Texas’ Hudspeth County Jail is Cited for a Repeat Violation
A special jail inspection was conducted at Hudspeth County Jail on August 14, 2025. A Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) inspector discovered that the jail was allegedly in violation of one minimum jail standard. TCJS sent a notice of non-compliance to the Hudspeth County Jail on August 20, 2025. The Sierra Blanca jail is also now listed on the TCJS website’s non-compliance page.
Hudspeth County Jail allegedly violated Rule §283.1(3)(C) – Inmate Discipline Plan. This rule requires jail staff to provide at least 24 hours written notice to be given to the inmate regarding the claimed violation or charges against him or her. The following was the finding of the TCJS inspector:
- After a review of the two disciplinary records provided, it was discovered that both indicated that the inmates were not provided with a notification of the infraction at least 24 hours prior to waivers being signed or hearings being conducted. The facility was previously given technical assistance on the disciplinary process on 9/24/2024 during an on-site comprehensive.
In January 2021, the Hudspeth County Jail was cited for six violations of minimum jail standards. One of those violations was the same as the one cited above. One of the inspector’s notes was related to the requirement of providing jail staff with training. The inspector could not verify that jail staff received training in the prevention of suicide.
Hudspeth County Jail’s address is 525 North Wilson Avenue in Sierra Blanca, Texas 79851. The jail has an inmate capacity of 119.
How Important is it for Jail Staff to Get Suicide Prevention Training?
The jail staff who interact with inmates every day are the ones in the best position to prevent inmate suicides. Instruction in suicide prevention is needed to overturn a culture in which inmates are sometimes treated with scorn or mockery when they ask for help. One of the core principles of suicide prevention is to understand that no one’s suicidal statements should be ignored.
The leading cause of inmate deaths in local jails is suicide. Jails can be held accountable if someone with mental problems or suicidal ideations is treated with indifference. Instead, there should be vigilance in providing supervision as well as suicide prevention measures. For example, a person on suicide watch should not have access to bed linens, for instance, because it is easy to fashion a ligature out of sheets and blankets. Jails have access to blankets and clothing that are ineffective when it comes to an inmate attempting to hang himself or herself.
Do You Believe Jail Neglect Played a Role in a Loved One’s Death?
At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., we have experience standing with families who suspect that a death behind bars was caused by negligence, abuse, or the denial of essential medical treatment. Our attorneys have had significant involvement in the investigation of in-custody deaths and understand how critical it is to move quickly when jail misconduct may be involved.
If you believe your family member’s passing could have been prevented, don’t wait to seek answers. Reach us anytime by phone, text, or through our secure online form.
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