Frustrated with TDCJ visitation!!!

[sfenn]

At 8:30am this morning, I called the McConnell Unit to ask if I could
have a visit with my son. The lady in visitation looked him up and
said yes, I could have a visit. I drove for 2.5 hours (from Austin to
Beeville) and stood in line only to be told that he had a visit
already yesterday. So, of course, I could not visit. I told the lady
in bldg 13 that I had called this morning at 8:30am and was told that
I could have a visit. It didn't matter . . . She just said that I had
received some incorrect information. I asked to see Warden Guterrez,
but was denied. The only thing that I can think of to maybe avoid this
in the future, is to ask for the visitation officer's name and write
it down. I guess I could also call again from on down the road.

I am also going to write to Warden Kennedy, the Regional Director, to
see if she has any suggestions. I've known her a long time since she
was an assistant warden at McConnell, and I know her to be a fair
person.

I ALWAYS call before I leave home, and this has happened once before
so I guess I shouldn't be surprised, huh? AAARRRRGHGHGH!!!

Susan

[Ann Herbert]

I am so sorry that happened. That should not happen. Something needs to change. Why can't they have visits on Sat and Sunday. I would have been crying. we have no way of knowing that they have had a visit before us. Also it seems that even if we call ahead it doesn't help.   Ann
 
> Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:56:37 -0800
> Subject: [TIFA Talk:1358] Frustrated with TDCJ visitation!!!
> From: fenner...@gmail.com
> To: tifa...@googlegroups.com

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[Jan Logsdon]

I don't know about other units but I am a little familiar with
McConnell. My daughters made the trip today, hope theirs went well,
haven't heard back yet.

What I know about the McConnell Unit is that it is a less than
cohesive work unit. There seems to be a lot of disconnect inside
between departments. There doesn't seem to be a familiarity between
workers on how to deal with something different. There also seems to
be a declining work force inside. But those are just my observations.

Extremely long lines at holiday time, both at the gate and at the
entrance, inabillity to provide for the necessity for class attendance
as needed, weird sick call requirements, etc., like not going back to
the same cell when going to sick bay (I know, military terms, just
don't know the correct ones.) It almost has a feel of the blind
leading the bllind.

Jan

[Bonnie]

We have never had a problem with visitation (getting in, that is)
because those on the approved visitation check in with us (as parents
and primary visitors) BEFORE they plan a visit. This solves many
problems that could arise with visiting being possible on Saturday or
Sunday. Others may have a different take on this potential problem
but this is how we manage it with great success. Since we visit once
a month, we have left the other possible visitors 3 weeks to pick
from.

On Feb 27, 2:14 pm, Jan Logsdon <jamiel1...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know about other units but I am a little familiar with
> McConnell.  My daughters made the trip today, hope theirs went well,
> haven't heard back yet.
>
> What I know about the McConnell Unit is that it is a less than
> cohesive work unit.  There seems to be a lot of disconnect inside
> between departments.  There doesn't seem to be a familiarity between
> workers on how to deal with something different.  There also seems to
> be a declining work force inside.  But those are just my observations.
>
> Extremely long lines at holiday time, both at the gate and at the
> entrance, inabillity to provide for the necessity for class attendance
> as needed, weird sick call requirements, etc., like not going back to
> the same cell when going to sick bay (I know, military terms, just
> don't know the correct ones.)  It almost has a feel of the blind
> leading the bllind.
>
> Jan
>

> On 2/27/11, Ann Herbert <ann100...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > I am so sorry that happened. That should not happen. Something needs to
> > change. Why can't they have visits on Sat and Sunday. I would have been
> > crying. we have no way of knowing that they have had a visit before us. Also
> > it seems that even if we call ahead it doesn't help.   Ann
>
> >> Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:56:37 -0800
> >> Subject: [TIFA Talk:1358] Frustrated with TDCJ visitation!!!

> >> From: fenner.su...@gmail.com

> >http://groups.google.com/group/tifa-talk?hl=en.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Jan Logsdon]

Our group takes turns, every other week someone goes. It is beginning
to compress though. Instead of 4 separate drivers, two go together
sharing expenses and relieveing the tedium of the drive. With calls
and e-mails we keep him as engaged with family as we possibly can.
Once I did get into trouble. As a smoker I smoke outside the car when
we make stops. I stuck the lighter in my pants pocket. They found it
in the search and told me if it happened again I would be banned from
visitation. They almost did it that time.

Oh yeah, a blogger keeps track of happenings with TDCJ and the
legislature as well. Early knowledge of what is affecting TDCJ.
Perhaps some of you are familiar with gritsforbreakfast.com. Worth
the visit. Has rss feed as well.. Name of Scott Henson.

Jan

[Susan Fenner]

Thanks to all who responded. it is so good to be able to vent to folks who really understand!

