Exploring Mountain View Unit: A Maximum Security Prison in Gatesville, Texas

In the heart of Coryell County, Texas, lies the Mountain View Unit, a maximum security prison catering exclusively to female inmates. This facility, which is located in Gatesville, plays a crucial role in the state’s corrections system. In this article, we will delve into the details of Mountain View Unit, covering its purpose, operations, and the services it provides to its incarcerated population.

A Secure Abode: Understanding Mountain View Unit

Mountain View Unit primarily serves as a maximum security prison, housing a diverse group of female inmates. The facility can accommodate up to 645 prisoners, each classified under various levels, ranging from minimum (G-1) to maximum (G-5) security. Additionally, this prison is unique in that it houses female death row offenders awaiting execution, keeping them separate from the general prison population in single cells.

Work Opportunities Behind Bars

Inmates at Mountain View Unit have the opportunity to participate in work programs. These programs not only offer a sense of purpose to the incarcerated but also contribute to the smooth operation of the facility. Among the work opportunities available are:

1. Facility Maintenance: Inmates can engage in tasks related to the upkeep and maintenance of the prison itself.
2. Braille Factory Work: The facility hosts a braille factory, where inmates utilize a Perkins Brailler to translate textbooks into braille. This not only aids in accessibility but also equips inmates with valuable skills.
3. Agricultural Operations: In partnership with security horses and canines, inmates participate in farming activities, including cultivating edible crops and engaging in the swine finishing process.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Mountain View Unit is committed to rehabilitating its inmates through education and vocational training. Inmates have access to a range of programs, including:

• Literacy Programs: Teaching inmates how to read and write, these programs lay the foundation for further education and personal growth.
• Adult Basic Education: Providing essential skills to navigate the modern world, this program equips inmates with knowledge they may have missed out on earlier in life.
• GED Certification: Inmates can work toward earning their GED, providing them with a valuable qualification for future endeavors.
• Vocational Courses: Offering a chance to acquire practical skills, these courses cover areas like computer maintenance, construction, landscaping, and business computer systems.

Preparing for Reentry and Beyond

Recognizing the importance of preparing inmates for life after incarceration, Mountain View Unit encourages participation in various service programs. These programs focus on:

• Life Skills: Equipping inmates with essential life skills, such as financial management and communication, to aid their reintegration into society.
• Victim Awareness: Promoting empathy and understanding of the consequences of their actions on victims and society as a whole.
• Release Planning: Assisting inmates in developing a plan for their release, ensuring a smoother transition back into the community.
• Substance Abuse Rehabilitation: Combatting alcohol and drug addiction through counseling and support.
• Parenting Skills: Helping incarcerated parents maintain and strengthen their bonds with their children.
• Religious Studies: Providing opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.

Mental Health and Medical Services

Mountain View Unit recognizes the importance of mental health and medical care. The facility houses twenty mental health beds on-site and ensures that inmates receive necessary medical and dental services through off-site providers.

Visitation at Mountain View Unit

Maintaining connections with loved ones is vital for the well-being of inmates. Mountain View Unit facilitates visitation based on the inmate’s current population classification:

• General Population and Administrative Segregation: Visits are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm.
• Death Row Inmates: These inmates have visitation on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm, on Tuesdays from 8 am to Noon, and on Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Visitors are permitted to bring up to twenty dollars in a small clear Ziploc bag for use in vending machines during their visit. It is advisable to contact the facility before visiting to ensure that visiting times have not changed or been canceled.

Contact Information

For those seeking to get in touch with Mountain View Unit, here is the relevant contact information:

• Physical Address: Mountain View Unit 2305 Ransom Road Gatesville, TX 76528
• Telephone: (254)-865-7226 (Ext. 016)
• Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, TDCJ ID Number Mountain View Unit 2305 Ransom Road Gatesville, TX 76528

Conclusion

Mountain View Unit stands as a significant institution within the Texas corrections system. It not only ensures the security of its inmates but also focuses on their rehabilitation and preparation for reentry into society. Through educational programs, vocational training, and various service initiatives, this maximum-security prison aims to equip its incarcerated population with the tools they need to make a positive change in their lives.

FAQs

1. How many inmates can Mountain View Unit accommodate? Mountain View Unit can house up to 645 female inmates.
2. What work opportunities are available for inmates at Mountain View Unit? Inmates can engage in facility maintenance, work in a braille factory, and participate in agricultural operations, among other opportunities.
3. What educational programs are offered at Mountain View Unit? Inmates can access literacy programs, adult basic education, and even work towards earning a GED.
4. Are there programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society? Yes, Mountain View Unit offers a range of service programs focused on life skills, victim awareness, release planning, and more to aid inmates in their transition.
5. How can I visit an inmate at Mountain View Unit? Visitation rules vary based on inmate classification, so it’s advisable to check the facility’s visiting schedule and guidelines before planning a visit.