Welcome!
Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA) is happy you are here! Please take a good look around to see how you can be a part of the change by GETTING INVOLVED. TPCA educates the general public about inhumane prison conditions through social media and events. So don't forget the RESEARCH LIBRARY. There is so much information there to help you advocate for CHANGE in the Texas prison system.
Our Priorities
Changing Inhumane carceral Conditions
For far too long the carceral system has been treating human beings as if they are not human. TPCA believes that no person should have to endure torturous heat, contaminated water, nutritiously lacking food, or medical indifference.
Did you know that 70% of Texas prisons don't have full Air Conditioning?
Well now you do. Learn more about how HOT is really gets in a Texas prison cell.
End Solitary Confinement
TPCA believes that the practice of solitary confinement is morally wrong, mentally debilitating, social stunting and the use of it must be substantially reduced.
Compassionate Release
TPCA believes that population members should be compassionalty released to the care of their family in their final days. People with terminal illnesses are not a threat to society. Furthermore recidivism rates as a person age decrease while the cost of their care increases.
Law of Parties
Join us as we work to educate the public, our lawmakers, and other affected families about this law. We MUST all step together to end this injustice and create a remedy for those who have already been unconstitutionally convicted.
Support for Impacted Families
Impacted family member suffer along with their incarcerated loved ones in many ways. Often times they are stigmatized, shamed, and bear the financial burden of incarceration. We are here for you! TPCA educates and trains impacted families to advocate for their incarcerated loved ones. Need help advocating for your impacted Loved One? Check out our resources for impacted family members.
Take Action Now!
For more ways that you can TAKE ACTION please check out our Get Involved page and campaigns
As part of the state's strategic planning process, TDCJ is conducting a customer satisfaction survey. This happens every every two years. Don't wait until it's too late to respond to this Survey
Help us provide cooling towels for indigent incarcerated persons.
The Sunset Advisory Commission wants to hear for you!
The Sunset Advisory Commission reviews state agencies every 10-12 years for its efficiency. Currently the Commission is reviewing the performance and mission adherence of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice Windham School District. As part of the process, public comments on whether the agency is still needed, concerns over the operational efficacy, and recommendations to improve its operations and services are essential.
You can submit comments and suggestions to Sunset staff by:
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E-mailing to sunset@sunset.texas.gov
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Submit comments online at the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission
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Write to Sunset Advisory Commission, Attn: TDCJ, PO Box 13066, Austin, Texas 78711
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Call (512) 463-1300 to speak to Darren McDivitt, project manager of the TDCJ review
Don't wait or procrastinate! Provide your comments now, to ensure Sunset staff can fully consider your input while conducting their review. Comments submitted before the staff report is published in September 2024 will remain confidential.
Sign up for e-mail alerts on the Sunset staff report and the Sunset Commission’s public meetings by visiting the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission .
Visit A Prison
We work with lawmakers and policymakers to create positive change in the Texas prison system. TPCA, in partnership with FAMM, asks you to challenge your state and federal legislators to #VisitAPrison. "They don't know until they go".
Click on the button below to be directed to a letter action that will be sent to your state and federal legislators. This letter is editable if you would like to add a personal message.
After you send your letter, take a look at the family guide for more ideas on how you can help spread the word, convince legislators to #VisitAPrison, and make a difference for those that are incarcerated. This issue of prison conditions needs a powerful united voice if a change is to be made for our loved ones.
Come out and Experience
TPCA's Mock Cell
at UT Austin
