There are Several TDCJ Prison Units that Process NEW Inmates from County Jails. The “Unknown” for a NEW Inmate can be very hard and scary. Hopefully this will give an Understanding of the Process and what to Expect. Making it a Little Easier.

When it is Time for your Transfer to TDCJ (Usually About 45 Days After You have Been Sentenced), You will be placed on a TDCJ Bus and Driven to Your Intake Unit. On Arrival You Will Sit on a Chair that Checks You for Anything Magnetic on You. You will Shower and be Given TDCJ White Shirt and Pants. You Will be Examined by Medical, Dental and have Your Picture Taken for Your New TDCJ ID with Your TDCJ Number which Will follow You around for the Rest of Your Life. Your body will also be photographed for all tattoos relating to “Gang” tattoos. You will be Interviewed About Your Educational Experience and Given an IQ Test. After seeing medical during your intake process, you will go see “Physc” I and 2, to determine your mental state. You will then go see “Safe Prisons”, to answer personal questions. All of This will Take Several Days to Complete. Once you have Finished This Intake Process, You will be placed in General Population Until Your Transfer to Your First Assigned Unit. If your Sentence is a short one then you may stay at this Unit until you are release from prison.

“Safe Prisons Act or “Prison Rape Elimination Act” was passed in 2003 to Create a Safer Prison due to past sexual rape problems. It has virtually eliminated the possibility of a forced rape in prison now. TDCJ Link to PREA.