Sutton County Jail is Found Noncompliant After an Escape
Following an April 8, 2024, special jail inspection, Sutton County Jail in Sonora, Texas, was sent a notice of non-compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). Sutton County Jail was cited for allegedly violating one minimum jail standard. The special inspection followed the escape of a detainee in a jailer’s personal vehicle. Sutton County Jail’s address is 401 E Oak Street., Sonora, Texas 76950. The bed capacity at the Sonora jail is 28.
The TCJS inspector’s note explaining Sutton County Jail’s breach of compliance indicates the following:
- After a detainee escaped from Sutton County Jail, a TCJS inspector reviewed a video sent by the jail. It revealed that the inmate was able to obtain keys to a jailer’s vehicle and access to the sallyport because three doors were left unsecured. Once he was in the sallyport, the detainee lifted the sallyport gate and escaped by sliding under it.
How Dangerous is it When Jails Aren’t Secure?
In November 2023 news, an escape of four inmates is mentioned. They had chiseled their way to escape through a window on the second floor of a Georgia county jail. An inmate caused minor damage while attempting an escape less than a month later, though the sheriff stated that his escape had not been possible.
The article also mentions that the county made a $3 million security upgrade after the tragic death of a deputy inside the jail. The deputy had been stabbed in the neck by an inmate. At the time of this horrific event, it was discovered that inmates were getting out of their cells, locks didn’t always work, working conditions were unbearable, and the jail was understaffed.
Texas Rules Regarding Escapes from County Jails
Among the responsibilities that jails have toward staff, inmates, and/or the public, is to deter escapes. In the Texas Administrative Code, two rules under restraints in the chapter on health services address escapes. Supervisory personnel can require the use of restraints if it is believed necessary to prevent a credible and immediate risk that a detainee will attempt to escape. Another minimum jail standard states that the least restrictive means necessary must be used when an inmate is restrained to prevent escape, etc.
Do You Need Help Because of a Tragedy Resulting from Jail Neglect?
Jail is not supposed to be a place where citizens go to die. If one of your loved ones has died due to suspected jail neglect, such as jail medical neglect, do not hesitate in your search for justice. It helps to investigate custodial deaths soon after the tragic event because relevant facts are more likely to emerge.
At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we care about jail inmates and the injustices they sometimes suffer. We have a team dedicated to working on custodial deaths, and we have gained years of experience representing the interests of inmates. If you need help in this regard, call, text, or fill out our online form today.
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