Federal Detention Center · Houston, Texas
FDC Houston
- Security level
- Administrative
- Medical care level
- 2 of 4
- Mental health care level
- 2 of 4
- Population
- 832
- Phone
- 713-221-5400
Last checked: November 3, 2026 (BOP documents for this prison) Intel last checked: November 3, 2026 BOP status updated: Nov 3, 2026, 9:10 pm ET News updated: Nov 3, 2026, 8:11 am ET
Your loved one here? Look up their exact committed name
Houston at a glance
FDC Houston is a federal detention center in downtown Houston, at Texas Avenue and San Jacinto Street. It is not a regular prison. It holds people who are waiting for trial or sentencing, people passing through (holdovers), a small group of men who work at the center (the work cadre), and some women who are serving short sentences. Men and women are held here. It has no camp.
- How many people
- 832 in the FDC (BOP, October 29, 2026).
- Medical care level 2
- Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Mental health care level 2
- Routine outpatient mental health care, or short crisis care such as suicide watch. The BOP does not post care levels on its website. This list is dated February 13, 2024 and came out through a public records request. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Who is there
- Adult pretrial detainees (men and women), holdover inmates, a male work cadre, and designated female inmates. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Built for
- 992 people. On the first day of the April 2025 audit there were 883. Ages ran from 19 to 74. The average stay was 356.2 days. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FDC Houston (onsite April 1 to 3, 2025) ↗
- Moving around
- Because of how the building is designed, all movement inside is by elevator, with staff escort. They face the back of the elevator and may not talk. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Counts
- On weekdays there are five official counts: 12:01 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. On weekends and federal holidays there is also a 10:00 a.m. count. The 4:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. counts are standing counts. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
How far is it from you?
Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →
Plan your drive around this: Visitors are processed starting 30 minutes before a session (1 hour before on weekends and holidays) and processing stops 1 hour before the session ends. Processing also stops 30 minutes before each count (4:00 p.m. every day, 10:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays) and during staff shift change, ordinarily 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. A count takes 30 to 40 minutes. Once your loved one leaves the visiting room they cannot go back in.
Our miles and time are an estimate from your ZIP code's center. Google Maps gives the exact route. Your ZIP code never leaves your phone unless you tap a Google Maps button.
Visiting hours and days
| Who | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Odd months (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov): unit 6 East in the morning, 6 West in the afternoon. Even months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec): 6 West in the morning, 6 East in the afternoon. | Morning 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; afternoon 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Morning is legal visits only. Afternoon: odd months 3 West, even months 3 East. | Social 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Morning is legal visits only. Afternoon: odd months 3 East, even months 3 West. | Social 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | Odd months: 4 East in the morning, 4 West in the afternoon. Even months: 4 West in the morning, 4 East in the afternoon. | Morning 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; afternoon 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Friday | Odd months: 5 West in the morning, 5 East in the afternoon. Even months: 5 East in the morning, 5 West in the afternoon. | Morning 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; afternoon 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Odd months: 3 West. Even months: 3 East. | 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | Odd months: 3 East. Even months: 3 West. | 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Special Housing Unit (SHU) | Non-contact, by video monitor, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. One 30-minute visit a month. They ask for it with a Cop Out (Inmate Request to Staff). Visitors under 18 may not visit the SHU. | Not stated |
Visitors are processed starting 30 minutes before a session (1 hour before on weekends and holidays) and processing stops 1 hour before the session ends. Processing also stops 30 minutes before each count (4:00 p.m. every day, 10:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays) and during staff shift change, ordinarily 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. A count takes 30 to 40 minutes. Once your loved one leaves the visiting room they cannot go back in.
They can only visit during their own housing unit's session (see the table). Legal visits are separate: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and weekends 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
The BOP's own papers disagree. The Houston handbook (May 1, 2026) and the visiting rules (August 24, 2026) disagree on a few points. Weekend hours: the handbook says Saturday and Sunday visits run to 2:00 p.m.; the newer rules say 1:30 p.m. Money: the handbook says up to $25 per family for vending machines; the rules say $20. Number of visits: the rules give 6 points a month at 2 points a visit (3 visits); the handbook does not give a count. The table above follows the newer rules. Call 713-221-5400 before you drive, especially on a weekend.
