TDCJ - Thomas R. Mechler Unit (N3)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 09, 2024
Address
4000 Hwy 86 W, Tulia, TX 79088
Beds
606
County
Swisher
Phone
806-995-4109

Mechler 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 - low 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 - Thomas R. Mechler Unit (N3)

You can support your loved ones at Mechler Unit on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 806-995-4109.

Located at 4000 Hwy 86 W in Tulia, TX, Mechler Unit carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Mechler 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 - Thomas R. Mechler Unit (N3) 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 Mechler Unit, exclusively for male inmates, has a capacity of 606 and spans approximately 25 acres of land. While there are no manufacturing or logistics operations, the facility maintains a Unit Garden to support agricultural activities.

Operational tasks at Mechler are primarily focused on Unit Maintenance to ensure the smooth functioning of the facility. Additionally, there are no additional specialized operations beyond standard facility maintenance.

Medical services at Mechler encompass ambulatory medical and dental care, with the availability of Telemedicine Services to facilitate remote consultations. Texas Tech oversees and manages medical operations within the facility to ensure the well-being of inmates.

Educational opportunities at Mechler include programs covering literacy, pre-release preparation, and cognitive intervention. These programs aim to equip inmates with essential skills and knowledge for personal growth and successful reintegration into society.

Supplementary programs and services at Mechler include an Adult Education Program, Chaplaincy Services, a Faith-Based Dormitory, and the GO KIDS Initiative, promoting holistic development and rehabilitation.

Mechler Unit actively engages in community work projects, providing services to city and county agencies to contribute positively to the surrounding community.

Volunteer initiatives at Mechler encompass a range of activities aimed at inmate education and support, including literacy and educational programs, substance abuse education, life skills training, support groups, and religious or faith-based studies and activities. Through these initiatives, Mechler Unit strives to foster positive change and personal development among its inmates.

Inmate Locator

Mechler 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

Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of the InmateAid community.