I called down to Garza West and they said my son can have visitors now. But they asked my to call back on Friday to make sure he wasn't moved to another unit. So I will.

I haven't seen him since June so I am very excited about it. Does anyone have any advice? What to wear? What to bring, etc.? I looked at the TDCJ website and got the basics but I know they do things a little different at eact unit. Has anyone ever visited Garza West?

Also, he has an eleven year old sister but I have decided against taking her the first time. Is there any reason why I shouldn't in the future?

Thanks in advance..

Jan..

I just wanted to tell you how I happy I am for you getting to see your son. I know that you have wanted this for a long time. I hope they don't move him and it will go through. I truly hope the visit is wonderful and I look forward to hearing how it went. As far anything about Garza I don't know anything about that unit. And I don't know about taking the little one in the future I think if it were me I would see on the first visit what it is like and get a feel and asked your son about it too he might have some ideas. Give him a hug from another texan okay. Cherrie from tx

My first visit to a prison was at Garza West. My wife and I left early one morning for the three hour drive and to my amazment even before the gates were open at 8:00 A.M. there was a long line of cars, so we lined up behind the last. After the gates were open we were permitted to drive into the premises and park for checkin. The CO's will record who you are visiting and search your vehicle before you are released to proceed to drive to the facility and park again. Then you walk to the reception building and they will check the computer system to see that you and anyone else visiting him is on the visitor list. I don't think children have to be on the list but you need to ask. Each visitor must show a photo ID or drivers license, except children. Each visitor must be attired according to the rules. For example, females have to wear a garment that covers the knee and doesn't reaveal much if any in the busom area. You will learn a lot in your first visit. Use good common sense and be respectful to all CO's and other visitors.

BTW, on our first and only visit to Garza West we didn't get to visit our son because he had just been moved. We didn't find this out until we had waited in line and got to the visitor reception area and they checked on the computer and found that he had just been moved during the night before. Garza is I think a transfer unit so lots of transfers happen there. We didn't call on the Friday before so it's good advice for you to call before making the trip if possible.

this is wonderful news...i hope you do get to see him. (pto position...)

does his sister know that he is in prison? i would seriously consider taking her in the future...my opinion is that she might be imagining something more horrible than the prison may be, and it would be better for her to see reality. (i know that when i was a kid i imagined just about everything to be worse than it was.)

enjoy your time with your son.

emme

Oh I really hope you get to see him! I'm in PTO position too...

I agree with emme. If he wants to see sister then by all means take her. Children are safe there as visitors. My son is at Pack Unit now and we wee a lot of children visiting there. Here's a suggestion call Garza West and ask about taking your daughter and what their advice may be.

My daughter took her child for a visit and my son was very glad to see him. Children visitors help reinforce that family cares about the loved one.

I have assumed the position as well. Good luck and have a wonderful visit!!

I really hope you get to visit before he's transferred. I can't believe they search the visitor's cars!!

Deb

Deb,

They take a look in the trunk and under the hood and inside the passenger compartment other than that it's not really a search.

I just wanted to day that i am so happy for you. I hope your visit goes well, :):)

Blackhawk,

That's still a search of your personal vehicle. That is really bizarre to me and really seems to be another invasion of our rights and privacy.

Deb

I agree with you but what can I say other than if one wants to get inside that is what must take place.

In New York they reserve the right to check our vehicles, bags, person...whatever while we are on the premises. There is a sign posted stating it. I don't think they actually do search all your personal belongings while you're inside but they could...I agree it would be rather invasive but then almost everything else about going to visit our loved one is...