The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring
- How many visits
- They get 6 points of visits each calendar month. Each visit costs 2 points, so that is 3 visits a month. Any part of a visit counts as a whole visit. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- How many people
- No more than 4 visitors at one time, including children and babies. Visitors may not swap places. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Who can visit
- People waiting for trial and holdovers: immediate family only (mother, father, stepparents, foster parents, brothers, sisters, spouse and children). Work cadre men and designated short-term women can add up to 10 other relatives or friends. A live-in partner who is not a legal spouse can be approved if there is proof, such as a lease, driver's licenses with the same address, or shared utility bills. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- ID
- Everyone over 16 needs a valid driver's license or a state or federal photo ID. Mexican consulate ID cards are not accepted. Visitors under 16 must come with a parent or legal guardian. A parent or guardian must sign for anyone under 18. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Screening
- Everyone must clear the metal detector. Remove hairpins and anything metal. If you have a metal implant, bring your medical card. If you refuse a search, you cannot come back to visit without approval from the Associate Warden of Programs. Visitors are also tested at random with an electronic drug detection unit in the lobby. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- What you can carry
- Only: your ID; cash up to $20 per family and/or a debit or credit card for the vending machines; necessary medicine such as an asthma inhaler (the officer keeps it); and baby items. Baby items: one pacifier, two diapers, five wipes, one clear bottle or sippy cup with contents, and one infant blanket, all in one clear one-gallon zip bag. No other bags. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Lockers and parking
- A limited number of lockers are available, first come first served. The handbook says there is no visitor parking at the center, and cars parked around it can be towed. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Touching
- A handshake, brief embrace and brief kiss at the start and end of the visit. They may hold their children. Visitors sit across from them. Nothing may be passed in either direction, and papers cannot be signed. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Money
- You cannot hand over money in the visiting room. Money for their account goes by mail to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Restroom
- They normally cannot use the restroom during a visit unless it lasts more than one hour. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Vending machines
- Only visitors use them, with cash or a card. Anything bought for them must be eaten in the visiting room. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- When it gets crowded
- The visiting room holds 179 people. Staff first ask for volunteers to leave. If that is not enough, visits end in the order they started. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
- Sex offense involving a minor
- People convicted of a sex offense involving a minor sit in an area near the officer's station for the whole visit. Click here to read the source: HOU 5267.09D, Visiting Regulations (August 24, 2026) ↗
How to get on the visiting list
- Your loved one gives their unit counselor a Request for Visitor Approval (Attachment B of the visiting rules for pretrial and holdover inmates; Attachment C for work cadre and designated short-term women). Your loved one also gets a Visitor Information Form (BP-629) from their unit team.
- The unit team mails the BP-629 to you. Fill it out and return it to the Counselor.
- The counselor runs a background check (NCIC) on every visitor. A visitor with a criminal record needs the Warden's written approval. Approval normally takes about 7 days after the center has everything.
- The counselor gives your loved one a copy of the approved list. They tell you. Do not drive until you are approved. If you are denied, your loved one is told, and they must tell you.
- The rules put no limit on how often the list can change.
- You are normally on only one person's list, unless you are in the same immediate family.
Driving directions (from the BOP)
- The address
- FDC Houston is at 1200 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002, at the corner of Texas Avenue and San Jacinto Street, in downtown Houston.
- From Dallas
- I-45 South to downtown Houston. Use the left lane to exit 48A for I-10 East toward Beaumont. Keep left and follow signs for Milam Street. Continue onto N. Milam Street and turn left onto Texas Avenue.
- From Austin
- US 290 East to exit 11 to merge onto I-10 East. Use the right two lanes to exit 769A for Smith Street. Drive to Texas Avenue.
- From Victoria
- US 59 North to downtown Houston. Take the Polk Street exit. Use the right lane to merge onto Chartres Street. Turn left onto Capitol Street. Turn right on San Jacinto and right at the first cross street, Texas Avenue.
- From Louisiana
- I-10 West to downtown Houston. Use the right two lanes to exit 769B toward San Jacinto Street/Main. Take San Jacinto and Fannin Streets to 1200 Texas Avenue.
- Bus, train and plane
- METRO Rail and Bus: 713-635-4000. Amtrak: 800-872-7245. Greyhound: 713-759-6565. George Bush Intercontinental Airport: 281-230-3100. William P. Hobby Airport: 713-640-3000. Taxis (handbook): Airport Taxi Service 281-444-8294, Fiesta Cab 713-225-2666, United Cab 713-699-0000, Yellow Cab 713-236-1111.
Street address for your GPS: 1200 Texas Avenue, Houston, Tx 77002. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.
FDC Houston
Official rules (PDF) No Spanish version posted
| Skirts and dresses | Skirts/dresses no shorter than one inch above the knee; no high splits. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Adult visitors may not wear shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | Adults and children: no khaki clothing. No green military-type clothing. No orange clothing. No yellow clothing. |
| Leggings, spandex | No leotards or spandex. No extremely tight or form-fitting dresses or pants. |
| Bras and metal | Not in the written rules. Some prisons ban underwire bras anyway, and the penalty can be more than being sent home. Wear a sports bra or a bra with no wire. |
| Camouflage, military | No green military or camouflage clothing. |
| Shoes | Only closed-toe, closed-back shoes; no Crocs-style shoes. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 22 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Skirts/dresses no shorter than one inch above the knee; no high splits.
any skirt or dress shorter than one (1) inch above the knee, and/or any skirt or dress with a high cut split in the back or front or side.
- Adult visitors may not wear shorts.
Adult visitors will not be allowed to wear shorts or revealing sun dresses, halter tops, bathing suits,
- No sleeveless garments or tank tops.
any sleeveless garment, any skirt or dress shorter than one (1) inch above the knee,
- No low-cut blouses or dresses.
crop tops, low-cut blouses or dresses, leotards, sweatpants
- No crop tops.
crop tops, low-cut blouses or dresses, leotards, sweatpants
- No halter tops, backless tops, strapless garments or tube tops.
strapless garments, backless tops, tank tops, tube tops,
- No see-through garments of any type.
see- through garments of any type,
- No extremely tight or form-fitting dresses or pants.
extremely tight/form-fitting dresses/pants, miniskirts, backless tops, hats or caps,
- No leotards or spandex.
leotards, sweatpants or spandex,
- No bathing suits.
revealing sun dresses, halter tops, bathing suits,
- No sweatpants.
leotards, sweatpants or spandex,
Colors and uniforms
- Adults and children: no khaki clothing.
refrain from wearing any clothing similar to inmate clothing such as khaki, yellow, orange or green military (i.e., camouflage) colored clothing
- No green military-type clothing.
khaki or green military type clothing,
- No orange clothing.
such as khaki, yellow, orange or green military (i.e., camouflage) colored clothing
- No yellow clothing.
such as khaki, yellow, orange or green military (i.e., camouflage) colored clothing
- No green military or camouflage clothing.
green military (i.e., camouflage) colored clothing
Bras, underwear and metal
- No smart watches or Fitbit-style watches with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
Smart watches and Fitbit style watches with Wi-Fi or bluetooth capability are not authorized.
Shoes
- Only closed-toe, closed-back shoes; no Crocs-style shoes.
only closed-toed/closed back shoes will be allowed by social visitors in the Visiting Room.
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats or caps.
miniskirts, backless tops, hats or caps,
Everything else
- No sun dresses; no Crocs-style shoes.
and/or Croes style shoes.
If they say no
- Operations Lieutenant may deny entry for improper dress.
The Operations Lieutenant has the primary authority to deny an inmate visitor entry into the institution for reasons related to institution security such as improper dress
- Questionable clothing goes to Operations Lieutenant or IDO.
Clothing that is questionable will be brought to the attention of the Operations Lieutenant
Inmate mailing address
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES Reg. No. 12345-678 FDC Houston P.O. Box 526255 Houston, Tx 77052
Put their committed name, register number and housing unit on the envelope. The handbook says incoming mail should show the housing unit. Ask your loved one for it. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (1200 Texas Avenue, Houston, Tx 77002).
- Photocopied
- All regular mail is opened, checked for contraband and photocopied except legal mail. They do not get the original. The BOP keeps the original for 30 days and then destroys it. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- What is allowed
- Letters, magazines and paperback books. Newspapers and books must come directly from the publisher or a bookstore. They may keep no more than 5 publications at a time. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- What is rejected
- Stamps, musical greeting cards, magazines that are sexually explicit or show nudity, Polaroid photos, nude photos, plant material, anything that cannot be inspected, and money of any kind. It is returned to you with a rejection form, and they get a copy. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Their outgoing mail
- They may not seal outgoing mail. Staff read all of it, including outgoing special mail. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- When mail comes
- Mail is usually handed out after the 4:00 p.m. count. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Legal mail
- The envelope must name a specific attorney with title and say "Special Mail - Open only in the presence of the inmate." If either is missing, staff may open it and read it like any other mail. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Packages
- Every package must be approved in advance on form BP-A0331 (Authorization to Receive Packages or Property). The only others normally approved are release clothing and medical devices. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Stamps
- They may buy no more than 20 stamps or one book of stamps per commissary visit, and may have no more than 40 stamps at once. With no money, they may get five free stamps a month through unit staff. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Writing to other prisoners
- They need approval from their unit team. It is limited to immediate family and people in an ongoing legal case with them, such as co-defendants. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Money
- Never put money in a letter. It goes to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
Books and magazines: at a administrative security prison, books and magazines must come straight from a publisher, book club or bookstore (Amazon, for example), never from home.
How to send money to an inmate here
Money never goes to Houston. It goes to the BOP, and the BOP puts it on their account. There are 3 ways. Each one below shows you the actual form and exactly what to write in each box, already filled in with their name and number.
First, they must sign the power-of-attorney form (BP-A0407) when they arrive. Until they do, MoneyGram and Western Union money cannot post. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
1. Postal money order Our pick
"Postal" means the U.S. Post Office. A postal money order is one you buy at the counter of a U.S. Post Office, from the United States Postal Service. Money orders sold at Walmart, a grocery store, a bank, Western Union, MoneyGram or a check-cashing store are not postal money orders.
Why it matters: a postal money order has no hold. Once the BOP's lockbox in Des Moines gets it, it goes on their account. Every other money order and every personal or company check is put on a 15-day hold first, and the 15 days only start when the lockbox receives the envelope. Add the days it spends in the mail, and it can be close to three weeks before they can spend it.Click here to read the source: BOP, Sending money by U.S. mail ↗ Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗ Foreign money orders and checks are held 45 days. The postal money order is also the cheapest way.
The Post Office's own steps
- Decide the amount. Up to $1,000 in one money order.
- Go to any Post Office.
- Bring cash or a debit card. The Post Office does not take credit cards for money orders.
- Fill it out at the counter with the clerk. Use the boxes below.
- Pay the amount plus the fee: $2.65 for up to $500, $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.
- Keep your receipt. You need it to track the money order or replace it if it is lost.Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders ↗
- Pay toJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONEStheir committed name, exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it
- Address (under Pay to)Federal Bureau of Prisons, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
- FromMARIA SMITH-JONESyour name
- Address (under From)123 Main Street, Trenton, NJ 08608your address
- MemoReg. No. 12345678their 8-digit register number, no dash
Unconfirmed: the BOP does not say in writing what goes on the "Pay to" line. Their name is what families use. The name and number on the envelope are what the BOP requires.
123 Main Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Federal Bureau of Prisons JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES 12345678 Post Office Box 474701 Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Lost it? Tracking and replacing a money order
- Keep the receipt. You need the serial number, post office number and amount to track it at tools.usps.com/money-orders.htm.
- Lost or stolen: take the receipt to any post office and ask for a Money Order Inquiry. It costs $23 and can take up to 60 days.
2. MoneyGram
Posts in about 2 to 4 hours if sent 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, any day. Up to $300 per payment. In a store, you fill out the blue ExpressPayment form. This is the BOP's own filled-in sample:
- Company NameFederal Bureau of Prisons
- City & StateWashington, DC
- Receive Code7932always the same
- Account Number of the Bill to Pay12345678SMITHJONESone letter or number per box
- Amount to Payup to $300
- Message to Biller or Beneficiary NameJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Top section: your own name, address, phone and signature. Pay cash. Keep the receipt with the reference number.
Unconfirmed: some stores now type it into a screen instead of using the paper form. The boxes are the same.
Doing it online or in the MoneyGram app instead
- Go to moneygram.com (Pay Bills) or the MoneyGram app and log in or sign up.
- Search the biller 7932 or "Federal Bureau of Prisons."
- Enter the amount (up to $300) and the account number
12345678SMITHJONES. - Pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card can charge a cash-advance fee.
3. Western Union
Posts in about 2 to 4 hours. In a store, ask for the Quick Collect form ("To Send Money Form for Bill Payments"). Do not ask for a regular money transfer. This is a real Quick Collect form filled in with the BOP's values:
- Dollar Amountyour amount
- Pay toFederal Bureau of Prisons
- Code CityFBOP, DC
- AttentionJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
- Account # with Company (in the SENDER section: this is where people get lost)12345678SMITHJONES
Leave Promo Code blank. Put your own name, phone and address in the rest of the Sender section and sign at 3. Pay cash (some stores take debit). You get a 10-digit tracking number (MTCN). Keep it.
Unconfirmed: some stores have the blue Quick Collect form, some a "Pay a Bill" section, and some a phone to an agent.
Doing it online (Send2Corrections), screen by screen
You need a photo ID to set up the account: your name must match your ID exactly.
- Go to send2corrections.com or the Send2Corrections app. Log in or register.
- "Who are you sending to?" Choose the facility Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP DC).
- Receiver first name, middle name (optional), last name: exactly as the BOP has it.
- Commissary number: type only the 8 digits,
12345678. No dash, no name. The site adds the last name itself and shows the full account number in a grey box you cannot type in. - Ignore the pop-up that says "BOP number will not work." That text shows for every prison. The register number is what works.
