Non-Compliance in Texas Jails

Observation of inmates is an essential part of avoiding injury and custodial deaths. When detainees are placed in a detoxification cell or holding cell, they must be observed by jailers every 30 minutes max. The fact that an inmate is in a holding cell is typically an indication that the individual is at risk in some way. For instance, when an inmate has been identified as being potentially suicidal, they are moved into an area in which face-to-face observations occur every half hour as opposed to every hour.

At a jail in Texas, The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) released a jail inspection report in September 2020 reflecting the following:

• When TCJS inspectors reviewed observation records of inmates in holding and detoxification cells, it was discovered that the required face-to-face observations that must be conducted every 30 minutes at most are routinely being neglected.

Research has revealed that an important part of keeping inmates safe is to train jail personnel properly and thoroughly with regard to identifying inmates who are potentially suicidal. In the first place, the Sheriff or jail operator must develop a plan addressing mental disabilities and suicide prevention. That plan must be developed and implemented in coordination with mental and medical health officials and approved by TCJS.

See Part 1 of this ongoing series.

Providing information that could be of assistance to former and current inmates and their families is the purpose of all posts on this website. There is never an intention to suggest that any type of impropriety has occurred on the part of an institution or person.

–Guest Contributor