Jo Ann Lemmons was incarcerated in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Tarrant County Jail from June 24, 2023, to June 27, 2023. On the day of her death, a detention officer was conducting a face-to-face observation of Ms. Lemmons and noticed that she appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency. Lifesaving measures were taken but failed to revive the 55-year-old detainee.

Heat Mitigation Measures

When the heat index is above 90º F, such as the time this post was written, the following are among the precautions that should be taken in jails generally. This does not relate to Ms. Lemmons’ death but is provided as general information.

• Ice and additional water and cups are provided in the dorms, recreational areas, housing areas, and dining areas.
• Inmates are transported to other facilities, as needed, only in air-conditioned transfer vehicles.
• Offenders are allowed to utilize and carry cooling towels.
• Inmates can wear t-shirts and shorts in recreational areas and dayrooms.
• Maintenance of fans and blowers is assured as well as access to showers.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this series.

One of the purposes of this website is to provide resources that help Texas detainees who have been incarcerated in local county and municipal jails in the state. There is never an intention of implicating an individual or institution in connection with misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor