I am visiting Polunsky soon, and wanted some input here. What I have found out, is that I cant wear white (because they do), I cant wear open toed shoes, has to be closed, I know I cant dress in low cuts, etc, and I can take up to $20 in quarters with me for snacks. I just wanted to know if that was it what process you have to go through, etc, etc. Thanks ladies :D

Those are the basics. I've never visited this facility though and things are different at every Texas facility. I know we've got folks with loved ones at this unit though and hopefully they will be along to answer in more detail for you.

When are you visiting?

Have a safe trip and a wonderful visit!

Hi Kyla,

I'm visiting in January as well, maybe if our dates coincide we can get a coffee. In fact, I'd love to meet up with any PTO ladies who will be around between 10th and 22nd Jan.

Anyway, clothes for Polunsky,I have actually worn white and no one has said anything, I genuinely forgot, to be honest. Nothing low cut or skin tight. No offensive slogans on tshirts. No shorts or too far above the knee skirts. No open toed sandals or flip-flops type things. I once saw an older gentleman nearly refused his visit because he was wearing a hat (he was cold), but in the end he took it off and was allowed in. No visible underwear, but you must wear some!! :D
The visiting room is fairly cool all year round so have a cardie if you feel the cold. Coming from Singapore (where all I do is moan about the heat) I'm going to be in thermal underwear and a ski suit!! ha ha!

I dress fairly smartly and have never had a problem, I have always wanted to turn up dressed as Father Christmas and just wonder what they would do. As long as you didn't have a cushion up your jumper and just wore the red and white suit with no disguising beard, you might get away with it. Just a thought!!
There is a change machine in the reception area to put in notes and get out dollar coins - Here's a tip, when the coins start spitting out, do not shout "Hooray, I've hit the JACKPOT.....!" :yay: :yay: :yay:
Well, I think it's funny, but everyone else just stares!

You can take in up to twenty dollars in coins in a clear plastic purse. I have found that a see through pencil case from Walmart works very well. Photos are now able to be taken every day, so allow yourself enough money for that, I think it's $4 dollars (correct if I'm wrong). If you are asthmatic you can take an inhaler, and I usually have a couple of paper tissues to have with me too. Once, I had a rotten cold and I was able to take some throat sweeties in as well. Generally, the staff are very understanding and polite and will do their best to help you.

If you are going for Specials, take your plane ticket on your first visit to show the Warden's Secretary, so she can confirm that you are travelling from over 500 miles. You only need it for the first one, not subsequent visits. Make sure you have your passport at each visit as you leave it at reception in return for an ID badge.

If you need any further info from an overseas visitor's perspective, let me know. Having spent two weeks twice a year in Livingston, I know exactly what there is(n't) to do. No offence to any one: but it's a one horse town, and it's always the horse's day off! :)

Hope your trip goes well,
Rach xx

wow I didn't know that they took pictures every day now. When I was there we weren't allowed to take a picture because it wasn't the first (or the last or what ever) week in the month. We were really sad about that. But that is greate news!


/Emma

Lady
I hope to be there next month as well, I would love to meet up with you :D I was laughing about the jackpot!! My jackpot is when my house sells!! I thought it would happen in a week (I was so wrong).
I havent heard from him in a week, so I am in panic mode right now actually, he better not end up in trouble, I want those 4 hour visits so bad. :D

Hey Kyla :) you could have just PM-ed me girl ;) you know I will always fill ya in! LOL

Anyway, um I wear open-toed shoes all the time. Or I did, ya know what I mean. ;) And I will again in the spring! LOL The official rule is, if they have a heel you can wear open-toed shoes, they just cannot be flip-flops or flats. You see what I mean? I wore open-toed high heels and platform (with a heel) shoes every week in the spring and summer. Also I have worn white too before, it just can't be transparent. I don't think it's because they wear it. LOL I think it's because white is see-through sometimes.

Also..they are NOT taking pictures there every day/week. Back a month or two ago they were taking them every day ONLY because it was to raise money for something, but it was only for that month. They have now gone back to just the first week of each month. Oh and they are $3 each.

Also, like you said nothing low-cut or overly tight or anything, skirts must be knee-length.

Hope this helps! ;)

Also..they are NOT taking pictures there every day/week. Back a month or two ago they were taking them every day ONLY because it was to raise money for something, but it was only for that month. They have now gone back to just the first week of each month.

Oh no!!
This is going to be my last visit with a very dear friend! I was hoping to get some pictures. This is terrible. I wish they would make their bloody minds up. Friends got pictures done for me in Oct, Nov and Dec and now I won't be able to! :(

Oh no!!
This is going to be my last visit with a very dear friend! I was hoping to get some pictures. This is terrible. I wish they would make their bloody minds up. Friends got pictures done for me in Oct, Nov and Dec and now I won't be able to! :(

Aww I am so sorry :( well...maybe they could have another fundrasier or something, you never know...lol. It's something they seem to do every year about the same time, because I remember last October they did it every day then too. But it was just to raise money...I'm sorry you won't be able to get a pic. Is there no way you could come the first week of January?

