TDCJ - Bartlett State Jail

State Prison

Last Updated: July 21, 2025
Address
1018 Arnold Dr, Bartlett, TX 76511-0650
Beds
1049
County
Williamson
Phone
254-527-3300
Fax
254-527-4489

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Bartlett State Jail is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - Min/Med/Max facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of TDCJ - Bartlett State Jail

You can support your loved ones at Bartlett State Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 254-527-3300.

Located at 1018 Arnold Dr in Bartlett, TX, Bartlett State Jail carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Bartlett State Jail offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on TDCJ - Bartlett State Jail so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Located in the small, historic town of Bartlett, Texas, the TDCJ – Bartlett Unit (BL) is a male-only, state-operated correctional facility overseen by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Established in October 1995, this facility serves a vital role within Texas’s vast prison network by housing inmates classified under G1–G2 custody levels, along with transient populations and inmates in restrictive housing. Although Bartlett is a town known for its tranquil rural charm, the prison provides a stark but structured environment built on security, order, and opportunity for rehabilitation.

The Bartlett Unit sits on 62 acres of state-owned land, though it lacks traditional agricultural or manufacturing operations often seen in larger Texas prison facilities. With a capacity to house 1,049 inmates, the unit operates as a moderately sized correctional environment focused primarily on maintenance and custodial oversight, while still offering an evolving suite of education, vocational training, and health care services for its incarcerated population. Despite its limited scope in industrial work, the unit’s internal functions and rehabilitative efforts are substantial and reflect the system’s commitment to preparing individuals for life beyond incarceration.

The prison is not a maximum-security fortress, but rather a controlled environment housing inmates at lower custody levels. That allows the unit to focus its resources on structured programming, medical care, and internal discipline. A partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) ensures that inmates receive on-site ambulatory medical care, dental services, and mental health treatment, including special housing accommodations for those with CPAP needs. This all-in-one approach to care and management is key to the Bartlett Unit’s purpose as a secure yet rehabilitative facility.

Leadership and Staffing

With 199 total employees, the Bartlett Unit reflects a compact but well-organized operation. Of these, 140 are dedicated security personnel, ensuring a safe and orderly environment across all dorms and housing areas. The remaining 34 non-security staff and 11 education employees support a range of operational and programming responsibilities, including educational instruction, reentry preparation, and chaplaincy services. The department's professional infrastructure is designed to maintain strict custody standards while also empowering inmates to engage in meaningful personal development.

The Bartlett Unit follows TDCJ's broader administrative structure and leadership framework. The warden, appointed by the TDCJ, is responsible for the facility’s daily operations, ensuring compliance with agency-wide regulations, safety procedures, and inmate welfare initiatives. The warden works alongside department heads in education, security, healthcare, and programming to manage inmate behavior, monitor population trends, and expand rehabilitative programming wherever feasible.

Jurisdiction and Facility Scope

The TDCJ - Bartlett Unit is located in Williamson County, just outside the city limits of Bartlett, a community that straddles both Williamson and Bell Counties. The facility plays a critical role in housing male inmates transferred from across the state who fall within the G1 and G2 custody levels, which represent the least restrictive classifications in the Texas prison system. These inmates are typically eligible for dormitory-style housing, work assignments, and reentry programming, and may have shown consistent compliance with institutional rules over time.

While Bartlett is not one of Texas’s largest correctional sites, its 62-acre footprint is sufficient to support dormitory housing units, restrictive housing areas for noncompliant inmates, and dedicated education and medical spaces. The absence of agricultural or large-scale manufacturing operations means the facility remains focused on unit maintenance, daily security protocols, and offering classroom-based and therapeutic programming.

The population here is transient, often including individuals on short-term assignments or in transitional phases of incarceration. This dynamic requires flexible planning and ongoing assessments to match individuals with the appropriate housing, educational, and therapeutic needs.

Incarceraton

The incarceration process for individuals entering the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system follows a structured and highly regulated pathway, designed to ensure proper classification, safety, and placement. Once a person has been convicted and sentenced to state prison, they are first transported to a designated TDCJ intake facility, where they undergo comprehensive processing. This includes medical screenings, mental health evaluations, educational assessments, and criminal history reviews. Based on the results of this intake process, the inmate is assigned a custody level, housing recommendation, and facility placement that matches their security, rehabilitative, and medical needs.

Inmates assigned to the Bartlett Unit typically fall within G1 to G2 custody levels, which are among the least restrictive classifications in the TDCJ system. These inmates are eligible for housing in open dormitory settings and may participate in work assignments and educational programs. Because the Bartlett Unit does not house high-risk offenders, it is often selected for inmates who have demonstrated compliance and are viewed as candidates for rehabilitation and reintegration services. The facility does not handle short-term jail bookings or county arrests—those occur at the local level before offenders are transferred to TDCJ custody post-sentencing. Once housed at Bartlett, individuals begin serving their sentence under the care of facility staff, with access to medical treatment, education, vocational training, and chaplaincy services as they progress through their incarceration.

Facility Operations and Inmate Programs

Unlike many rural TDCJ units that include fieldwork or factory operations, the Bartlett Unit’s core focus lies in internal operations, such as unit maintenance and facility upkeep. Inmates contribute to the daily functioning of the institution through janitorial tasks, kitchen support, laundry operations, and groundskeeping. These tasks not only maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the prison but also instill a work ethic and routine essential for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitative programming at Bartlett is multi-faceted. Through the Windham School District, inmates have access to Adult Basic Education and GED preparation, helping them earn a high school equivalency that can be transformative upon reentry. The facility also offers CHANGES, a pre-release program designed to teach life skills, emotional regulation, and decision-making strategies that reduce recidivism. Additionally, THRIVE, a collaboration between Windham and TDCJ, promotes successful transitions from incarceration to community life, offering a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy and educational support.

For inmates seeking hands-on career skills, Bartlett provides vocational training in Carpentry and Business Computers. These courses teach marketable trades and improve job prospects upon release. The carpentry program includes tool safety, blueprint reading, and construction basics, while the business computer course teaches keyboarding, document creation, and office software proficiency.

Medical and Mental Health Services

The Bartlett Unit’s medical services are overseen by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), which manages ambulatory care, dental services, and mental health support. All medical operations are consolidated into a single-level facility with accessible housing for inmates who require CPAP machines or mobility accommodations.

Mental health services include routine assessments, medication management, and crisis intervention for inmates exhibiting symptoms of psychological distress. This is a crucial aspect of care, particularly in a facility that houses individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom may have experienced trauma, substance abuse, or undiagnosed mental illness prior to incarceration.

Faith, Education, and Volunteerism

The Bartlett Unit offers religious and chaplaincy services for inmates of all faiths. These are supported not only by the in-house chaplain but also by volunteer-led faith-based programs, including bible study, worship services, and spiritual counseling. These programs provide an important outlet for inmates to reflect, find purpose, and build community during their incarceration.

Additional volunteer initiatives include substance abuse education, life skills workshops, and parenting classes, all designed to help inmates reconnect with families, manage emotions, and make constructive choices. These programs are run by trained volunteers and community partners, many of whom have years of experience working within the prison system.

The facility also offers peer education initiatives, where selected inmates are trained to provide guidance and mentorship to others, particularly in areas such as health education, reentry preparation, and interpersonal skills. These peer-led programs foster mutual respect, accountability, and positive behavior modeling.

Inmate Locator

Bartlett State Jail maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visiting hours for Bartlett State Jail are subject to change, so it's crucial to confirm them by contacting the facility directly by phone. Please reach out to 254-527-3300, on visitation procedures, applications, or directions to the facility in Bartlett. Please note that visitors will undergo a thorough search before entering the premises, and personal belongings, including cell phones, are strictly prohibited. Individuals under probation, parole, or community corrections supervision must obtain approval from their supervising officer and the superintendent before visiting, although such visits are not typically approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions About TDCJ - Bartlett State Jail

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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