TDCJ - Preston E. Smith Unit (SM)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 10, 2024
Address
1313 CR 19, Lamesa, TX 79331-1898
Beds
1596
County
Smith
Phone
806-872-6741

Smith Unit 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 - medium 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 - Preston E. Smith Unit (SM)

You can support your loved ones at Smith Unit on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 806-872-6741.

Located at 1313 CR 19 in Lamesa, TX, Smith Unit carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Smith Unit 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 - Preston E. Smith Unit (SM) 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.

The Smith Unit, exclusively for male inmates, accommodates up to 1,596 individuals, including expansion cells. Operating at various custody levels from G1 to G5, it also houses inmates in security detention. With an expansive area of 563 acres, the Smith Unit engages in agricultural operations such as contract farming and grazing, alongside activities like maintaining security horses, employing security pack canines, and cultivating a unit garden. Additionally, it operates a mattress factory to support manufacturing and logistics needs.

In terms of medical services, the facility offers ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health care, all managed by Texas Tech. Telemedicine services are available, and the facility ensures accessibility with assisted disability services (ADS) showers and CPAP accommodating housing, all provided on a single level.

Educationally, the Smith Unit provides a range of programs including literacy courses, special education, pre-release preparation, and vocational training in fields like electrical trades, cabinetmaking, and plumbing. Partnering with Western Texas College, it offers vocational programs in horticulture.

Furthermore, the Smith Unit offers additional programs and services such as chaplaincy services, community tours, and the GO KIDS initiative aimed at inmate rehabilitation. Peer education and reentry planning are also part of its offerings.

The Smith Unit actively engages in community work projects, providing services to city and county agencies, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety. Volunteer initiatives include substance abuse education, arts and crafts programs, life skills development, mentoring, support groups, and religious or faith-based studies and activities. These initiatives contribute to the holistic rehabilitation and well-being of the inmates within the facility.

TDCJ - Preston E. Smith Unit - Family Information Guide
TDCJ - Preston E. Smith Unit - Inmate Handbook

Inmate Locator

Smith Unit 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

Inmate Visitation

Visitation plays an important role in maintaining the association between inmates and their friends and family as well as strengthening family ties. Visitation Procedure Update (effective December 28, 2023)

Preparing for your visit:

Before you travel to a unit:

  • Confirm the inmate is assigned to the unit you are planning to visit and has visitation privileges.
    Inmate Information Search

  • Confirm the unit visitation schedule and verify that visitation has not been canceled. An eligible inmate cannot receive visitors if visitation has been canceled.

  • Do not bring cash (except coins, not more than $35).

  • No cell phones inside the secure perimeter.

  • Spiritual visits must be coordinated through the warden’s office.

Each inmate is only allowed one visit per weekend. To the extent possible, individuals on an inmate’s Visitors List should coordinate with one another and with the inmate to prevent subsequent visitors from being declined when they arrive at the unit.

General Information Guide for Families of Inmates (English/Español) - PDF
Inmate Rules and Regulations for Visitation (English/Español) - PDF

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.