Mitchell County Jail Fails State Inspection

During a March 27, 2026, re-inspection of Mitchell County Jail, six (6) alleged violations of minimum jail standards were discovered. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a notice of non-compliance about the Colorado City, Texas, jail to the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office on March 31, 2026. Mitchell County Jail is now included on the list of noncompliant jails in Texas.

This is the first of two rules that Mitchell County Jail allegedly violated that are in the Life Safety Rules chapter. Under subchapter D-Plans and Drills for Emergencies, the following is conveyed in the TCJS inspector’s note about noncompliance with Rule §263.42-Fire Prevention Plan:
- A review of fire inspection records showed the last documented inspection occurred on October 31, 2024, indicating the facility is now five months past due for its required yearly fire inspection.
In regard to a violation of Subchapter E, Life Safety and Emergency Equipment, Rule §263.55 – Inspections, Maintenance, Testing, the TCJS note provides the following information:
- During a walkthrough of the facility, the fire alarm panel was observed to be in “Trouble Mode.” The system indicated that a detector was missing, and staff were unable to identify its location or restore it before the inspection was completed.
The TCJS inspector conveyed the following about the violation of Rule §273.7(a) Tuberculosis Screening Plan, which is the chapter on Health Services:
- A review of the Texas Department of Health Services–approved Correctional Tuberculosis Screening Plan found that the facility was not adhering to required procedures. Specifically, staff were not conducting tuberculosis (TB) testing on all newly admitted inmates, nor were new employees being tested at hire and on an annual basis as required. Staff were informed that they must either end contracts with facilities housing more than 100 inmates or bring their practices into full compliance with the approved TB plan.
Under the Supervision of Inmates chapter, Mitchell County Jail has allegedly violated Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers as follows:
- During the facility walkthrough, it was observed that multiple bunks throughout the facility were covered with blankets and clothing, preventing staff from verifying the presence of living, breathing inmates in those bunks.
In the Sanitation chapter, under Rule §279.1(5)-Sanitation Plan, the Colorado City jail has a total of seven violations, such as the following: In Holding Cell 3, the intercom wasn’t working.
Under Rule §281.5-Staff Supervision in the chapter on Food Service, inspectors indicate that there has allegedly been a violation, though specifics aren’t provided.

All violations can potentially put inmates at risk. Two of the concerns listed above that are especially worrying are detailed below.

A Lack of Adherence to the Protocol for Tuberculosis

Failure to follow tuberculosis (TB) protocols in a county jail can expose inmates to serious and preventable health risks. TB is a contagious airborne disease that spreads easily in confined, crowded environments—conditions common in detention facilities. When required screening, testing, and monitoring are not consistently performed, infected individuals may go undetected, increasing the likelihood of transmission to others, including medically vulnerable inmates.

Delays in diagnosis and treatment can allow the disease to progress, potentially leading to severe illness or death. From a legal perspective, jails have a duty to implement and follow established public health measures. Ignoring TB protocols may support claims that officials failed to take reasonable steps to protect those in their custody from a known and significant health hazard.

Failing to Conduct Proper Face-to-Face Inmate Observations

Allowing inmates to hang blankets or clothing in a manner that blocks visibility into a cell can create serious safety risks and undermine required observation practices. Face-to-face observations are intended to confirm an inmate’s condition, identify medical distress, and prevent self-harm or violence. When sightlines are obstructed, staff may be unable to verify whether an inmate is conscious, breathing, or in need of immediate assistance. This lack of visibility can delay critical intervention and increase the risk of preventable injury or death.

From a legal standpoint, permitting such obstructions may be viewed as a failure to follow established supervision standards, potentially supporting claims that the facility did not take reasonable measures to protect individuals in its custody.

The address of Mitchell County Jail is 320 Pine Street, Colorado City, Texas 79512. The jail’s inmate capacity is 99 beds.

Legal Support for Families After a Custodial Death

Detention in a county or municipal jail does not strip an individual of basic constitutional rights. Correctional facilities are required to provide reasonably safe conditions and timely, appropriate medical care. When those obligations are not met—such as through delayed treatment, failure to address serious medical needs, or other forms of neglect—the results can be severe, and legal responsibility may arise.

If your loved one passed away while in custody and you suspect that inadequate care, abuse, or neglect played a role, the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C. may be able to assist. Our firm focuses on in-custody death cases and works closely with families to investigate the circumstances, review records, and determine whether legal standards were violated.

We recognize how difficult and confusing these situations can be and are committed to providing clear information and support every step of the way.

To request a free and confidential case evaluation, contact us at any time by phone, text, or through our secure online contact form.

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