Continuing with details from the custodial death report (CDR) about Wise County Jail detainee Raymond Harold Martinez, the next paragraph in the summary of events that surrounded his death is dated July 23, 2023. Mr. Martinez was moved to holding cell #4 due to health observations and concerns about Mr. Martinez falling. Mr. Martinez’s health concerns could be more closely monitored while he was housed in the holding cell. On July 24, 2023, Mr. Martinez was observed by jail staff to be responsive and able to take his medication without difficulty. However, he soiled himself later the same day. Mr. Martinez was able to shower himself but needed help undressing and dressing. Jail staff kept Mr. Martinez in Holding cell #4 out of concern he may not be able to care for himself.

Wise County Jail is Found Noncompliant With 5 Minimum Jail Standards

As a result of an April 21, 2017, inspection by inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), Wise County Jail was cited for 5 alleged violations of minimum jail standards. Information follows on one of those alleged violations.

Rule §273.5 (b)- Screening Instrument

Wise County Jail allegedly violated Rule §273.5 -Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan, Part (b) Screening Instrument. An approved mental disabilities/suicide prevention screening instrument shall be completed immediately on all inmates admitted.

• During the review of inmate health files, it was determined that the forms were not completed in their entirety in that the required notification to a magistrate or a mental health professional was not documented on the form. The time and date boxes were left blank. Also, in many cases, the CCQ Match box was also left blank when it should have been filled in due to a match. The team was able to review supporting documentation that in most cases the notifications were completed, but not all. This documentation was in the form of a separate magistrate notification letter. The medical department also keeps a separate log where all positive CCQ’s generate a notification to mental health. Due to missing magistrate letters as well as no documentation on the screening form, the inspection team was unable to verify a magistrate was notified as required. Technical assistance was provided over some of these very same issues during last year’s annual inspection.

Also, see Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this five-part series.

One of the purposes of this site is to help local Texas jail detainees and their families by providing helpful information. There is never an intention of suggesting that a person or organization has participated in misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor