Gonzales County Jail Issued Notice of Noncompliance by State
A notice of non-compliance was sent to Gonzales County Jail on March 20, 2024. The Gonzales, Texas, jail has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) for one jail violation. The citation resulted from a January 19, 2024, jail inspection. A TCJS inspector found that inmates weren’t given 24-hour written notice before a hearing was held on facility rules violations. Gonzales County Jail’s address is 1713 E Sarah DeWitt Dr, Gonzales, TX 78629. The bed capacity at the Gonzales jail is 120.
Chronic Problems Lead to Unrest in County Jails
Being the entity detainees in Texas jails must bring their grievances to, TCJS is well familiar with complaints against Texas jails. There are problems in county and municipal jails in every state. Wisconsin has recently been in the spotlight, and the biggest reason is that 6 people died in the Milwaukee County Jail in the 14 months preceding September 11, 2023.
A major incident in August 2023 brought to light discontent among detainees in the Milwaukee jail. Inmates barricaded themselves in the library and refused to go to their cells. Their chief complaint was dissatisfaction with their gymnasium time coming to an end. The detainees expressed that they wanted more “open” recreational time.
It isn’t unusual for jail protests to arise against facility policies. In Milwaukee, people detained in the jail have reported several horrific conditions to a leader in a watchdog group. At the heart of it all is that 23-hour-a-day lockdowns have become commonplace. Large and small acts of civil disobedience become the order of the day, from self-harm to intentionally clogging the toilets.
Low Jail Staffing Can Result in Jail Neglect
There are certain challenges that many jails face today. For example, low staffing is a widespread concern. Detainees spend an increased amount of time within their cells when the staff is insufficient to allow for normal dayroom schedules.
When staffing is insufficient, detainees often obstruct the view into their cell, though a clear view is required to ensure their safety and security. Face-to-face observations are important in jails, where suicide is the leading cause of death. Supervision is the best deterrent to suicide.
Medical neglect can occur when, for instance, medications aren’t distributed as directed by physicians. After 41-year-old detainee Christopher Wayne Cabler died from suicide in Red River County Jail in Texas, it was determined that, allegedly, he was not administered the medications prescribed for him after a hospital visit during his incarceration.
It could cause medical issues if inmates in restraints aren’t checked every 15 minutes, as required in minimum jail standards. Gonzales County Jail was cited in 2023 after observation records showed that an inmate held in restraints was checked on every 20 minutes.
Do You Need Help With Possible Jail Neglect?
Jails can be held accountable for certain types of neglect, such as medical neglect. Has a family member died due to jail neglect or have you suffered a life-altering injury while incarcerated? Give our office a call without delay. We will look into your claim and determine whether it is a matter we can help you with. Call, text, or fill out our online form any time of the day or night.
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