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Category: Special jail inspection

Victoria County Jail is Found Non-Compliant After an Inmate’s Death

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

A special jail inspection was conducted at Victoria County Jail in Victoria, Texas, on April 8, 2024. Subsequently, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance. Victoria County Jail was cited for allegedly violating one minimum jail standard. The special inspection was scheduled as a follow-up to a custodial death. It was discovered during the review of the custodial death that the last face-to-face check conducted before the discovery of the inmate exceeded the 30-minute maximum between observations. Victoria County Jail’s address is 401 E Oak Street., Victoria, Texas 77901. The bed capacity at the Victoria jail is 532.

An Inmate at Victoria County Jail Hung Himself Within 1.5 hours

The custodial death that is likely referenced in the April 8, 2024, special jail inspection report sent to Victoria County Jail is one filed by the Victoria County Sheriff’s Department on March 7, 2024. About 1.5 hours after his arrival at the jail, a 41-year-old detainee was discovered hanging in his single cell.

The CDR describes what transpired after he was discovered, which includes the man being pronounced deceased by a physician on March 3, found alive on March 4 by the physician who was about to perform organ harvesting, placed in ICU with no ventilation or respiratory assistance on March 6, and pronounced deceased again on March 7, 2024.

Disturbing U.S. Jail Suicide Statistics

A watchdog group published an analysis of jail suicides in 2022 which says the problem has been an overlooked national crisis for years. Between 2000 and 2019, suicides were the leading cause of jail deaths. The total of suicides in that time was 6,217, and the number represents 30% of all deaths in local jails. The jail suicide rate in 2019 was more than twice that of the general public.

The analysis tells about a 25-year-old detainee in New York who was transferred back to a county jail after being in a psychiatric hospital. The jail placed him in the general population housing, and he immediately committed suicide.

Another example of an unnecessary loss of life occurred in California. A 35-year-old man had been in a “safety cell,” where he had been continuously checked on every 15 minutes. Although his known history included suicide attempts, he managed to drown himself shortly after being released from the safety cell.

Do You Need Help With a Jail Death Caused by Jail Neglect?

Do you have a loved one who died in a local jail in the U.S. and you believe the death resulted from jail medical neglect or some other jail neglect? Or were you formerly incarcerated and, while there, you suffered life-altering injuries due to neglect? The Law Offices of Dean Malone can help with both types of cases.

Contact us as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. It is helpful to promptly pursue cases of jail neglect as near as possible to the timeframe of the event in question. This is one of the many things our years of experience have taught us. Over time, we have coordinated a team to work on custodial death cases. Call, text, or fill out our online form today.

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smchugh

Blanco County Jail Fails State Inspection

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Blanco County Jail in Johnson City, Texas, has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) for two alleged jail violations. Anytime a U.S. jail fails to uphold minimum standards, there is an increased risk that the rights of detainees could be denied. A March 11, 2024, notice of non-compliance was sent to Blanco County Jail about a special jail inspection conducted on March 6.

The Johnson City jail is cited for an issue that could result in medical neglect. The jail was also found deficient in completing an important aspect of the initial screening process for detainees. More follows about the importance of these jail standards to the well-being of inmates. Blanco County Jail’s address is 105 North Avenue G, Johnson City, Texas 78636. The bed capacity at the Johnson City jail is 56.

Medical Neglect in County and Municipal Jails

Blanco County Jail allegedly violated a minimum jail standard listed in the health services chapter. After reviewing restraint logs, TCJS inspectors found that out of 22 entries showing face-to-face observations, which are required at least every 15 minutes, 5 were late by 3 to 16 minutes.

The potential dangers associated with restraints have been made clear in several high-profile cases in recent years. One example is George Floyd, who uttered “I can’t breathe” before ultimately dying while handcuffed on the ground. In jails as well as in encounters with police, it is reported that intense struggle is usually involved when it is deemed necessary to place a suspect or detainee in restraints.

It is for health reasons that inmates in restraints are supposed to be checked at least every 15 minutes. The manufacturer’s instructions that come with restraint chairs, for example, stress the importance of frequently ensuring that there is no restriction on the circulation of the person restrained. In addition, no straps should be applied so that the person’s air supply could be cut off.

