as are vocational training programs. These vocational programs can help inmates learn valuable skills, like landscaping, welding, tile setting, or other things that can allow them to get a job upon their release.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do you prepare for state prison?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for state prison. First, store your important documents in a secure location if possible. This might include your driver’s license, Social Security card, and other important documents. When you arrive at the prison, there are a few basic rules that you need to follow.

Make sure you stay clean and follow all the rules of the prison. This will help keep you out of trouble. Do not get involved in any prison politics, and do not discuss your charges with other inmates. Be sure you always follow the rules of the prison and maintain good behavior. Keep your conversations with your cellmate limited, and never discuss your charges or details of your crime with them. Although there is no way to be entirely prepared for state prison, following these tips can help you as much as possible.

What personal items are allowed in prison?

You cannot bring any personal items into prison with you. However, you can purchase some types of personal items at the prison commissary. These items could include snacks, personal care items, radios, playing cards, or other small items. You can also receive family photos through the mail. Three to five photos are allowed in the mail from friends and family, although no more than ten photos are allowed at any given time. You can also receive paperback books, magazines, and newspapers.

Why do some prisoners serve half their sentence?

Many prisoners serve half their sentence in jail and the other half in the community. This helps inmates reacclimate into society while still being supervised. For instance, if an inmate is sentenced to two years, they will likely serve one year in prison and the other year in the community under high supervision. However, these rules do not apply to life sentences or violent offenders. Inmates who are serving life sentences will not be released early. Similarly, violent offenders, like someone convicted of murder, will not be released early.

Why do prisoners wake up so early?

Prisoners must wake up early to get started with their daily activities. Many jails require that prisoners wake up as early as 4:30 or 5:00 AM. Breakfast typically begins around 6:00 AM, and the inmates are given an opportunity to shower and get ready for breakfast. Some prisoners also need to take medication before breakfast, so they must wake up early to do so. Finally, there are usually so many prisoners in each prison that they must wake up early to provide time for all the prisoners to get through their daily activities.

Do prisoners have access to the internet?

Most prisoners in state prisons across the country have access to the internet. However, their internet usage is usually pretty limited. In some states, internet usage is limited to email access only. Internet usage is also strictly monitored, similar to phone usage in prison. Sites like Facebook and other social media sites are almost always blocked in prison. Email is one of the main methods of communication for many inmates. Although prisoners may have access to the internet, it is not without constraints.