- Amount: $1 to $300. Pay by card, or choose "Pay Cash (in-store)" and pay at a Western Union counter within 12 hours, or it cancels.
Hyphenated last name? The site drops the hyphen: Smith-Jones becomes 12345678SMITHJONES.
Money sent to the wrong person is not returned by Western Union. Western Union payments cannot be changed after they are sent.
Commissary list: what they can buy and what it costs
Houston's handbook (May 1, 2026) gives the monthly spending limit as $460.00, the same as national BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026). Stamps, over-the-counter medicine and copy cards do not count against it. National policy adds $50 more in November and December. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
How shopping works at Houston
- Commissary is every other week, except holiday weeks.
- Their list goes in the commissary box on the unit by <strong>6:00 a.m. on the day before</strong> their delivery. No list, no shopping that day.
- Orders are delivered to the housing unit. If they miss delivery because they are in court, at work or on call-out, commissary staff make at least two tries to deliver.
- If the order is wrong, they must tell the commissary officer before signing the receipt. After they leave the window, all sales are final.
- The commissary sheet says items are returned to stock after 2 days if they are out to court.
(K) kosher, (H) halal. A number like "max 3" is the most they can buy at once. From the official list approved As of September 2026 (signed by H. Kobayashi, Warden, 9/23/2026). Prices change without notice. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Commissary Sheet (as of September 2026) ↗
Stamps (limit 1 book or 20 Forever stamps)
- Forever stamp (each)$0.82
- Forever stamp book$16.40
Copier card (limit 2; "only available in 50 copy count")
- 50 copies$6.50
Controlled items (limit 1 of each)
- Sangean Radio w/Ear Buds (requires AAA)$70.85
- Clear Tune Radio w/Ear Buds (requires AAA)$24.80
- Clear Tunes Ear Buds$5.25
- Koss Headphones$37.25
- Casio Watch$51.20
- Combination Padlock$10.15
- Score 7 Tablet$141.70
- Return Envelope for Tablet$0.75
Mix drinks (limit 10 total)
- Sunkist Strawberry$1.60
- Sunkist Pineapple$1.65
- Island Fruity Red$1.75
- Island Rad Punch$1.85
- Ocean Blue$1.85
Soup (limit 24 total)
- Roast Chicken$0.60
- Beef Flavor$0.60
- Lime Chili Shrimp$0.50
- Hot & Spicy Veg.$0.55
- Chili$0.60
Drinks: powdered mixes (limit 6 of each)
- Orange Brkfast Drink 12oz*$1.85
- Nonfat Powdered Milk*$3.60
- Swiss Miss Cocoa$2.20
Drinks: coffee and tea (limit 6 of each)
- Folgers Traditional, 8oz*$10.80
- Keefe Columbian, 4oz*$3.70
- Keefe Decaf, 3oz*$3.55
- Cappuccino French Vanilla*$1.75
- Bigelow Asst Herb Tea$4.85
Drinks: additives (limit 6 of each)
- Non-Dairy Creamer*$2.15
- Sweetener*$1.80
- French Vanilla Creamer$1.75
Foods: rice and potatoes (limit 10 of each)
- White Rice*$1.25
- Brown Rice$1.40
- Chili, Refried Beans & Rice$1.10
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes$2.95
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes$2.75
Foods: beans (limit 10 of each)
- Chili w/Beans$2.15
- Velveeta Cheesy Beans$1.30
Foods: meat (limit 7 of each)
- Shredded Beef$5.45
- Chicken Breast$3.25
- Pork$4.95
- Spam Single Lite$2.15
- Pepperoni Slices$3.70
Foods: snack sticks and sausage (limit 7 of each)
- Honey Pepper Turkey Stick$3.45
- Hot & Spicy Beef Sausage$3.05
Foods: fish (limit 10 of each)
- Fillets of Mackerel*$1.70
- Sardines in Hot Sauce$1.20
- Tuna*$2.55
- Smoked Oysters$2.75
Foods: sauces (limit 2 of each; Ranch limit 10)
- Salsa Verde*$1.85
- Salsa Rojo$2.20
- Hot Sauce*$1.45
- Soy Sauce, 6oz*$1.25
- BBQ Sauce*$3.80
- Sweet Hot Asian Sauce*$3.90
- Ranch (LIMIT 10)$0.85
Foods: spreads (limit 2 of each)
- Peanut Butter*$3.25
- Strawberry Jelly$4.35
- Mayonnaise*$5.20
Foods: cheese (limit 4 of each)
- Jalapeno Cheese Spread$3.85
- Cream Cheese (Pks of 10)$5.50
- Mozzarella Cheese Bar$3.20
Foods: dressings
- Honey* (limit 2 of each)$4.55
Foods: cookies (limit 4 of each)
- Vanilla Wafers*$2.85
- Duplex Cookies*$1.90
- Honey Graham Cookies$3.80
- Choc Chip Cookie$1.50
- Birthday Cookie$1.40
Foods: crackers (limit 2 of each)
- Snack Crackers*$3.35
- Saltine Crackers*$2.15
Snacks and candy: health food items (limit 5 of each)
- Cashews*$7.15
- Honey & Oat Granola*$0.70
- Sweet & Salty Almond Bars*$0.80
- Almonds W/Cranberry*$5.05
- Trail Mix w/o Raisins*$5.75
Snacks and candy: pastries (limit 7 of each)
- Rice Crispy Treats$0.95
- Oatmeal Cream Pies$9.30
- Iced Honey Bun$1.85
Snacks and candy: cereal (limit 4 of each)
- Cinnamin Toasters$5.35
- Berry Colossal Crunch$4.60
- Oatmeal Variety$6.45
- Pop Tart Straw/Blueberry$2.15
- Plain Bagel$0.70
Snacks and candy: candy (limit 5 of each)
- KitKat$1.90
- Twix$1.85
- Snickers$1.85
- Fireballs$1.10
- Watermelon Candy$1.70
- Star Lite Mints*$1.25
- Lemonade Hard Candy$1.95
- Hershey Cookies/Cream$1.85
- Jolly Rancher SF$4.85
Snacks and candy: other (limit 5 of each)
- Jalapeno Slices*$1.95
- Dill Pickle*$1.15
- Tortilla (Flour) 6pk*$1.20
- Minced Onion*$1.80
- Garlic Powder$2.20
- Vegetable Flakes*$1.80
- Sazon Goya Seasoning*$2.30
- Mrs. Dash*$4.65
- Lemon Pepper*$1.15
- Salt/Pepper Shakers$2.10
Snacks and candy: chips (limit 6 total)
- Doritos Spicy Nacho$4.00
- Julio Tortillas$2.85
- Pork Rinds$1.85
- Shabang*$1.75
- Hot Fries$3.25
- Ruffles SC & Cheddar$2.75
Batteries and clock (limit 1)
- AAA Batteries, 4pk% (limit 2)$3.45
- Alarm Clock (requires AAA)$9.35
- Book Light$16.60
Reading glasses (circle strength; limit 1)
- Reading Glasses (strengths 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25)$5.20
OTC medical (limit 1 of each): pain reliever
- Excedrin (Migraine)$6.50
- Acetaminophen$2.35
- Aspirin, 325mg$1.65
- Ibuprofen, 200mg$2.65
- Naproxen$2.85
- Anesthetic Oral Gel$1.60
OTC medical: allergy and congestion
- Gen. Like Claritin-Loratadine$2.60
- Allergy Relief$1.60
- Nasal Spray (Original)$2.30
- Nasacort$18.15
- Medicated Chest Rub$2.40
- Regular Cough Drops$1.55
- Artificial Tears$2.25
OTC medical: digestion
- Stool Softener$3.20
- Liquid Antacid$3.90
- Antacid Tablets$3.65
- Prilosec$16.45
- Milk of Magnesia$2.95
- Gas-X 80mg$2.10
- Pepto-Bismol$4.90
- Anti-Diarrhea (Loperamide)$4.10
- Omeprazole$15.75
OTC medical: ointments and creams
- Anti-Fungal (Tolnaftate)$1.70
- Clotrimazole (Athlete's Foot)$5.15
- Hydrocortisone Cream .5%$1.80
- Antibiotic Ointment$2.50
OTC medical: miscellaneous
- Muscle Rub$1.80
- Hemorrhoid Ointment$4.10
- Chap Stick$2.15
- Shoe Insoles$3.85
OTC medical: vitamins
- Advanced Ultrex Plus$5.40
- Mega C-500 Plus$3.60
- Vitamin D-3$3.60
- Vitamin E-400 IU$3.75
- Natural Calcium 250mg$2.95
- Vitamin B Complex$3.55
- Fiber Caps$6.50
- Natural Fiber 500mg$3.50
Soap (limit 3 per item)
- Dove Bar$4.45
- Neutrogena Bar$4.60
- Zest Cocoa$7.35
- Zest Ocean Breeze$7.35
- Soap Dish$0.70
- Ambi Soap Bar$4.80
- Irish Spring 3pk$4.40
- Dial Soap$2.50
- VO5 3 & 1 Men$1.90
Shampoo and conditioner (limit 2 per item)
- Head Shoulders Shampoo$6.05
- Balsam Protein Shampoo$1.20
- Suave Conditioner$4.55
Hair care (limit 2 per item)
- Murrays Pomade$2.95
- Elementz Styling Gel$3.20
- Sulphur-8$3.85
- Pink Oil Moisturizer$8.50
- Handle Comb$1.20
- Military Brush (no handle)$2.05
- Ponytail Holders (Black)$3.60
Grooming aids (limit 2 per item)
- Fingernail Clippers$0.85
- Toenail Clippers$1.10
- Cotton Swabs%$1.15
Lotions and powder (limit 2 per item)
- Jergens Cherry$6.75
- Noxzema$2.45
- Petroleum Jelly%$2.00
- Cocoa Butter Lotion$6.25
- Baby Powder%$4.30
Holiday Christmas cards (limit 3)
- English 6pk%$5.95
- Spanish 6pk%$5.95
Dental care (limit 2 per item)
- Toothbrush, Medium%$0.95
- Close Up$2.95
- Denture Brush$0.25
- Toothpaste%$4.40
