In a jail inspection report issued on January 24, 2023, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) cites Ochiltree County Jail in Texas for noncompliance with one minimum jail standard. The Perryton, Texas, jail is now listed as a Non-Compliant Jail on the TCJS website. The address of Ochiltree County Jail is 511 S Ash St, Perryton, TX 79070.

TCJS Inspector Jason Jouett signed off on the jail inspection report indicating that Ochiltree County Jail failed to meet minimum standards on rule §273.5(c)(1)- Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities History Check, which is in the chapter entitled Health Services Plan.

§273.5(c)(1)- Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities History Check

Per rule §273.5(c)(1) in the section on Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities History Check, it is required during intake for each inmate’s name to be checked against the Texas Health and Human Services Commission CCQ system. The purpose is to determine whether the inmate has previously been provided with state mental healthcare or has a known developmental or intellectual disability. Exceptions include if the prisoner is a federal or out-of-state inmate on a contractual basis.

• Documentation was checked during the inspection of Ochiltree County Jail, and nothing could be produced to indicate that the magistrate was notified within 12 hours with regard to 4 of the 19 inmates housed at the jail on January 23, 2023.

Protections for inmates with intellectual disabilities are included in minimum jail standards, and it is important for jailers to adhere to all requirements.

–Guest Contributor