Texas Jails Receive New Procedures for the Investigation of Complaints
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent all sheriffs and jail administrators in the state Technical Assistance Memo #25-01 regarding complaint documentation. The May 7, 2025, memo states that procedures are being updated in response to the overwhelming number of complaints received.
TCJS has been responsible for receiving and addressing complaints up to now. Quite a few recent notices of non-compliance have been regarding complaints and have reflected evidence of painstaking scrutiny. For example, in May 2025, Coryell County Jail was cited in response to a complaint. Investigations uncovered that out of 761 medication administration records (MARs), 91 were missed or inaccurate.
Jails have been advised that moving forward, new procedures will be followed in which complaints will be sent to the appropriate jail through a file share program TCJS uses called “Box.” Notifications regarding the complaints will be addressed to both the Sheriff and Jail Administrator, and they will have the responsibility for either an investigation of the complaint against that jail facility or for ensuring that an investigation is conducted. Results of their findings must be sent to the Commission within the timeframe specified in the Box notification. Complaint responses sent to TCJS must include:
- Summary of the Complaint: A concise description of the issue.
- Findings: A summary of the results of the investigation into the complaint.
- Supporting Documentation: All evidence supporting the findings, which may either confirm areas of concern or refute the complaint.
Sheriffs and jail administrators are advised that their agency may receive either Technical Assistance or a notice of non-compliance if supporting documentation is not provided and the Commission determines the complaint to be founded due to a lack of sufficient evidence to the contrary. In addition, in cases where a complaint results in the issuance of a notice of non-compliance, the agencies may submit documentation through the appeal process within 5 days for review.
Although the list is admittedly not comprehensive, the memo provides examples of the types of documentation that TCJS is looking for in answer to complaints. Any documentation an agency may feel is relevant is asked to be included in complaint responses. The following are examples of documentation that may be included in addressing medical complaints:
- Initial medical intake / suicide screening form
- Magistrate notification
- Doctors’ orders
- MARS
- Blood pressure, blood sugar, dressing change log
- Sick calls
- Please confirm if your medical provider has a policy or standing order regarding inmate diagnoses. If so, please provide the relevant documentation.
According to a TCJS 2024 Annual Report, the total number of written requests for a complaint review or inmate assistance in 2024 was 4,307. Of those, 1,573 or 36.5% of the complaints against Texas jails were in regard to medical services. The second greatest number of complaints was about officer actions, of which there were 722. Other areas about which there was a high volume of complaints include sanitation (563), food service (513), classification (419), grievances (402), and legal issues (288).
Seeking Justice for a Jail Suicide That Should Have Been Prevented
Being incarcerated does not erase a person’s constitutional rights. If someone you love died by suicide while held in a city or county jail and you suspect their mental or physical health needs were ignored, it’s important to act swiftly. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on cases involving deaths in custody, particularly those involving overlooked warning signs and inadequate medical care.
Our firm is committed to helping families uncover the truth and pursue accountability. Connect with us anytime by phone, text, or through our online form. Your family deserves answers—and justice.
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