Ellis County-Wayne McCollum Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at McCollum Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 972-825-4931.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The McCollum Detention is a detention center located at 300 S Jackson St Waxahachie, TX which is operated locally by the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Ellis County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Waxahachie Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Texas here.

The Wayne McCollum Detention Center, named after Sheriff Wayne McCollum, who served Ellis County for two decades, operates in three distinct phases. Phase 1, which has been functional since 1990, and Phase 2, inaugurated in 2002, both employ a podular design. In contrast, Phase 3, which commenced operations in 2010, utilizes a direct supervision layout. This facility can accommodate a maximum of 856 prisoners.

Under the direct supervision philosophy, a detention officer is continuously present within the housing unit, directly supervising and interacting with inmates. The officer's responsibilities include maintaining control over inmate behavior, minimizing negative conduct, and reducing tension-inducing situations. Security is maintained through radio communication and surveillance cameras, with the officer exercising complete authority and control over their designated area. By delivering most services within the housing unit, the need for frequent and costly inmate movement is significantly reduced.

This direct supervision model fosters increased interaction between detention officers and inmates, leading to reduced inmate violence and vandalism. It also offers substantial cost savings by decreasing the necessary staffing levels to operate the facility efficiently. Overall, this approach prioritizes proactive inmate management, staff-inmate interaction, and facility security, contributing to a safer and more cost-effective detention environment.

The Detention Division of the Sheriff's Office operates under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff, ensuring comprehensive oversight and implementation of policies and procedures to maintain facility efficiency and safety. Building security is provided via 24-hour monitoring from a master control station equipped with state-of-the-art electronic systems for all access points, fire and smoke detection, and mechanical and emergency power systems. Additional control stations are located at each housing area to directly monitor individual pod activities.

Inmate processing, or booking, represents the inmate's first contact with the detention facility. Here, inmates are introduced to the direct supervision philosophy, remaining in an open waiting area unless their behavior warrants traditional confinement. The processing area also includes public-accessible sections for property, bond, and release transactions, ensuring efficient coordination and management of inmate intake and release.

The jail 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. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. 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.

Books and magazines 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. The Jail enforces 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.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Medical, mental health, and dental services are provided in-house to meet inmates' basic health, nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation needs. These services are delivered to the housing units to maximize security and minimize the need for inmate movement and transportation costs. Meals are prepared on-site by inmate workers under kitchen staff supervision and delivered to housing units. The laundry service area is equipped with commercial-grade equipment and storage space for linens and inmate clothing.

The facility also includes spaces for self-improvement and educational opportunities, aiming to reduce recidivism and comply with state regulations. Programs offered include courses, drug rehabilitation and counseling, religious services, library services, visitation, and recreation. An inmate worker program facilitates task completion, such as meal preparation and housekeeping, with additional maintenance tasks performed by inmates under supervision. These programs serve as a management tool, with inmate participation contingent upon positive behavior.

Commissary services are provided through a mobile cart that visits dorm areas, excluding segregation units, allowing inmates to purchase hygiene products, snacks, and other items daily. This immediate provision of goods enhances inmate convenience and satisfaction.

Inmate correspondence is permitted, with inmates allowed to send and receive letters. Writing supplies are provided to indigent inmates, and they may possess up to three unframed photographs at any time. The facility is responsible for mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, with specific guidelines on contraband and permissible items to ensure security.

Overall, the Wayne McCollum Detention Center's comprehensive design and operational policies promote a secure, efficient, and rehabilitative environment for inmates, while ensuring staff safety and cost-effective management.