Bonnie ~ we have always done that, too. No one is supposed to go visit Joe without letting me know. I can't imagine who it was (of course I knew better than to ask at the unit). I sent Joe a JPay immediately after I left the unit, so I should know in a few days what happened. I really wouldn't be surprised to find that no one visited him and some one at the unit made a mistake entering data for another inmate. I only go once a month, and each time I have to make arrangements for someone to take care of my mom who has Altzheimer's for the day. I'm over it now although I had to stop and eat on the way home because I was hungry but mostly to calm down and not have a wreck!

Yes, I recommend Grits as well. Scott is wonderful!

Susan

Sent from my iPad

[Jan Logsdon]

Susan,

Sorry you have so much on your plate. I can understand how
bothersome that can be. Hope you are feeling much better now. Wrecks
are just no damn good, anytime. Be well.

jan

[rle]

After reading all of the replies to Susan's post, I believe
that there are two important points that some have missed.
Regardless of attempting to coordinate with all, the
information conveyed to Susan that she could have a visit
means that the person did not read the computer screen.
That person should have known that there was a visit.

But, more importantly, is the fact that she was denied
seeing the Warden. Per Huntsville, there should not have
been a denial. Now, the question was who denied the
request, the warden or someone at Bldg 13.

Not only would I send a letter to Region IV director, but I
would also CC Mr Thaler.

Robert

[Susan Fenner]

It was definitely the warden . . . I heard the lady in Bldg. 13 talking with him on the phone. (I should have gotten her name.) Further, I had some papers for the warden, and he said to leave them in Bldg. 13. ~ S

Sent from my iPad

[Rita Castro]

You might also want someone to find out why you were denied talking to the weekend liaison. One time, there was a fight breaking out in one of the buildings when I asked to speak to the liaison. Of course, he had to deal with that. I left. I wanted to get out anyway.

 

But...if they had said why, maybe you could choose if you were willing to wait, and if they were willing to let you wait. Either way, I don't think this should not go unchecked. My two cents.

 

BTW...I had asked the Ombudsman's office if the Regional Director, Eilleen Kennedy can address San Antonio's next Chapter meeting. No response yet. I figured it's closer than Huntsville, so I have my finger's crossed.

Rita Castro, Chair
TIFA-San Antonio Chapter

Cell: (210) 387-1558

[Dave Hamrick]

Susan . . .we are planning a trip to Huntsville to see my Joe in a couple of weeks . . . .I have called and gotten an extended visit approval like we did last year during the PACT conference (4 hrs both Sat. and Sun), but when setting out on a trip of 600 miles (one way) you always worry about problems such as the ones talked about in some of the recent posts. Other than getting the names of people that approved the visit and checking before we leave on a Thursday evening for any problems at Unit . . .any suggestions that you might have to try as best we can to NOT have any problems with our visit with such a long trip ????? . . .  .Dave

[Wonder Mom]

I always call around 1 or 2 PM on Friday to verify that I can visit
over the weekend. Get name of person who verifies that you can
visit. Also since you are going to Huntsville, in case you are not
aware, there is the Hospitality House, 912 10th St., 936-291-6196,
where you can stay for donation. Call ahead to make sure they have a
room. Can eat there also. Awesome place! Very helpful volunteers.
The director, Debra McCammon, is doing a great job. Wanda

On Feb 28, 10:33 am, Dave Hamrick <hamr...@clearwire.net> wrote:
> *Susan . . .we are planning a trip to Huntsville to see my Joe in a

> couple of weeks . . . .I have called and gotten an extended visit
> approval like we did last year during the PACT conference (4 hrs both
> Sat. and Sun), but when setting out on a trip of 600 miles (one way) you
> always worry about problems such as the ones talked about in some of the
> recent posts. Other than getting the names of people that approved the
> visit and checking before we leave on a Thursday evening for any
> problems at Unit . . .any suggestions that you might have to try as best
> we can to NOT have any problems with our visit with such a long trip

> ????? . . .  .Dave*

>
> On 2/27/2011 10:16 PM, Susan Fenner wrote:
>
>
>
> > It was definitely the warden . . . I heard the lady in Bldg. 13 talking with him on the phone. (I should have gotten her name.) Further, I had some papers for the warden, and he said to leave them in Bldg. 13. ~ S
>
> > Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Feb 27, 2011, at 9:27 PM, "rle"<r...@netxpress.com>  wrote:
>
> >> After reading all of the replies to Susan's post, I believe
> >> that there are two important points that some have missed.
> >> Regardless of attempting to coordinate with all, the
> >> information conveyed to Susan that she could have a visit
> >> means that the person did not read the computer screen.
> >> That person should have known that there was a visit.
>
> >> But, more importantly, is the fact that she was denied
> >> seeing the Warden.  Per Huntsville, there should not have
> >> been a denial.  Now, the question was who denied the
> >> request, the warden or someone at Bldg 13.
>
> >> Not only would I send a letter to Region IV director, but I
> >> would also CC Mr Thaler.
>
> >> Robert
>
> >> --
> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TIFA Talk" group.
> >> To post to this group, send email to tifa...@googlegroups.com.
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> >> For more options, visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/tifa-talk?hl=en.- Hide quoted text -