Omissions During Intake Could Suggest Jail Neglect

It could mean the difference between life and death if intake procedures for inmates are not handled responsibly. In the case of Blanco County Jail, TCJS inspectors allege that notifications to the magistrate and mental health officials are not being handled according to Code of Criminal Procedures (CCP) Article 16.22. CCP 16.22 lays out the procedures for early identification of individuals in the criminal justice system suspected of being mentally handicapped or intellectually disabled.

The most significant reason for the importance of identifying inmates who are mentally ill is so that suicide prevention measures may be applied. Suicide is the number one cause of death among detainees in local jails in the U.S. Failing to provide appropriate precautions for at-risk inmates may be deemed a type of jail neglect, which denies inmates their rights.

Where to Call for Help

Getting justice in jail neglect cases, as in all lawsuits, requires proper handling within the dictates of the justice system. Our law office has years of experience in representing families of loved ones who have died due to jail neglect. When possible, we also represent former inmates who have suffered life-altering injuries while in a U.S. jail. Contact us today. We are available 24/7 by phone call, text, and our online form.

 

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smchugh

Inmates Escape Texas Jail After Lack of Observation

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Fannin County Jail in Bonham, Texas, has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) for violating one jail standard. The escape of two inmates prompted the special jail inspection, which was conducted on February 2, 2024. It was discovered that the two detainees were unobserved for 2 hours before jailers realized that they were missing. Fannin County Jail’s address is 2389 Silo Rd, Bonham, TX 75418. The inmate capacity at the Bonham jail is 528.

What are Inmate Observations?

TCJS requires frequent observations of inmates in municipal and county jails in Texas. During these observations, every detainee is observed face-to-face by a jailer at staggered times. In other words, the face-to-face checks are supposed to occur at different intervals within the time allotted. The general population is observed at least every 60 minutes. At-risk inmates are observed at least every 30 minutes, though some facilities require 15-minute observations of suicidal detainees. Some jails refer to 15-minute checks as “special watch rounds.”

Face-to-face observations by jailers should not be “like clockwork” because if they were, inmates would know exactly how long they have before a jailer will come again. This staggering of times is important for suicidal inmates because it discourages confidence in getting the tragic deed done.

How Important are Observations of Suicidal Inmates?

Suicide rates in jails are significantly higher than the rates for the general population in society. A significant number of jail inmates who died by suicide were not previously recognized as potentially suicidal.

In a study of suicide prevention policies in jails, it was found that few inmates successfully take their own lives while they are on suicide precautions. When detainees succeed in committing suicide, the most likely causes are related to observations, as follows:

  • The required face-to-face observations were not performed.
  • The level of observation was not sufficient compared to the level of suicide risk, such as a detainee who is at a high risk for suicide being placed on a lower level of observation.

Since many inmates in the general population in jails are suicidal, statistically speaking, the observations are also crucial for that group.

The Overall Importance of Inmate Observations

It is assumed that there is a good probability that the recent escape of two inmates at Fannin County Jail would not have happened if observations had been conducted within the required time frame. Therefore, inmate observations conducted at the correct times help to prevent escapes. Detainees are also prevented from engaging in self-harm when jailers conduct observations according to TCJS requirements. Violence against other inmates is reduced when observation checks are correctly performed.

Do You Need Help With a Possible Jail Neglect Claim?

Has a family member died in a U.S. jail possibly because of some type of neglect? Have you been incarcerated in a jail, and during that time you suffered a life-changing event due to medical neglect or some other type of jail neglect? If so, contact our offices today. We care about your situation. You can reach us 24/7 by calling or texting us and by filling out our online contact form.

 

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smchugh

Grimes County, Texas Jail Fails State Inspection

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Grimes County Jail is among the non-compliant jails currently listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. In an October 23, 2023, notice of noncompliance, Grimes County Jail is advised of the results of a special jail inspection conducted on the same day. The Anderson, Texas, jail has been cited for an alleged violation of one minimum jail standard. The address of Grimes County Jail is 382 FM 149, Anderson, TX 77830. The jail has a 111-bed capacity.

