At the time of her booking into Harris County Jail in Houston, Texas, on September 29, 2022, it was noted that Victoria Margaret Simon, age 42, exhibited medical problems. However, instead of the typical yes-or-no answer to several other standard questions, the answer shown is “unknown.” At intake, the answers to whether or not Ms. Simon appeared to be intoxicated with drugs or alcohol or exhibited mental or medical problems are all “unknown.” Yet, intake personnel are trained to discern these conditions and provide a decisive answer.

Out-of-State Restraint Policies in Deschutes County, Oregon

Deschutes County in the state of Oregon is a place where restraints seem to be used with great caution. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has released the details of their Critical Policy on the use of Restraints, including restraint chairs and restraint wrap devices, which TCJS has also approved. In the Deschutes County jail system, restraint devices are referred to as Emergency Restraint Chairs (ERCs) and they are defined as chairs specially designed to strap down an inmate’s arms, legs, and torso.

In the Adult Jail of Deschutes County, members of the sworn staff will only use restraints as a control measure to prevent self-inflicted injury, injury to others, the destruction of property, and escapes when less restrictive measures are inadequate. Their policy adds that it is a critical issue because misusing restraints can cause injury or loss of life and may violate rights that are constitutionally protected.

Learn more in Part 1 and this continuing series.

Providing helpful information for county and city jail inmates in Texas is the reason for this website. There is no intention on this site of insinuating that any person or entity has participated in wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor