Christina Melton Crain Unit (GV) - Inmate Resource Guide
Overview of the Facility
The Christina Melton Crain Unit, formerly known as the Gatesville Unit, is a women's prison located in Gatesville, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and serves as a intake facility for female offenders entering the TDCJ system.
Contact Information
Address: 1401 State School Road, Gatesville, TX 76599-2999
Phone: (254) 865-8431
Website: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/unit_directory/gv.html
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at the Christina Melton Crain Unit, you can use the TDCJ Offender Information Search tool available on the TDCJ website. Enter the inmate's name or TDCJ number to find their current location and status.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation days: Saturdays and Sundays
Visitation hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visitors must arrive no later than 3:30 PM to be processed for visitation.
All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Visitors should check the TDCJ Visitation page for current policies and procedures.
How to Send Money
There are several ways to send money to inmates at the Christina Melton Crain Unit:
- Online: Through JPay
- Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729 (JPay)
- MoneyGram: Use receive code 3368
- Mail: Send money orders to Inmate Trust Fund, TDCJ, P.O. Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make outgoing collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up prepaid accounts through GTL. Video visitation is not currently available at this facility.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Christina Melton Crain Unit offers various programs and services, including:
- Educational programs (GED, vocational training)
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Medical and mental health services
- Job skills training
History of the Facility
The Christina Melton Crain Unit was established in 1980 and was originally known as the Gatesville Unit. It was renamed in 2007 to honor Christina Melton Crain, the first woman to chair the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.
Security and Management Information
The Crain Unit is a multi-custody facility, housing minimum to maximum security inmates. It has a capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates and employs both security and non-security staff to manage daily operations.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates at the Christina Melton Crain Unit have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from approved family members and friends, subject to TDCJ policies and procedures.
Booking and Release Process
As an intake facility, the Crain Unit processes new female offenders entering the TDCJ system. Upon arrival, inmates undergo medical screening, classification, and orientation. The release process varies depending on the inmate's sentence and release conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are allowed to bring up to $25 in quarters for vending machines. No other items, including cell phones or personal belongings, are permitted in the visitation area.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Eligible inmates can receive one visit per weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday, for a maximum of two hours.
Can I send packages to inmates?
Personal packages are not allowed. Inmates can receive approved items through the TDCJ commissary system or approved vendors only.
