When Albert Pena was brought to Starr County Jail in Rio Grande City, Texas, for incarceration on August 13, 2020, his behavior was continuously combative and a threat to himself. As allowed by minimum jail standards established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), he was placed in a Wrap Restraint Device. Before 10 hours had passed, 30-year-old Pena was pronounced dead.

The following continues with information on TCJS rules regarding restraint devices.

RULE §273.6 – Restraints

• Only supervisory and medical personnel can make the decision to apply restraints. The medical condition of the inmate must first be assessed by an appropriate member of the staff.
• The movements of an inmate must only be restricted at the level necessary to prevent injurious behavior. Whenever feasible, padded or soft restraints should be used.
• The application of a restraint device must not worsen any physical infirmities the inmate may suffer from.
• Every 15 minutes, the inmate must be observed face-to-face. Part of the assessment is to check the inmate’s blood circulation to the extremities affected by the restraint.
• Anytime an inmate’s movements have been restricted by a restraint device for a two-hour period, the inmate must receive medical care. The following are among the required steps when providing medical care:
  • Take vital signs
  • Allow the inmate access to toilet facilities
  • Be sure the inmate exercises his or her extremities
  • Offer liquids and nourishment
  • Check to determine if there are any needs for medication

See Part 1 of this ongoing series.

It is intended on this website that Texas county jail inmates, current and former, will find the help that they need. It is never intended on this site to suggest that individuals or entities have engaged in misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor