The Coleman County Jail in Coleman, Texas, failed a jail inspection conducted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), per an October 5, 2022, letter issued by Brandon S. Wood, TCJS Executive Director. The Honorable Billy Bledsoe, Coleman County Judge, and Coleman County Sheriff Les Cogdill were both notified. Coleman County Jail’s address is 100 West Live Oak Street, Coleman, Texas, 76834. Coleman County Jail is now listed as a Non-Compliant Jail on the TCJS website.

The TCJS inspector made notes regarding non-compliance under §263-Life Safety, §265-Admission, and §275-Supervision of Inmates. 

Subsequently, TCJS cited Coleman County Jail for non-compliance with §263.42-Fire Prevention Plan; §263.55-Inspections, Maintenance, Testing; §265.13(a)-Verify Veteran Status; and §275.2-Jailers Training and Licensing.

§263.42-Fire Prevention Plan

Quarterly fire prevention documentation was reviewed, and it was determined that the most recent inspection conducted by staff was performed on April 12, 2021. Also, the last inspection by a local fire official was on September 27, 2021, and yet September 30, 2022, is the earliest date when the next inspection can be conducted. The inspector reminded the staff of the importance of completing all life safety inspections in accordance with minimum jail standards. Follow-up: jail staff will scan and e-mail this inspector quarterly fire prevention documentation for the next two quarters. Staff will scan and e-mail this inspector a copy of the local fire official inspection as soon as it is completed.

§263.55-Inspections, Maintenance, Testing

The fire panel was in trouble mode on the day of inspection, and the panel would not reset to normal mode. The alarm company was notified and the trouble was not cleared before the conclusion of the inspection. Staff was reminded to ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained. Follow-up: Staff will scan and e-mail this inspector documentation and a photograph indicating that the fire panel has been repaired and is back in “Normal Mode.”

§265.13(a)-Verify Veteran Status

During the review of the Veterans Reentry Search Service (VRSS) documentation, it was determined that the jail administration has not conducted an upload since December 29, 2021. The administration was reminded that each sheriff shall maintain a log of positive VRSS returns with identifying prisoner number and whether a referral card was issued to the identified veteran prior to his or her release. A reason shall be provided on the log if a referral card was not issued. These actions are required in minimum jail standards. Follow-up: Staff will scan and e-mail this inspector the completed VRSS logs for the next 30 to 90 days.

§275.2-Jailers Training and Licensing

The inspector reviewed a random selection of 12 officer TCOLE certification records. While reviewing TCOLE Jailer’s licenses, it was discovered that Jerry Dawson PID#228442 did not have a Temporary Jailer’s License as required by minimum jail standards. Further investigation revealed that Mr. Dawson began working as a telecommunicator in the control room on September 27, 2021. All telecommunicators at the Coleman County Jail must be dual certified, as they perform the functions of a jailer by opening doors and answering inmate intercoms. Additional information was verified regarding the former temporary jailer’s licensing of Mr. Dawson. Staff was instructed to ensure that a temporary license is listed in TCLEDDS prior to allowing a jailer to begin work. Follow-up: Staff will notify this inspector when or if Mr. Dawson obtains a permanent jailer’s license.

All areas in which jails have specific standards by which they must operate have an effect on inmates. To ensure the protection of inmates and their rights as well as the safety of jail staff and the public, it is of vital importance for jails to be compliant with all minimum jail standards.