[Silva Carver]

Hi Dave,

Maybe I can help :)

When I visit my husband, I travel around 5000 miles each way. My main fear is that I would get to the unit and find he had been moved across the state. I dont have any way of avoiding that, but when I plan my visits I double check everything at every step.

Occasionally my husband will book our visit, but usually we both do it. He puts in his I-60 and I write to the Warden's secretary about a month before the weekend we want. Then I call and speak to one of the secretaries 7-10 days before the weekend we want to confirm that our visit to make sure it is in the diary.

Then when I'm in Texas (I usually fly in on the Thursday before) I call the unit on the Friday afternoon to make sure Hubby is still there.

Beyond that, you are in their hands, but at least you will know that you did everything you could to be in the right place for your visit. And they tend not to move inmates on Friday nights, so chances are if he is there on a Friday, he'll be there on the weekend too.

Silva 

--
Our writing, take a look: http://silvaculture.blogspot.com/

[Louise]

I agree with info put out by all of you in regard to visits.  Even tho we've been visiting for 18 years now, we have always made it a habit to call the unit on Friday's and then again on the morning of the visit, once we've started out.  So far my son has been at the Ferguson, Garza West, Robertson, Beto, McConnell and now the Ramsay units.  This has always worked for us...except now at the Ramsay unit, it is difficult to check for a visit. 

 

 First, the unit always acts puzzled that anyone should call to check on a visit.  If I insist on checking with the records office, then they will pass me through on week days.  And if we call the week-end morning of the visit (and we need to leave early) there is never anyone in the records office until after 9 am or if at all, so this doesn't work out too well.  Ramsey isn't used to inmates getting into trouble as much as at other units. As most inmates there are Grad students, or permanently assigned inmates are studying for college and graduate degrees.  The inmates there know that trouble makers get shipped off of that unit. So, as my son tells me,most inmates there tend to live fairly peacefully as they want to graduate from the Grad program or don't want their college studies disrputed, etc.

 

My son is at Ramsay and has completed the three phases of the program now. Once in Phase III, grads are moved out to general population....classes are over so for the last three months before graduation all grad students have to work half days doing field work (those with medical exemptions work in the laundry or kitchen). So after over ten years in Ad Seg my son is having to get used to field work again (something he hasn't done since 1993, when he first went into TDCJ).  He told us yesterday that he is a super spinach picker now! They also pick lettuce, broccoli and cabbage.  He said he really doesn't mind as the produce is picked, cooked and eaten there by the inmates.

 

Louise

 

[Susan Fenner]

I don't know what else you can do to ensure that everything will go smoothly . . . it probably will.  It would be good to call either on Friday or first thing Saturday to check again that everything is a go.  Of course, by that time you've already driven the 600 miles, but maybe you would have time to do something prior to being at the gate.  Good luck, my friend!  ~ Susan

--
Susan Fenner
Executive Director
TIFA, Inc.
TIFA member 14 years

[Antonio Renaud]

You can't protect against incompetence. However, there is one thing you can do to prevent what happened to Susan - being preempted by another visitor. Let's say you have a special visit planned with a relative, and he or she KNOWS you will be there on a given day. You make sure he or she knows, for sure, you'll be there on THIS day. Let's say it's a Sunday. Your relative gets a visit on Saturday. He then refuses it, because that other person is someone on his list who doesn't know you're coming, made a surprise visit, and may well knock you out of your special visit. That's a bit cold, and it would hurt their feelings, but they'd just have to understand that, if they are not the only ones on the visitation list, that perhaps your jailed relative should contact all of those on his list and say, "Y'all come this day; y'all come this other day." 

You can only control what you can control. If he visits mean that much, then you do what you have to in order to ensure you get to see him.

[Louise]

Personally, I always make sure that my son understands that any visitor on his list must coordinate that visit with me.  Maybe this sounds selfish on my part, but actually, my son feels the same way.  If a friend wants to visit him, he makes sure-certain that they understand that they must call me and coordinate the visit.  I am usually always flexible enough to be able to work out visiting dates since we visit him often and can normally always coordinate a convenient time for the other visitor. So, I hold my son responsible to make sure that any visitor on his list does have to "first" coordinate with me.  This has always worked out well.

 

Louise