Coryell County TX Jail
County Jail | Coryell County County — Texas | Coryell County Texas Sheriff's Office
Coryell County TX Jail is a medium-security detention facility located at 510 Leon Street in Gatesville, Texas. Established in 1992, the jail operates as part of the Texas Department of Corrections system under the leadership of Sheriff Johnny Burks. The facility houses both male and female inmates with a current population of approximately 82 inmates and a total capacity of 92, making it a moderately sized county detention center serving Coryell County and surrounding areas.
Families seeking information about incarcerated loved ones can search for inmates housed at this Gatesville facility, access arrest records, and learn about sending money, scheduling visits, and maintaining contact. Understanding the specific procedures and regulations at Coryell County TX Jail helps families navigate the challenges of having a relative in custody.
Coryell County TX Jail stands out among Texas detention facilities due to its location in Gatesville, a city known as the corrections capital of Texas. With multiple state and federal prison facilities concentrated in this small Central Texas community, the county jail serves a unique role providing local detention services in a town whose economy and identity are deeply connected to corrections. The facility maintains its medium-security designation while housing both male and female populations, requiring specialized housing management and gender-appropriate programming within its 92-bed capacity. This dual-gender operation in a corrections-centric community distinguishes it from many single-gender county facilities across the state.
Coryell County TX Jail primarily houses individuals awaiting trial on various charges, along with sentenced misdemeanor offenders serving time on county-level convictions. The population of approximately 82 inmates includes both pretrial detainees presumed innocent until proven guilty and those serving sentences up to one year for county-level offenses. The facility accommodates both male and female inmates in separate housing units, with classifications based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral factors. Common offenses include drug possession, driving while intoxicated, assault, theft, probation violations, and outstanding warrants. The jail also temporarily holds individuals arrested on state charges before transfer to Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities. Special populations may include inmates requiring medical monitoring or protective custody arrangements.
Inmates at Coryell County TX Jail are housed in dormitory-style or cell-based units depending on classification level and gender, with housing assignments determined by offense type, security needs, and behavior. The facility provides three meals daily prepared according to Texas county jail nutritional standards, with accommodations for medical diets when documented by healthcare staff. Recreation opportunities include scheduled outdoor time in secure recreation yards, though access depends on housing classification and facility scheduling. Medical services are available for routine healthcare needs, sick call requests, and management of chronic conditions, with arrangements for emergency care at outside hospitals when necessary. Mental health services address inmates experiencing psychological distress or managing pre-existing conditions. Inmates can file grievances through the formal complaint process overseen by jail administration when they believe policies have been violated or they have been treated unfairly, with responses provided according to established timelines.
Coryell County TX Jail offers limited programming typical of county detention facilities, where shorter stays and rapid population turnover affect program availability. Educational services may include GED preparation materials for eligible inmates serving longer sentences or awaiting trial for extended periods. Substance abuse programming addresses addiction issues through educational materials, occasional group sessions, and connections to community resources for post-release treatment. Religious services and spiritual support are available through volunteer chaplains and faith-based organizations that conduct regular services and provide religious materials. Re-entry planning focuses primarily on connecting sentenced inmates with community resources, parole officers, and social services prior to release. Due to the facility's medium-security status and mixed pretrial population, programming is generally less extensive than long-term correctional institutions.
Work assignments at Coryell County TX Jail include essential facility maintenance tasks performed by approved inmates classified for trusty status. Inside jobs include kitchen duties assisting with meal preparation and cleanup, laundry services handling facility linens and inmate clothing, and janitorial work maintaining cleanliness throughout housing units and common areas. Trustees may also assist with administrative tasks under staff supervision. Outside work details are limited and carefully supervised, potentially including grounds maintenance around the jail property. These work assignments provide structure, reduce idleness, and may result in good-time credit for sentenced inmates. Participation in work programs is considered a privilege requiring demonstrated good behavior and compliance with facility rules.
Coryell County TX Jail was established in 1992 to replace an outdated detention facility that no longer met the needs of the growing county population. The construction reflected modern detention standards for medium-security county jails in Texas, incorporating separate housing for male and female populations and improved medical and program space. Located in Gatesville, the county seat and a community already known for its concentration of correctional facilities including state prisons, the jail became part of the area's corrections infrastructure. Over the past three decades, the facility has maintained its 92-bed capacity while adapting operations to changing inmate demographics, evolving detention standards, and updated Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements. Today, under Sheriff Johnny Burks, the jail continues serving as Coryell County's primary pretrial detention and short-term sentencing facility.
Visitation at Coryell County TX Jail allows approved family members and friends to maintain contact with incarcerated individuals following specific procedures established by jail administration. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and may be required to complete a visitor application and background check before approval. Dress code requirements prohibit revealing clothing, items resembling inmate uniforms, and attire deemed inappropriate by staff. Visitation schedules vary based on housing unit assignments and gender, with designated days and times for different inmate classifications. The facility may utilize video visitation technology or traditional contact visits depending on security level. Families should contact the jail directly before traveling to confirm current visitation schedules, verify visitor approval status, and understand specific rules that may change.
To send mail to an inmate at Coryell County TX Jail, address correspondence with the inmate's full legal name and booking number to 510 Leon Street, Gatesville, TX 76528. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and must follow facility guidelines prohibiting items like cash, stamps, polaroid photographs, or inappropriate content. Books and magazines typically must be ordered directly from approved vendors who ship to the facility. Inmates can make outgoing telephone calls using the jail's contracted phone system, which requires friends and family to establish prepaid accounts through the provider. Some Texas county jails offer email or electronic messaging services through third-party vendors, though families should verify current availability at this specific facility before attempting to use such services.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Coryell County TX Jail operates at medium security with a strong safety record—zero staff assaults and 89% capacity utilization indicate stable conditions. The facility maintains professional standards appropriate for pre-trial and sentenced inmates. Visitors should expect standard security procedures including ID verification and bag checks; plan visits during posted hours and confirm inmate location before traveling.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Gatesville is a small county seat in Central Texas, approximately 30 miles northwest of Waco. The jail is located at 510 Leon Street in downtown Gatesville, easily accessible from US Highway 84. The area offers basic services including motels along the main corridor and dining options within walking distance. Waco International Airport (approximately 45 minutes) serves as the nearest major air hub for out-of-state visitors.