Deeply rooted in Texas lore, with over 170 years of operation.

And it all started in one place, in the woods of East Texas - The Walls Unit.

Take a deep dive into the storied history of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in our new podcast, with your host, Robert Hurst.

This is From the Files.

Episode 1 - The Walls

For years, the wildest show in Texas was hosted in the TDCJ capital of Huntsville, TX. Drawing the attention of celebrities like John Wayne, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, the Texas Prison Rodeo was the last remnant of a wild west that, still to this day, captivates so many.

With your host, Robert Hurst, this is From the Files.

Episode 2 - The Prison Rodeo

The Byrd Cemetery, sitting on top of a hill overlooking Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, is rowed with tombstones most see as a typical burial place. 

But the tenants there are far from typical, and their stories are mostly forgotten.

This is From The Files.

The Byrd Cemetery

For more than 36,000 dedicated public servants, our mission is to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society and assist victims of crime. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is the Lone Star State’s largest state agency and manages more than 146,000 offenders in state prisons, state jails and private correctional facilities that contract with the TDCJ. The agency also provides funding and certain oversight of community supervision and is responsible for the supervision of offenders released from prison on parole or mandatory supervision.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

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