Lamb County Jail in Littlefield, Texas is Cited for One Alleged Violation of Minimum Jail Standards
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) is the entity that conducts county jail inspections and implements declared state policies that all county jail facilities must conform to in order to meet minimum standards of operation, maintenance, and construction. The operation of jail facilities is under the jurisdiction of TCJS, along with the care, custody, and treatment of prisoners and more. A Jail Inspection Report was released on November 20, 2017, detailing one alleged violation committed by Lamb County Jail in Littlefield, Texas.
The standard allegedly violated was in regard to an emergency back-up electrical generator that is supposed to operate both automatically and manually in the event that the primary electrical power source is interrupted. The system must have the capability of operating for at least 1 ½ hours without the need to refuel. The back-up power source should be provided for life safety systems and other necessary equipment, including but not limited to:
- Fire detection and alarm systems,
- Exit lights,
- Emergency illumination systems,
- Audible communication systems,
- Security and control systems,
- Normal ventilation systems required for smoke detection, and
- Smoke management systems.
Investigators with TCJS found that there is an interruption of service to both intercoms and door controls when the power load is transferred to the generator and when transferring back to normal power from the generator.
When minimum safety standards are not upheld, prisoners and jail staff can be put at risk. County jails are required to make the needed changes so that minimum jail standards are met. If they fail, they are subject to intervention.
As with every post on this website, we are only providing information in this post and do not make any allegation or assertion that anyone acted inappropriately or engaged in misconduct.
–Guest Contributor
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