The John Middleton Unit (JMU) is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison located in Abilene, Texas. It is one of the largest prisons in the state, housing over 2,000 inmates. The prison was opened in 1982 and is named after former TDCJ Director John Middleton.
The JMU is a maximum-security prison that houses both male and female inmates. The prison has a variety of programs and services available to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also has a medical unit that provides inmates with basic healthcare services.
History
The JMU was opened in 1982 as a minimum-security prison. However, in 1991, the prison was converted to a maximum-security facility. The prison has been the site of several high-profile incidents over the years, including a riot in 1995 and a hostage situation in 2001.
Security
The JMU is a maximum-security prison that employs a variety of security measures to prevent escapes and other incidents. The prison has a double perimeter fence, as well as guard towers and surveillance cameras. Inmates are also required to wear identification bracelets and are subject to random searches.
Demographics
The JMU houses over 2,000 inmates, the majority of whom are male. The prison also houses a small number of female inmates. The average age of inmates at the JMU is 35 years old. The majority of inmates at the JMU are serving sentences for violent crimes.
Programs and Services
The JMU offers a variety of programs and services to inmates. These programs include:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Medical care
- Mental health services
- Religious services
Controversies
The JMU has been the site of several controversies over the years. In 1995, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the deaths of two inmates and several injuries. In 2001, a hostage situation occurred at the prison, in which several inmates took several guards hostage. The hostage situation was eventually resolved without any injuries.
Conclusion
The John Middleton Unit is a maximum-security prison that houses over 2,000 inmates. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison has also been the site of several controversies over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the John Middleton Unit?
A: The John Middleton Unit (JMU) is a maximum-security prison located in Abilene, Texas.
Q: How many inmates are housed at the JMU?
A: The JMU houses over 2,000 inmates.
Q: What programs and services are available to inmates at the JMU?
A: The JMU offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, medical care, mental health services, and religious services.
Q: Have there been any controversies at the JMU?
A: Yes, the JMU has been the site of several controversies over the years, including a riot in 1995 and a hostage situation in 2001.
Additional Information
- The JMU is named after former TDCJ Director John Middleton.
- The prison is located on over 1,000 acres of land.
- The JMU employs over 500 staff members.
- The prison has a recidivism rate of over 50%.
Tables
Table 1: JMU Population
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,100 |
| 2017 | 2,200 |
| 2018 | 2,300 |
| 2019 | 2,400 |
Table 2: JMU Programs and Services
| Program/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Educational programs | Inmates can earn a GED or high school diploma. |
| Vocational training | Inmates can learn a trade, such as carpentry, welding, or electrical work. |
| Substance abuse treatment | Inmates can receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. |
| Medical care | Inmates receive basic healthcare services, including medical, dental, and mental health care. |
| Mental health services | Inmates can receive counseling and therapy for mental health issues. |
| Religious services | Inmates can attend religious services of their choice. |
Table 3: JMU Controversies
| Year | Incident |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Riot |
| 2001 | Hostage situation |
Table 4: JMU Recidivism Rate
| Year | Recidivism Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 52% |
| 2017 | 53% |
| 2018 | 54% |
| 2019 | 55% |
