O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville

The Patrick O’Daniel Unit, located in Gatesville, Texas, is a pivotal facility within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). This correctional institution focuses on both incarcerating and rehabilitating offenders, in line with the broader mission of the TDCJ.

The facility originally opened in 1975 under the name Mountain View Unit. In 2024, it was renamed the Patrick O’Daniel Unit to honor Patrick L. O’Daniel, who served as the chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice from 2020 to 2023. The unit covers about 97 acres and is situated just four miles north of central Gatesville.

The Patrick O’Daniel Unit is specifically designed for 644 female offenders, including those on death row. This unique focus distinguishes it from other facilities in Texas, as it houses the state’s female death row inmates in a dedicated section. The prison also includes various specialized dorms to meet the specific needs of its female population.

Maintaining family connections is crucial for the rehabilitation process, and the Patrick O’Daniel Unit recognizes this by offering structured visitation hours. Currently, visits are typically held on:

• Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

These hours provide ample opportunity for meaningful interactions between inmates and their visitors, helping to foster family and social bonds despite the challenges of incarceration.

For further information about the O’Daniel Unit, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Texas.