HOW TO CONTACT A TDCJ OMBUDSMAN How does an …

1 HOW TO CONTACT A TDCJ OMBUDSMAN . How does an offender seek Please submit inquiries in writing problem resolution? Texas Department ~. For expediency, it is best to attempt to resolve The Offender Grievance Program was issues and obtain information at the unit or supervising parole office. However, if this is not of Criminal Justice developed to enhance lines of possible, CONTACT one of the following: communication between staff and offenders by providing a resource within the TDCJ for resolving concerns TDCJ OMBUDSMAN Office of offenders affecting their General issues concerning the agency's incarceration. operation, policies and procedures. Issues from the public relating to secure facilities (prison units, state jails, and substance abuse felony punishment facilities), and any specific concerns TDCJ. The grievance process provides the regarding offenders confined in these types of offender an opportunity for problem facilities.

2 OMBUDSMAN Office resolution at two distinct administrative Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342-0099. levels. (936) 437-4927~~(936) 437-4930 fax Step 1 allows the offender to request **Bilingual Staff Available Se habla Espa ol**. relief from unit administration. Step 2. affords the offender an appeal process . to Central administrative staff. The TDCJ Parole Division OMBUDSMAN offender completes a grievance form Issues from the public relating to parole and submits the completed form to the supervision. May also respond to concerns from Unit Grievance Investigator. Offenders offenders on parole or mandatory supervision. receive a written response which they Box 13401, Austin, TX 78711. may appeal to Step 2 if desired. (512) 406-5795 ~~ (512) 406-5858 fax **.. By encouraging offenders to General offender status information may be utilize this process, you provide obtained at them an opportunity for Authority enhancing their skills in Agency Toll-Free Telephone Number Texas Government Code responsible problem resolution.

3 1-800-535-0283. Section , Chapter 552. An OMBUDSMAN may: Did you know? Act as a liaison between TDCJ and the general public;. TDCJ has an Internet website that provides respond to information inquiries regarding information about its programs, policies, and agency policies, procedures, or actions;. administrative staff. You may find many respond to questions concerning a specific answers to your questions at offender;. facilitate problem resolution;. make appropriate referrals to agency staff; act as a CONTACT and information resource for special interest groups;. Whom do I CONTACT if I have ~~ AND ~~. questions regarding an offender? MISSION Gather information from several sources within the Agency to provide concise answers to an Many concerns can best be addressed by In accordance with Section of the inquiry, thereby eliminating the need for the contacting unit administrative staff at the Texas Government Code, the TDCJ requestor to CONTACT different areas of TDCJ.

4 Offender's unit of assignment, by telephone or OMBUDSMAN Program provides a single mail. Addresses and telephone numbers for point of CONTACT for elected officials and agency facilities are found on the TDCJ. members of the general public who have website or are available by contacting the inquiries regarding the agency, offenders OMBUDSMAN Office. or staff. When necessary, investigations An OMBUDSMAN cannot: shall be coordinated through appropriate TDCJ officials. The TDCJ OMBUDSMAN Override decisions made by appropriate Offices strive to provide timely responses authorities ( , Judges, Board of Criminal What if I have contacted the unit to the public. Justice, Office of Inspector General staff, and I would like additional etc.). assistance? **. Handle issues outside the oversight of the CONTACT the appropriate OMBUDSMAN Office. OMBUDSMAN information is provided to you in Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

5 Accordance with Section , Texas Government Code, and Agency policy. The TDCJ OMBUDSMAN office facilitates the provision of information to the public in response to specific inquiries regarding the agency, offenders, or staff. This office also provides resolution regarding written complaints from families and friends of offenders. Investigations are coordinated through the appropriate TDCJ officials. Responses will be provided within ten working days. Confidentiality requirements can restrict some information from being released.