Smith County Jail is Cited for Multiple Violations in a 2/18/22 Report Continued

RULE §273.5(a)(2)-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan Continued

The requirement about notifying magistrates of the arrival of inmates who are either mentally ill or potentially suicidal, as detailed in Rule §273.5(a)(2), was not complied with by the Smith County Jail, per the report of an inspector with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS).

This rule is an intended benefit to inmates. The job of the magistrate is to determine whether or verify that an inmate has an intellectual disability or mental illness. If it is determined that the inmate does have one of these issues, the magistrate must order the designated authorities to collect information and provide the magistrate with a written assessment. In connection with this, please note the following:

• If the inmate has been determined to have an intellectual disability or a mental illness within the preceding year of his or her date of arrest, the magistrate is not required to order an assessment.

• If the inmate refuses or fails to submit the collection of information, the magistrate may order him or her to submit to an examination either in the jail or in another place within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 72 hours.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, and Part 9 of this continuing series.

The desire to provide helpful information to Texas inmates incarcerated now or at a former time in county or municipal jails is the purpose of this website. There is never an intention of accusing anyone or any institution of wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor