Blanco County Jail Fails State Inspection
Blanco County Jail in Johnson City, Texas, has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) for two alleged jail violations. Anytime a U.S. jail fails to uphold minimum standards, there is an increased risk that the rights of detainees could be denied. A March 11, 2024, notice of non-compliance was sent to Blanco County Jail about a special jail inspection conducted on March 6.
The Johnson City jail is cited for an issue that could result in medical neglect. The jail was also found deficient in completing an important aspect of the initial screening process for detainees. More follows about the importance of these jail standards to the well-being of inmates. Blanco County Jail’s address is 105 North Avenue G, Johnson City, Texas 78636. The bed capacity at the Johnson City jail is 56.
Medical Neglect in County and Municipal Jails
Blanco County Jail allegedly violated a minimum jail standard listed in the health services chapter. After reviewing restraint logs, TCJS inspectors found that out of 22 entries showing face-to-face observations, which are required at least every 15 minutes, 5 were late by 3 to 16 minutes.
The potential dangers associated with restraints have been made clear in several high-profile cases in recent years. One example is George Floyd, who uttered “I can’t breathe” before ultimately dying while handcuffed on the ground. In jails as well as in encounters with police, it is reported that intense struggle is usually involved when it is deemed necessary to place a suspect or detainee in restraints.
It is for health reasons that inmates in restraints are supposed to be checked at least every 15 minutes. The manufacturer’s instructions that come with restraint chairs, for example, stress the importance of frequently ensuring that there is no restriction on the circulation of the person restrained. In addition, no straps should be applied so that the person’s air supply could be cut off.
Omissions During Intake Could Suggest Jail Neglect
It could mean the difference between life and death if intake procedures for inmates are not handled responsibly. In the case of Blanco County Jail, TCJS inspectors allege that notifications to the magistrate and mental health officials are not being handled according to Code of Criminal Procedures (CCP) Article 16.22. CCP 16.22 lays out the procedures for early identification of individuals in the criminal justice system suspected of being mentally handicapped or intellectually disabled.
The most significant reason for the importance of identifying inmates who are mentally ill is so that suicide prevention measures may be applied. Suicide is the number one cause of death among detainees in local jails in the U.S. Failing to provide appropriate precautions for at-risk inmates may be deemed a type of jail neglect, which denies inmates their rights.
Where to Call for Help
Getting justice in jail neglect cases, as in all lawsuits, requires proper handling within the dictates of the justice system. Our law office has years of experience in representing families of loved ones who have died due to jail neglect. When possible, we also represent former inmates who have suffered life-altering injuries while in a U.S. jail. Contact us today. We are available 24/7 by phone call, text, and our online form.
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