Grimes County Jail is Cited for Non-Compliance with Rule §275.1- Regular Observation by Jailers

Rule §275.1- Regular Observation by Jailers is in the chapter on the Supervision of Inmates, as follows:

Every facility shall have the appropriate number of jailers at the facility 24 hours each day. Facilities shall have an established procedure for documented, face-to-face observation of all inmates by jailers no less than once every 60 minutes. Observation shall be performed at least every 30 minutes in areas where inmates known to be assaultive, potentially suicidal, mentally ill, or who have demonstrated bizarre behavior are confined.

  • The TCJS inspector’s note on noncompliance says that during the review of an escape, it was determined the inmate went unobserved for over 60 minutes before it was determined he was missing.

Obviously, this special jail inspection was initiated because a detainee escaped the premises.

According to a Grimes County website, as of January 11, 2022, the jail had passed 23 consecutive inspections. That record took a turn in 2023. In addition to the above citation in October 2023, Grimes County Jail was cited for noncompliance on January 12. This citation was also related to face-to-face observations of detainees. The rule that was violated was §273.6(3)-Restraints. The inspector’s notes follow:

  • Restraint chair logs indicated that on multiple occasions staff exceeded the mandated 15-minute observation checks from between 2 and 11 minutes.
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smchugh

Tyler County, Texas Jail Fails State Inspection

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) currently lists Tyler County Jail in Texas as a Non-Compliant Jail on the TCJS website. A Notice of Non-Compliance was sent to Tyler County on October 4, 2023. It specifies the minimum jail standard the jail was cited for in a special jail inspection report issued on the same date. TCJS inspectors allege that the Woodville, Texas, jail violated 1 minimum jail standard.

The address of Tyler County Jail is 702 N Magnolia St, Woodville, TX 75979. The jail has a housing capacity of 43 detainees. Details on alleged noncompliance follow.

Rule §259.134- Multiple Occupancy Cells

Tyler County Jail has been cited for violating Rule §259.134- Multiple Occupancy Cells, which is in the chapter on New Construction Rules, as follows: Multiple occupancy cells shall contain two to eight bunks and not less than 40 square feet of clear floor space for the first bunk plus 18 square feet of clear floor space for each additional bunk. Each multiple occupancy cell shall have one toilet and lavatory. Multiple occupancy cells should not be provided in direct supervision facilities.

  • During the investigation of complaint 33850, it was discovered that the Tyler County Jail has exceeded its maximum capacity (per housing and overall) daily from 8/28/2023 to 9/5/2023.

Overcrowding in Texas jails causes problems and put detainees at risk in various ways. Jail overcrowding results in lack of privacy, causes or exacerbates mental health problems, and results in increased rates of self-harm, violence, and suicide.

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smchugh

Cameron County, Texas Jail Fails State Inspection

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) currently lists Cameron County Jail in Texas as a Non-Compliant Jail twice on the TCJS website. A Notice of Non-Compliance was sent to Cameron County on October 4, 2023. It specifies the minimum jail standard the jail was cited for in a special jail inspection report issued on October 1, 2023. TCJS inspectors allege that the Brownsville, Texas, jail violated 1 minimum jail standard.

The address of Cameron County Jail is 954 E Harrison St Brownsville, TX 78520. The jail has a 500-bed capacity. Details on the alleged noncompliance follow.

Rule §273.5(a)(1)- Training

Cameron County Jail has been cited for violating Rule §273.5(a)(1)- Training, which is in the chapter on Health Services, as follows: Training. Provisions for staff training (including frequency and duration) on the procedures for recognition, supervision, documentation, and handling of inmates who are mentally disabled and/or potentially suicidal. Supplemental training should be provided to those staff members responsible for intake screening.

  • Video that was submitted after a custodial death was reviewed and revealed that eight (8) observation rounds were not conducted within the mandated 30-minute timeframe required in the housing area. Additionally, several of the rounds were not conducted face to face because the windows to the single cells had coverings that were not lifted by the jailer to observe the inmates.

The custodial death referred to may be in regard to Johnny Gutierrez.

Cameron County Jail was already listed on the TCJS site because, in June 2023, the jail was cited for alleged noncompliance with Rule §275.04~Staff, which is in the chapter on the Supervision of Inmates.

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smchugh
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