HI! My husband was at Garza West for 3 months, then moved about 6 blocks down the road to Garza East for another 2 months, then moved BACK to Garza West - you get the idea...they move around alot down there!!! :o) I had really nice experiences at GW and GE...my "favorite" was GE...it's a little "less professional". GW staff was always very nice and polite to me. There were tons of kids, too!. Be prepared, if you tire from walking, because if you don't get there pretty early, the parking places are quite a ways away! Also, you wait outside...so if it's cold, bring a jacket! If it's raining, make sure you have a hood, as you cannot have an umbrella. They are very adherent to the dress code, there! NO WHITE SHIRTS for adults or kids is a big sticking point for them. I can't tell you how many people I saw them send into Beeville to get clothes! When you get there, it will look like a "forever line" but it moves really well...holidays...definitely be FIRST!!! I have waited as long as 4 hours before. Oh, and don't be discouraged if you get in there, and then sit and wait. They like to do "headcounts" frequently, and it takes over an hour to do it! If your 11 year old is "well rounded" (meaning not shy, not really emotional, etc.) she will be just fine! I'm sure it will be a contact vist...maybe not, as he has not been there very long...I would call and ask...oh, and GET A NAME. There were several times that "mistakes" were made, and the upper staff took full responsibility and let visits happen that may not should have, etc. because the misinformation was linked to someone in particular. All in all...it was OK. Just smile...make polite conversation...and no matter what...don't get upset! That group is a prime example of "you catch more flies with honey"! Hope this helps...and hope you have a great visit. While it's not ideal, remember...at least he's not in Iraq or someplace else like that (that's my personal way of coping!) OH, AND ONE MORE THING....make sure you have your car license plate # memorized...you have to tell it to them when you check in...and if you don't know it and have to go look...they pass you up in line!!! (you can't take a piece of paper with it written on it...) Make sure your car is "tidy" as they do look in the trunk, glove box, and inside. I once had an empty carboard box in the back seat, and they thought it was "questionable"....and don't be like me - I had never opened the hood of my car before...they make you do it...the first time, it took over 10 minutes to find the "right spot"!!! Play the game...and you will have fun!
Best Wishes,
Catherine

How very helpful. I was going to wear a white shirt. Sooo glad you showed up...

I guess I will leave early, empty my car out completely, and remember my license number. Glad you mentioned about the paper. I was going to jot some things down that I wanted to talk to my son about but I guess I'll try and remember them. And I'm one who can't go to the grocery store for milk without writing it down. I can't remember anything. Maybe my husband can help me. I got $20 in quarters today and a clear change purse. Did I read correct that we can leave the change we don't use with the inmate?

Thanks so much for your help. You've saved me at least 4 headaches.. And I'll plan to take my daughter next time.

Jerry'sMom,
no you can not leave any left over change with your son. Inmates are not allowed to have any type of currency in their possesion. You may where a white shirt if it is button up with either short or long sleeves, No Tank tops. Also be sure and take a coat or a light jacket, it gets cold in visitation. Don't feel scared to talk with the cos, some can be pretty nice and very helpfull in answering questions you may have. It also gets loud and hard to hear at times. Have a good visit and enjoy your time with your son. There is a 1800 number on the tdcj website that you can call to check where your son is at. I think it is 1800-523-0283.

You are most welcome! Always glad to help a friend! But...you cannot give your son your change. They are (sorry to say) strip searched before they see you, and right after they leave you. You cannot give them anything...other than a soda or snack from the machine, which, if they don't finish by the end of your visit, they have to throw away, or if it is a contact visit, you can take with you. I am so glad that you are going to visit your son...have fun! (and I mean that lovingly!) I know he will be glad you see you, and to know you care about him! Please write how it went when you return!
Catherine

HELLO JERRY'S MOM
VERY HAPPY FOR YOU, JUNE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME, PROBABLY SEEMS LIKE A YEAR TO YOU, HIM ALSO. MY SON WAS A THE RETRIEVE IN ANGELTON, TEXAS, THEY SEARCHED THE CARS THERE, DRESS CODE ALSO, BUT IN HIGHTOWER UNIT, DAYTON, TEXAS THEY DO NOT SEARCH YOUR CARS, CAN ONLY TAKE CHANGE IN SEE THR BAG, IF HUSBAND HAS A KNIFE, WALLET, OR PAPER MONEY NONE OF THESE ALLOWED, THEY DO A SCAN OVER YOUR BODY WITH A HAND HELD MONITOR, NO YOU CAN NOT LEAVE THE MONEY LEFT OVER, THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ANY MONEY. NO FOOD ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT IN BY VISITORS, NOTHING JUST YOUR BODY AND CHANGE, NO CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, I JUST TAKE MY TDLIC AND FREEZER BAGGIE WITH MY CHANGE IN IT, I LOCK MY PURSE UP IN MY TRUNK, IF YOU TAKE A COAT, SWEATER, WEAR IT IN. YES I WOULD ASK MY SON IF HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS SISTER AND TAKE HER NEXT TIME, HE MIGHT BE THERE FOR AWHILE BEFORE HE GETS OUT, SHE WILL UNDERSTAND WHERE HE IS AND THAT HE IS OK. DO HIM GOOD TO SEE HER AND HER TO SEE HIM. SO YOU HAVE A SAFE TRIP, VERY GOOD VISIT, ENJOY EVERY MIN. OF IT, CRY IF YOU NEED TO, YOU PROBABLY WON'T BE ABLE TO HOLD THE TEARS BACK, SO JUST LET THEM FALL, WE ALL DO. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, HAVE A GOOD ONE. WHILE YOU ARE VISITING WITH HIM, TRY TO SET UP A CODE WORD HE CAN PUT IN A LETTER IF HE REALLY NEEDS YOU TO CHECK UP ON HIM AND THAT WILL LET YOU KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG ALSO. MY SON AND I HAVE A CODE WORD. AND YES GET THERE EARLY, BY THE TIME YOU WAIT IN LINE 2 HRS. AND FINALLY GET TO THE GATE, ALL THE PEOPLE IN FRONT OF YOU WILL HAVE A 2HR VISIT BEFORE YOU.

