McLennan County Jail is in Waco, Texas 76705 at 3201 E Highway 6. The jail can be contacted at the phone number (254) 757-2555. The inmate capacity at McLennan County Jail is 1,678. Along with other responsibilities, the McLennan County Sheriff is in charge of jail operations. Texas jails must operate according to minimum jail standards determined by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). When a jail has violated minimum jail standards, it is visited by TCJS inspectors for follow-ups until standards are met. Other disciplinary measures are applied, when necessary.

Restraint Chairs

Various methods of restraint are approved for use by Texas jailers in appropriate circumstances. One of the more controversial devices is a restraint chair. Due to reports of custodial deaths involving restraint chairs throughout the country, some jurisdictions have outlawed their use.

TCJS provides specific requirements dictating such things as the specific circumstances in which restraint chairs can be used. More details follow:

• The restraint chair may only be used when an inmate is displaying extremely disruptive or aggressive behavior or is at risk of self-harm or causing injury to others. A restraint chair cannot be used as a punitive measure.
• Only supervisory personnel and medical professionals can approve strapping an inmate into a restraint chair.
• A resident must be considered for removal from the restraint chair at required intervals–for juveniles detained in a restraint chair, the time frame is every 10 minutes.
• For adults, the maximum amount of time to be held in restraints is 24 hours. However, every two hours, medical care services must be provided. The following components are included in the required medical care:
  • Offer liquids and nourishment
  • Offer toilet facilities
  • Check vital signs
  • Allow the inmate to change positions and exercise extremities
• The circulation of an inmate’s extremities must be checked every 10 minutes by designated personnel.

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–Guest Contributor