Aww I am so sorry :( well...maybe they could have another fundrasier or something, you never know...lol. It's something they seem to do every year about the same time, because I remember last October they did it every day then too. But it was just to raise money...I'm sorry you won't be able to get a pic. Is there no way you could come the first week of January?*sighs*
It's a long story, but basically I have booked flights in order to be at my best friend's execution. As a witness etc. Then they change the date on us!
I'm flying in from singapore, takes about 24 hours, and I cannot change my flights.
So I have to visit in Jan, no pictures only one 8 hour special, and I can't afford to return in Feb to be there for him.
so basically it's all turned to sh*t, and it just keeps getting worse!
Not to mention the execution rushing up on us.
Fed up, and very p#ssed off.

*sighs*
It's a long story, but basically I have booked flights in order to be at my best friend's execution. As a witness etc. Then they change the date on us!
I'm flying in from singapore, takes about 24 hours, and I cannot change my flights.
So I have to visit in Jan, no pictures only one 8 hour special, and I can't afford to return in Feb to be there for him.
so basically it's all turned to sh*t, and it just keeps getting worse!
Not to mention the execution rushing up on us.
Fed up, and very p#ssed off.

Well, so you don't have to tell me, but if the dates you are going for, are the week of his execution, I believe they allow pictures just for the inmate who has the date, if you go on the day before or of the execution...but if it's like a week or two after you go, or whatever, then no. :( Sorry hun and best of luck to you.

Hi Kyla,

I'm visiting in January as well, maybe if our dates coincide we can get a coffee. In fact, I'd love to meet up with any PTO ladies who will be around between 10th and 22nd Jan.

Anyway, clothes for Polunsky,I have actually worn white and no one has said anything, I genuinely forgot, to be honest. Nothing low cut or skin tight. No offensive slogans on tshirts. No shorts or too far above the knee skirts. No open toed sandals or flip-flops type things. I once saw an older gentleman nearly refused his visit because he was wearing a hat (he was cold), but in the end he took it off and was allowed in. No visible underwear, but you must wear some!! :D
The visiting room is fairly cool all year round so have a cardie if you feel the cold. Coming from Singapore (where all I do is moan about the heat) I'm going to be in thermal underwear and a ski suit!! ha ha!

I dress fairly smartly and have never had a problem, I have always wanted to turn up dressed as Father Christmas and just wonder what they would do. As long as you didn't have a cushion up your jumper and just wore the red and white suit with no disguising beard, you might get away with it. Just a thought!!
There is a change machine in the reception area to put in notes and get out dollar coins - Here's a tip, when the coins start spitting out, do not shout "Hooray, I've hit the JACKPOT.....!" :yay: :yay: :yay:
Well, I think it's funny, but everyone else just stares!

You can take in up to twenty dollars in coins in a clear plastic purse. I have found that a see through pencil case from Walmart works very well. Photos are now able to be taken every day, so allow yourself enough money for that, I think it's $4 dollars (correct if I'm wrong). If you are asthmatic you can take an inhaler, and I usually have a couple of paper tissues to have with me too. Once, I had a rotten cold and I was able to take some throat sweeties in as well. Generally, the staff are very understanding and polite and will do their best to help you.

If you are going for Specials, take your plane ticket on your first visit to show the Warden's Secretary, so she can confirm that you are travelling from over 500 miles. You only need it for the first one, not subsequent visits. Make sure you have your passport at each visit as you leave it at reception in return for an ID badge.

If you need any further info from an overseas visitor's perspective, let me know. Having spent two weeks twice a year in Livingston, I know exactly what there is(n't) to do. No offence to any one: but it's a one horse town, and it's always the horse's day off! :)

Hope your trip goes well,
Rach xx

Hi!

I went to Polunsky unit a month ago. We were not allowed to take photos.
Only the 7 first days/month. And a photo is 3 dollars.

Have a nice trip.

Ladyarkles*sighs*
It's a long story, but basically I have booked flights in order to be at my best friend's execution. As a witness etc. Then they change the date on us!
I'm flying in from singapore, takes about 24 hours, and I cannot change my flights.
So I have to visit in Jan, no pictures only one 8 hour special, and I can't afford to return in Feb to be there for him.
so basically it's all turned to sh*t, and it just keeps getting worse!
Not to mention the execution rushing up on us.
Fed up, and very p#ssed off.

I am so sorry to hear that :(
I hope that they allow photos for you and your friend. I also hope Texas does the right thing, and doesnt execute your friend. (((hugs)))

I was just reading this thread... I don't have anything experiences about Polunsky, but I just wanted to wish all the strenght for ladyarkles - you and your friend are on my thoughts, and I keep hoping for you to have your photos, and mostly that it doesnt happen - execution. Also Kyla I hope you can sell your house, and all things goes well with you. Enjoy time meeting your loved one. I know you will.