At the time of intake at the Jefferson County Jail in Beaumont, Texas, on September 12, 2022, Derrick Richard Allen’s condition was evaluated. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Allen indicates that he appeared to be intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. He also exhibited medical and mental health problems. The cause of his death in the custody of the jail on September 19, 2022, is yet unknown.

Do Mentally Disabled Inmates in Texas County and Municipal Jails Get the Health Care Services They Need? Continued

There is a procedure in Harris County involving mentally ill inmates in the Houston, Texas, jails that is considered one of its best practices. Jail operations include the presence of the local Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) center. The county contracts with the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMRA) to provide jail-based mental health services. This includes screening, assessments, and treatment.

Harris County Jail has developed a continuity of care system for mentally disabled inmates that is the most comprehensive in Texas and possibly in the nation.

The initial steps taken at intake related to mentally disabled individuals in Harris County are that inmates suspected of mental impairment or flagged at booking are immediately referred to MH/MR, regardless of their previous or current services history. In the next segment of this series, learn more about Harris County Jail procedures. Also, see Part 1 and Part 2 of this continuing series.

This website is meant as a resource that benefits the county and municipal jail inmates in Texas. Insinuating that organizations or persons are perpetrators is never intended.

–Guest Contributor