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Hobby 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
Located at 742 FM 712 in Marlin, TX, Hobby Unit carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Hobby 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 - William P. Hobby Unit (HB) 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 Hobby Unit, exclusively for female inmates, accommodates up to 1,384 individuals across custody levels G1 to G5. Spanning 389 acres, the facility operates agricultural initiatives such as cultivating edible crops and managing a peach orchard, along with overseeing security horses and pack canines. Additionally, it houses a print shop for manufacturing and logistics purposes.
Routine facility operations, including maintenance, are efficiently managed to ensure smooth functioning. Medical care is comprehensive, with UTMB overseeing ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services. Advanced services like telemedicine and Digital Medical Services (DMS) are available, all conveniently located on a single level, including housing equipped to accommodate CPAP users.
Educational programs at the Hobby Unit cover a wide spectrum, including literacy and special education, CHANGES/Pre-Release, cognitive intervention, and parenting seminars. Career and technology programs such as Automotive Specialization (Brakes), Business Computer Information Systems II, Painting and Decorating, and Restaurant Management provide valuable skills and training opportunities.
In addition to educational endeavors, the facility offers various programs and services to support inmate rehabilitation and growth. These include an adult education program, chaplaincy services, a faith-based dormitory, the GO KIDS Initiative, peer education, and reentry planning. Furthermore, the Heart of Texas Foundation College of Ministry fosters spiritual and personal development among inmates.
While community work projects are not conducted directly, the Hobby Unit actively engages volunteers in various initiatives. These include literacy and education programs, substance abuse education, life skills training, arts and crafts activities, support groups, and religious or faith-based studies and activities. Notably, the Women's Storybook Project provides a platform for inmates to share and engage in storytelling, contributing to their personal growth and rehabilitation journey.
Hobby 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.
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)
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.
Bring photo identification (ID). Click here for a list of appropriate photo identification.
Check clothing for compliance. Click here for guidelines.
Make sure you are not bringing prohibited items on the unit. Vehicles and visitors are subject to search by unit staff. Click here for items allowed and not allowed.
Do not bring cash (except coins, not more than $35).
No cell phones inside the secure perimeter.
Special visits or visits requiring special accommodations should be arranged before the visit. If you have made special arrangements with the unit, call before leaving to ensure that plans for your visit have been made and are in place. Click here for examples of special visits and special accommodations.
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
