Which are Some of the Worst Jails in Texas as of 2022-2025?
Over the past several years, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) has repeatedly flagged a number of county jails as falling short of the state’s minimum safety, health, and operational standards. In the period spanning 2022 to 2025, a series of non‐compliance reports have painted a troubling picture of systemic failures in some of Texas’s detention facilities. Based on the duration of non‐compliance, the severity of cited deficiencies, and the recurring nature of violations, here are some historically problematic jails in Texas as identified by TCJS inspections and related reporting. These are just opinions based on available data. You should review all available data and come to your own conclusions. We also do not explicitly or implicitly identify any people who are responsible for these issues. Every situation is different, and jail problems can be caused by a number of factors, including poor management, insufficient funding, etc.
1. Stonewall County Jail
Stonewall County Jail stands out as one of the most egregious examples of non‐compliance. Reports indicate that the facility was non‐compliant for a lengthy period of time. The lengthy period of deficiency suggests deep-rooted issues with facility management, maintenance, and overall operational safety. Inspections over multiple cycles uncovered persistent failures in areas ranging from life safety protocols to inmate supervision, putting detainee health and security at significant risk. The prolonged non‐compliance at Stonewall County Jail is a stark reminder that even in smaller counties, critical standards can be neglected for extended periods.
2. Harris County Jail
Few jails have attracted as much public scrutiny as Harris County Jail. With non‐compliance periods reportedly reaching up to 898 days in some instances—and additional remedial orders lasting over 650 days—this facility has become notorious for its repeated failures. Harris County Jail has been at the center of multiple controversies, including issues of overcrowding, staffing shortages, and a series of in‐custody deaths that have drawn state intervention. Critics point to the jail’s practice of outsourcing inmate housing to out‐of‐state private facilities as a contributing factor to the prolonged non‐compliance. The failure to conduct timely face-to-face inmate observation rounds has directly correlated with several inmate deaths, further underscoring the severity of the problems at this facility. There have been a significant number of deaths of late in the Harris County Jail. As of this writing, in February 2025, news reports indicate that the Texas Attorney General might get involved.
3. Liberty County Jail
Liberty County Jail has emerged as a repeat offender in the eyes of the TCJS. Multiple reports indicate that this facility has been non‐compliant on several occasions, with reported deficiencies lasting 263, 415, and even 570 days at different times. The repeated failure to meet standards highlights chronic issues in inmate management, overcrowding, and facility maintenance. Liberty County Jail’s persistent violations suggest that corrective measures either are not fully implemented or fail to produce lasting change, leaving inmates vulnerable to unsafe conditions.
4. Falls County Jail
Falls County Jail has faced a barrage of non‐compliance reports over the past few years. One report cited a non‐compliance period of 148 days, while others recorded durations of 129 and even 66 days. These repeated findings have pointed to systemic issues including failures in inmate classification, food service, health services, and adherence to life safety protocols. The multiple notices of non‐compliance indicate that Falls County Jail struggles to implement sustainable improvements, thereby endangering both inmates and staff.
5. Crockett County Jail
With a reported non‐compliance period of 155 days, Crockett County Jail is another facility where TCJS inspections have repeatedly identified significant deficiencies. The jail has been cited for issues related to health services and life safety standards. Prolonged non‐compliance in Crockett County suggests that the facility’s management practices did not adequately addressing critical areas such as emergency preparedness, proper supervision of inmates, and overall facility maintenance. These shortcomings can lead to severe consequences in the event of an emergency or crisis within the jail.
6. Galveston County Jail (Special Report)
Galveston County Jail has not escaped the watchful eyes of state inspectors either. A “Special Report” designation from TCJS has highlighted deficiencies at this facility—particularly in health services and life safety standards. Although specific non‐compliance durations are less frequently cited for Galveston County Jail compared to some others, the “Special” label indicates that inspectors found issues severe enough to warrant immediate attention beyond routine deficiencies. Inadequate supervision and lapses in ensuring proper inmate care are among the concerns raised, emphasizing the urgent need for corrective action.
7. Hemphill County Jail (Special Report)
Hemphill County Jail, designated under a “Special Report” by TCJS, represents another troubling case. While detailed figures on the duration of non‐compliance are less publicized, the special status of the report signals that the issues at Hemphill were significant. These may involve failures in meeting minimum life safety standards, inadequate emergency response protocols, or shortcomings in inmate supervision and care.
8. Blanco County Jail
Although Blanco County Jail’s period of non‐compliance—reported at 43 days—is shorter than that of some of its peers, it still underscores a failure to consistently meet state standards. Even a brief period of non‐compliance can be critical in a detention environment, where rapid changes in inmate conditions or facility safety issues demand constant vigilance. The deficiencies noted in Blanco County Jail have raised concerns about proper inmate observation and the overall readiness of the facility to handle emergencies, marking it as a significant concern despite the relatively shorter duration reported.
9. Coleman County Jail
Coleman County Jail has been found non‐compliant for 79 days during inspections. This facility’s repeated lapses have been linked to deficiencies in areas such as inmate supervision, safety protocols, and the overall operational management of the jail. Even though 79 days might appear moderate compared to other facilities on this list, it reflects a systemic issue that, if left unaddressed, could escalate to more serious consequences for inmate safety and facility security. Consistent non‐compliance in Coleman County Jail suggests that the county has struggled to implement and sustain the necessary improvements demanded by state standards. Our jail neglect law firm resolved a detainee death lawsuit against Coleman County a few years ago.
10. Dallas County Jail
Dallas County Jail received a Notice of Non‐Compliance in September 2022 following a fatal incident linked to inadequate face-to-face inmate observations. The deficiency was identified after an inspection triggered by an inmate death, where inspectors found that the jail failed to conduct the mandated observation rounds in a timely manner. Such oversights not only violate state standards but also jeopardize inmate health and safety. While detailed statistics on the duration of non‐compliance at Dallas County Jail are less frequently highlighted, its inclusion on this list reflects the severity of its shortcomings and the urgent need for systemic reforms. Our jail death lawyers litigated two cases to resolution previously, and they are currently litigating another wrongful death case against Dallas County arising from a water intoxication death.
Dean Malone
Dean Malone