JERRYSMOM........HOPE YOUR VISIT GOES WELL......GOOD-LUCK.........SHERRON

Well, how about a report. I'm all excited for you guys.

Bottom Line: IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!

We left home about 7:30 this morning. We got lost in Beeville (believe it not). Don't get driving directions from the internet. Both Yahoo and MapQuest had the prison 15 miles from where it actually is. If I had known the prison is actually at the old Naval Base, we could have driven right to it. Oh well, it was fun getting lost with my husband. We haven't done that in years....

We pulled into the gate about 10:30 and I could not believe how friendly the guards were. They really were. I can't say enough good things about any of the guards I observed today. My husband had a hat on and the tower guard yelled down to him just as we were walking toward the prison that he wouldn't be allowed in with it on so it saved him a long walk back to the car. We were greeted very friendly at the check in building and it really did surprise me. They are nothing like the guards at the county jail who are on an ego trip and treated my son like an animal. I left there today feeling like my son would be okay. Oh yeah, and I guess we got there at the right time. The only waiting we did was for them to go and get my son.

While we were sitting at the window waiting for my son to come, one of the guards struck up a conversation with us and he was very helpful and pleasant to talk with. When my son walked up, he had the biggest smile on his face. He was so happy to see a familiar face. My husband and I were fighting over the phone so we compromised and put it between us so we could both hear what he was saying. We used up every bit of the 2 hours and when it was time to leave, my son would not walk away from the window until we did. He had a tear running down his left cheek. I'm sure it's hard for them to show emotion while in there so maybe he wanted to compose himself before he walked away. A man thing, I think. He told us that we were not only the best parents in the world but also the best people he has ever known and feels so lucky to be in our family. He has the best attitude. I don't know that I could under the circumstances but he really is putting his best foot forward.

This has been quite an emotional weekend for us. My other son, Jerry's younger brother, graduated from the Air Force basic training on Friday and yesterday he was allowed his first visit home where we celebrated his Christmas and he opened his presents. I also had class yesterday so I am so exhausted. I think I can actually fall asleep tonight somewhat assured and without the worry of not knowing. I know there lies ahead many more 'down' days but today was a super 'up' day and I have cherished it. I will worry about the safety of both of my sons in days to come but today, I have a break.

Thank you, friends, for all of your support. And thank you God, for easing my mind.

Nite, sweetdreams to all....

Jan..

So glad to hear that you had a wonderful visit! :D

I love happy stories!

i love this story! i am very, very happy for you...please sleep well!

Well this brought a tear to my eye too I am so happy for you I know just how you feel. It is great! love Barbara

I was hoping you guys would have a great visit. Thanks be to God you did. PTO is real cool, a lot of love and good advice went out to you when you asked.

Hello group....I am anxiously following your thread and would like updates following the visit. I fly into San Antonio on the 24th to see Skip at GARZA WEST!!!!!!!...you have already given some great pointers, and I am taking notes!!! Do you think they will have any problems with me being in a rent car? I will write down the plates when I pick up the rental!

Does anyone know how they are with jewelry etc. Should I just leave those things at home? Also, someone told me you have to leave your keys in the car???? I know I sound silly, but I am going through a lot to get to him, and I don't want to mess anything up. We don't qualify for contact visit yet, as he hasn't been there for 90 days. Do I still take quarters?

HELP!!!!!!!!! LOL
kath

JAN.....SO GLAD YOUR VISIT WAS GOOD.....I KNOW IT WAS A RELIEF TO FINALLY GET TO SEE HIM........SHERRON

TrulyKath,
There is no problem with a rent car as long as you can tell them the make (ford, chevy, etc); model (t-bird, suburban, etc) and the license #! And DO NOT leave the keys in the car! They make you lock it and have all windows up...no exceptions! And be sure to know how to open the trunk and the hood on it!!! Have fun!!!

JerrysMom,
I am so glad that you had a great first experience!!! And a nice visit, too! I thought about you yesterday...
Catherine