Texas Admin Seg & Psych Field Manual for use inside TDCJ

TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE SEGREGATION & PSYCHIATRIC SEGREGATION

STEP-DOWN FIELD MANUAL

Strategic Education & Quality of Life Framework prepared for use inside the

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

SECTION I

PSYCHIATRIC SEGREGATION (PS) STABILIZATION & STEP-DOWN STRATEGY

Core Principle

In Psychiatric Segregation, custody reduction depends primarily on clinical documentation, not argument or grievance volume.

Movement requires documentation of:

• Medication compliance

• Behavioral stability

• Treatment participation

• Risk reduction

If it is not documented, it does not exist.

Monthly Stabilization Log Template

Name: __________________________

TDCJ #: _________________________

Unit: __________________________

Month: _________________________

1. Medication Compliance

Taking medication as prescribed? 

YES / NO

Any refusals? __________________

Side effects reported? __________

Document: Date | Provider | Notes

2. Behavioral Stability

Disciplinary cases this month?

Use-of-force incidents?

Self-harm ideation?

If none: “Disciplinary free and behaviorally stable for this period.”

3. Treatment Participation

Date | Type (Individual/Group) | Provider | Attended?

4. Risk Reduction

Examples:

• Requested mental health assistance before escalation

• Used de-escalation techniques

• Avoided confrontation

Pre-Review Clinical Request Template

Submit 2–3 weeks before review:

To: Mental Health Department

Date: ________

Name: ________

TDCJ #: ______

Unit: ________

“I respectfully request clinical evaluation for possible reduction in psychiatric housing level. I have remained medication compliant and behaviorally stable for ___ months. Please provide measurable criteria required for step-down.”

Signature: ___________

Legal Framework

Although Texas does not eliminate psychiatric segregation automatically, constitutional due process principles under Wilkinson v. Austin, 545 U.S. 209 (2005), require meaningful periodic review for long-term segregation placements.

Stability Period (Realistic):

Mild instability: 3–6 months

Moderate: 6–12 months

Chronic/violent: 12+ months

SECTION II

STG RENUNCIATION & DISASSOCIATION ROADMAP (G5 ADMIN SEG)

Governing Policy

TDCJ Administrative Directive AD-03.50 (Security Threat Groups)

TDCJ Administrative Directive AD-03.82 (Offender Grievance)

Periodic review standards recognized in Wilkinson v. Austin

Three Lawful Pathways Out of STG-Based G5

1. Renunciation & Disassociation Program (RDP)

Requirements:

Written renunciation

Clean disciplinary record

Monitoring period

No STG activity

Timeframe: 12–24 months typical.

Probability: Moderate to high if compliant.

Renunciation Template

To: STG Coordinator

Date: ________

Name: ________

TDCJ #: ______

Unit: ________

“I formally renounce and disassociate from any Security Threat Group affiliation. I request placement in the Renunciation and Disassociation Program and eligibility for step-down review.”

Signature: ___________

2. Inactive Status Review

If no documented STG activity for 12–18 months, request review.

Probability: Low to moderate depending on record.

3. Procedural Appeal

If validation lacked documentation or periodic review was skipped, grievance may challenge procedural failure.

Only use when procedural violation exists.

What Actually Moves the Needle

• 12+ months disciplinary free

• No coded communication

• No contraband

• Respectful staff interaction

• Consistency over time

SECTION III

TACTICAL ICC APPEARANCE STRATEGY

Institutional Classification Committee (ICC) and State Classification Committee (SCC) determine custody movement.

Pre-Review Preparation (30 Days Prior)

Collect:

• Disciplinary record printout

• Program certificates

• Mental health compliance documentation

Prepare one-page summary:

“Disciplinary free for ___ months. No STG activity. Medication compliant. Request review for custody reduction.”

Appearance Conduct

When called:

State clearly:

“I have been disciplinary free for ___ months. I request review for step-down eligibility under TDCJ policy. What measurable benchmarks remain?”

Remain calm. Do not argue emotionally. Do not accuse staff.

Post-Review Documentation

Immediately record:

• Date

• Committee members

• Decision

• Reasons given

If no measurable criteria provided, note that.

Realistic Outcome Assessment

0–6 months clean: Low chance

6–12 months: Possible in minor cases

12–24 months: Moderate probability

Violent history: Longer timeframe

SECTION IV

FULL SEGREGATION STEP-DOWN WORKBOOK

Five Pillars of Movement

• Disciplinary stability

• STG compliance

• Mental health stabilization

• Program participation time

• 12-Month Strategy 

Example

Months 1–3: Zero cases. Submit program requests.

Months 4–6: Maintain documentation. Request review.

Months 7–9: Continue compliance. Document ICC outcomes.

Months 10–12: Submit formal step-down eligibility request.

Documentation System

Create folders:

• Disciplinary Records

• Program Completion

• Mental Health Compliance

Review Notes

SECTION V

HB 3725 & GOVERNMENT CODE § 493.036 ANALYSIS

House Bill 3725 (89th Legislature)

HB 3725 proposed:

Elimination of indefinite solitary confinement for STG status alone

Behavior-based criteria for Restricted Housing

Two-year structured step-down program

Creation of Restricted Custody General Population (RCGP)

Status: Did not pass into law.

Significance: Reflects legislative movement toward behavior-based custody rather than indefinite status-based segregation.

Texas Government Code § 493.036

This statute requires TDCJ to develop a 10-year facilities and capacity plan.

It requires submission of planning reports to:

• Governor

• Lieutenant Governor

• Speaker of the House

• Legislative oversight committee.

Important:

This statute does NOT create individual step-down rights. It governs institutional planning.

However, it reflects legislative emphasis on capacity planning and program availability.

Strategic Use of Legislative Language

Example advocacy statement:

“Consistent with Government Code § 493.036 and legislative efforts such as HB 3725 emphasizing behavior-based housing criteria, I respectfully request measurable step-down benchmarks tied to documented rehabilitation and compliance.”

FINAL STRATEGIC PRINCIPLES

Step-down is not won in one meeting.

It is built through:

• Consistency

• Documentation

• Compliance

• Demeanor

• Time

Avoid:

• Emotional escalation

• Threat-based grievances

• False renunciation

• Medication refusal patterns

END OF DOCUMENT