David Quannah Brown was combative when he entered Potter County Jail in Amarillo, Texas, late the night of June 5, 2021. He was believed to be under the influence of narcotics. Less than seven hours after his arrival, Mr. Brown was pronounced dead by emergency medical services.

The minimum jail standards for county lockups established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) include guidelines for the provision of detox cells. More information follows.

RULE §261.333 – Detoxification Cells

For any jail facility in which the housing of intoxicated individuals is anticipated, one or more detoxification cells must be included. The cells are to be used for the detention of individuals going through the detoxification process. The following are among the specifications.

• Seating-Stationary benches abutting the walls of the detox cells must be provided. The height of the benches must be no higher than 8 inches from the finished floor. The benches must extend the length of the cell.
• Surfaces-The wall, floor, and ceiling materials must be easy to clean and durable.
• Supervision-The cell must be located and built in such a way as to facilitate the supervision of the cell area and to reduce noise significantly.
• Plumbing-Detox cells must have at least one vandal resistive flushing floor drain with outside controls or standard floor drains with a vandal resistive toilet and lavatory. Floors must be pitched properly to drains. Drinking water must be provided with the installation of lavatories or drinking fountains.

See Part 1 of this continuing series.

Assisting Texas prisoners incarcerated in county facilities is the purpose of posts on this website. There is no intention to suggest that persons or organizations have engaged in misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor