Runnels County Jail Violates a Classification of Inmates Rule

Front of Jail Cell

An inspection of Runnels County Jail was conducted by inspectors from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) on October 25, 2024. The jail was cited for violating one rule, and that rule is in the chapter on the classification and separation of inmates. The rule states, in part, that detainees must be classified and housed in the least restrictive housing available without endangering staff, inmates, or the public. Inspectors found that 4 of 10 inmates were improperly classified utilizing the current offense of conviction, offense history, prior convictions, and sentencing status.

Although the violation intimates possible danger to inmates, the latest inspection of Runnels County Jail reflects considerable improvement as compared with the two years prior. A March 24, 2022, inspection at Runnels County Jail revealed that the Ballinger, Texas, jail was in violation of 9 minimum jail standards. Then in July 2023, Runnels County Jail was cited for failing to comply with 7 minimum jail standards. Five of the inspectors’ notes under the violations cited in 2023 begin with “A deficiency still exists.”

Runnels County Jail’s address is 200 N Hickory Hill Rd., Ballinger, Texas 76821. The jail’s bed capacity is 87.

How Might Inmates be Endangered by Misclassification?

Individuals are arrested and placed in city and county jails because they are suspected or accused of committing a crime. Some have never been arrested before and are innocent of those charges, and others have previously served time after being found guilty. It is not difficult to understand the reality that some detainees are more likely to be a risk to others. That is where the classification of inmates comes in.

In a correctional article on inmate classification, it states that the idea is to separate the sheep from the wolves. A range of factors are investigated in order to determine which level of supervision is necessary for each inmate and to implement appropriate security measures throughout each day. By assessing risk levels of inmates, conflicts are minimized and it is easier to maintain a safe and secure environment for detainees and staff.

Factors to be investigated include pending charges or holds in other jurisdictions (if any); current and past convictions; institutional behavior, current and past; sentenced or unsentenced status; and other information that may be deemed appropriate. Adjustments to the classification of inmates are made in response to rule violations and misconduct when deemed appropriate.

24/7 Support for Jail Neglect and Death Cases

Jails have a duty to protect the well-being of those in their custody. If you suffered serious injuries while detained in a Texas jail due to neglect—including medical neglect—reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C. We have extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights and providing legal support. If you have lost a loved one in jail due to suspected abuse or medical neglect, we may be able to help. Our firm has a dedicated team focusing exclusively on cases involving jail deaths.

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