Multiple Texas County Jails Lack Required Suicide Prevention Training

Suicide is typically either the first or second most common cause of inmate deaths in local county jails. One of the ways in which minimum jail standards address suicide prevention is with jail staff training requirements. Oftentimes, however, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) discover noncompliance in this area.

Noncompliance with Rule §273.5(a)(1)-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan-Training

Training. Staff members must be trained to recognize, supervise, document, and handle inmates with mental disabilities and/or potentially suicidal ideations. Staff members assigned to intake screening should receive supplemental training.

Wilbarger County Jail at 5215 College Dr, Vernon, TX 76384

In a July 20, 2022, jail inspection report, TCJS cited Wilbarger County Jail for six alleged violations of minimum jail standards, including Rule §273.5(a)(1)-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan-Training. The following are from inspector’s notes:

·        Under the jail’s training plan related to suicide prevention and mental disabilities, 2 hours of training are required for staff members but such training has not been conducted since May 22, 2019.

Terrell County Jail at 105 E Hackberry St, Sanderson, TX 79848

In a jail inspection report dated September 27, 2021, Terrell County Jail was cited for seven alleged minimum jail standards, including Rule §273.5(a)(1). Inspector’s notes follow:

·        The facility’s operational plan requires annual suicide prevention training, but it has not been conducted within the past 12 months.

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, and this ongoing series. 

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–Guest Contributor