- Colgate Sensitive%$8.25
- Staydent Adhesive$4.80
- Denture-Creme FreshBrite$3.90
- Mouthwash, 24oz$1.85
- Toothbrush Holder$0.50
- Soft Toothpicks (50pk)$5.20
- Dental Floss$2.15
- Floss Picks$4.10
Deodorant (limit 2 per item)
- Men's Degree Stick$4.55
- Ladies Degree Stick$4.55
- Suave (Solid)$4.15
Shaving items (limit 2 per item)
- Disposable Razors, 6pk%$1.70
- Shave Cream%$2.25
- Clear Shave/Shower Bag$5.50
- Magic Shave Cream$5.35
- Bump Stopper%$3.80
Miscellaneous (limit 2 per item)
- Photo Album$3.35
- Playing Cards (Bicycle)$3.85
- Mug (22oz.)$2.25
- Clear Bowl (1.6qt)$2.60
- Spork$0.70
- Locker Buddy$11.45
- Locker Buddy Hooks$5.55
- Laundry Bags$6.55
- Water Bottle$5.20
- Toilet Paper (4pk)$5.75
- Palmolive Dish Soap$2.70
Stationery items (limit 5 per item)
- Black Pen (2pk)$1.10
- #2 Pencil (pk)$1.45
- Yellow Legal Pad%$2.75
- #10 Envelope (50 count)%$1.75
- No Clasp Envelope, each%$0.20
- Address Book$1.95
- Eraser$0.40
- Pencil Sharpener$0.60
- Colored Pencils, 12pk$2.95
- Blank Greeting Cards, 6pk%$4.45
- Drawing Pad$9.50
Religious items (must be approved by Religious Services)
- Chain 24"$150.65
- Cross Pendant$100.78
- Prayer Rug$13.50
- Muslim Prayer Beads$4.95
- Black Kufi Cap$11.96
- Somali Rose Prayer Oil$5.19
- Rasta Crown (one size fits all)$10.95
- Rasta Crown (XL)$11.95
Footwear (limit 1; circle size)
- Shower Shoes, size 8-14 (sizes MD LG XL XXL)$3.40
- White Canvas Tennis (sizes 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12)$10.65
Clothing items (limit 1; circle size)
- Jersey Short, SM-3X (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X)$15.30
- Jersey Short, 4X-7X (sizes 4X 5X 6X 7X)$15.90
- Thermal Top (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X 4X)$10.00
- Thermal Bottom (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X 4X)$10.00
- Knocker Boxers (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X)$13.00
- Sweats Top (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X)$20.15
- Sweats Top, 4X$26.00
- Sweats Bottom (sizes SM MD LG XL 2X 3X 4X)$20.15
- Quarter Length Socks$1.55
- Crew Socks$1.55
- Big Man Socks (3pk)$7.65
Female cosmetics and hygiene (limit 2 per item)
- Eyeliner Pencil Black (2pk)$1.35
- Mascara - Black$3.15
- Strawberry Conditioner$2.60
- Strawberry Shampoo$2.60
- Ampro Styling Gel$5.05
- Blush (Light/Dark)$3.65
- Claw Hair Clips$2.85
- Hair Rubber Bands (small)$1.10
- Eye Shadow$3.85
- Foam Hair Roller$2.00
- Foundation (Light/Med/Dark)$10.90
- Lip Gloss$3.10
- Maxi Pads**$5.35
- Panty Liners**$2.00
- Women's Socks$1.30
- Women's Underwear$3.05
- Sports Bra$7.75
- Cotton Balls$1.20
- Women's Watch$32.00
Phone calls and email
- Minutes
- The handbook says 510 minutes per re-validation cycle for monitored calls. It does not say how many days a cycle is, so ask the unit team. Each call is limited to 15 minutes, and they must wait 1 hour before the next call. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Hours
- Phones are available 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Contacts
- Up to 30 phone numbers. They add and delete numbers on TRULINCS. Collect international calls cannot be made. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- TRULINCS email costs 0.5 cents a minute. Sessions are 60 minutes, then a 60-minute wait. Up to 100 contacts. No attachments, and no more than 13,000 characters. You get an email from corrlinks.com asking you to accept or reject. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Rules
- Every call is monitored and recorded. Three-way and third-party calls are not allowed and can cost them phone privileges. For an unmonitored call to their lawyer, they ask the unit team. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
They have to add your number and email to their list first. Emails come through CorrLinks: you get an invitation by email once they add you.
Health care at Houston
Medical care level 2 and mental health care level 2 (of 4). Stable outpatients who need to see a clinician anywhere from monthly to every 6 months. Examples the BOP gives: diabetes controlled with medication, epilepsy, emphysema. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Sick call
- An Advanced Practice Provider sees people Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (not federal holidays), in the activities room of each housing unit. Sick call is in the morning. A form is handed out when clinical staff arrive, so they must be ready. If they miss it, they wait for the next one. They are ordinarily seen within 14 days. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Special Housing Unit
- Health Services rounds daily and holds sick call in the SHU after 6:00 a.m. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Medicine
- The pill line runs twice a day, after 6:30 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Insulin goes with the pill lines. Some medicine is carried by the patient. Refills are requested on TRULINCS. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Dental
- Emergency dental care can be requested 24 hours a day by telling the unit officer. Urgent problems (severe pain, abscess, injury) go through sick call. Routine care (exam, cleaning, fillings, extractions) is by a written request or an electronic cop-out, and goes on a waiting list in date order. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Co-pay
- $2.00 for care they ask for themselves. No fee for referrals by Health Services, follow-up care, emergencies, mental health care, drug treatment, vaccines, and TB and HIV tests. They are "indigent" if their account has not held $6.00 in the past 30 days. Indigent patients are not charged. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Arriving
- New arrivals are screened for contagious disease, drug use, chronic disease and mental illness. A full physical and dental screening is done. Their prescriptions are reviewed by a nurse or provider, then a physician the next business day. Not every medicine is continued. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
Programs
- RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible)
- Houston does not have RDAP. Eligibility interviews for the 500-hour program are done only for people designated to Houston, who must have about 21 to 24 months left on their sentence. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Other drug programs
- Drug Abuse Education (required for some people; failing to take it can bar performance pay above maintenance pay and First Step Act time credits) and non-residential drug treatment (group counseling). They send a request to Psychology Services. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Education
- The GED program (self-paced, in English and Spanish) and English as a Second Language (ESL), for designated people. Also the Barton Spelling and Reading Program and Women in the 21st Century Workplace, and Adult Continuing Education and college correspondence. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Wellness classes
- Wellness - Inside and Out, A Matter of Balance, Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease, Brain Health as You Age, and similar classes. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Work and pay
- Only designated inmates must work. Holdovers are ordinarily not given jobs. Pay: grade 4 is $.12 an hour, grade 3 $.17, grade 2 $.29, grade 1 $.40, and maintenance pay is $5.25 a month. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
- Law library
- There is a law library and a leisure library. Houston also has a Pretrial Detention Legal Access addendum in the handbook. Click here to read the source: FDC Houston Admission and Orientation Handbook (May 1, 2026) ↗
The BOP's First Step Act guide does not list Houston for residential drug treatment (list updated June 4, 2026). Houston is a detention center, so many programs are for people who are designated here (serving a sentence here), not for those waiting for trial. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
Safety record
Criminal cases at Houston
Deaths announced by the BOP
We found no deaths at Houston announced by the BOP.
We found no BOP press release announcing a death at FDC Houston (checked November 3, 2026). The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this does not mean no one has died there.
Sexual abuse audit (PREA)
The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited Houston April 1 to 3, 2025. Result: 4 standards exceeded, 41 met, 0 not met. In the 12 months before the audit, Houston recorded 8 sexual-abuse allegations (6 against other inmates, 2 against staff) and 0 sexual-harassment allegations. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FDC Houston (onsite April 1 to 3, 2025) ↗
An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.
News about Houston
No news stories found yet. We check every day. Last checked Nov 3, 2026, 8:11 am ET.
Intel from the Inside
Intel last checked: November 3, 2026
Reports from people inside, in their own words. It is how the place really runs, not official policy, and it can change. We never publish names.
No Intel reported for Houston yet.
Know something about Houston that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.