Tom Green County Jail Fails a Minimum Standard in Supervision
Tom Green County Jail in San Angelo, Texas, is currently listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website as one of the counties found to be in non-compliance with minimum jail standards in Texas. A notice of non-compliance was issued to the San Angelo jail on November 18, 2024. It is the result of a special jail inspection that was scheduled after two custodial deaths occurred in October 2024 within five days of each other.
On October 16, a 65-year-old male died two days after being booked into Tom Green County Jail, and his cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest, though autopsy results are awaited. Then a 59-year-old female died in the jail as a result of suicide on October 20, which was her ninth day of incarceration.
TCJS inspectors cited Tom Green County Jail for failing to provide supervision as required. The following is information from the inspectors’ note.
- After a custodial death, video documentation was provided. The video revealed that observation rounds were conducted in the required time frame. However, two of the observation rounds were not conducted face-to-face as mandated.
The address of Tom Green County Jail is 4382 N. US Hwy 87, San Angelo TX 76905. The jail has a bed capacity of 1,001.
How Important is Inmate Supervision?
History has demonstrated that when jails supervise inmates as mandated, there are benefits, including the following:
- Potentially suicidal detainees are less likely to commit suicide;
- Inmate-on-inmate violence is reduced;
- Disruptive behaviors and general chaos are prevented;
- Escape plans are more likely to be discouraged;
- Correctional officers are more likely to be protected from possible assaults by inmates;
- Inmate behavior is easier to manage effectively; and
- Effective communication is more likely to occur between staff and detainees.
Can Inadequate Inmate Supervision or Staffing Shortages Result in Death?
Investigations into custodial deaths in local jails often reveal that there were failures in supervision, such as missed face-to-face observations and long gaps between inmate checks. At-risk inmates are supposed to be checked on every 15 minutes or every 30 minutes at most. Supervision of the general population is just as important, though checks should occur at least every 60 minutes.
Staffing shortages are common in Texas jails, though death is among the potential outcomes. These staff shortages can result in missteps such as failing to identify that individuals are potential suicide risks. Other potential results include inadequate emergency response and mental health care. The potential for detainees to die of drug overdoses increases, as well.
Looking for Help with Jail Abuse or Medical Neglect?
Detainees in a county or municipal jail do not lose their fundamental rights. If inmates are denied medical treatment or are treated abusively, those responsible must be held accountable.
Has a family member died in a Texas jail, and do you suspect that jail neglect was a contributing factor? Or were you previously incarcerated and jail negligence has resulted in life-altering injuries? If so, the Law Offices of Dean Malone is here to help. We focus on jail death cases and provide committed legal representation backed by years of experience.
We’re available 24/7 to assist you. Contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a case consultation at no cost to you.
smchugh
smchugh