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Category: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Polk County Jail is Cited by TCJS for Non-Compliance

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After an annual jail inspection at Polk County Jail on May 20, 2024, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the Burnet, Texas, jail a notice of non-compliance. TCJS inspectors found that Polk County Jail violated three minimum jail standards. Two of the standards violated involved supervision. Inmates in restraints are supposed to be observed face-to-face every 15 minutes, but the observations exceeded the quarter-hour requirement by 20 to 45 minutes. In addition, a TCJS inspector discovered in staffing records that the minimum standard of 1 jailer to 48 detainees was unmet.

The address of Polk County Jail is 1601 East Polk Street in Burnet, Texas 78611. Polk County Jail has an inmate capacity of 587.

How Might Breaches in Supervision Harm Detainees?

It’s easy to conclude that the supervision of detainees in jails is a critical issue. All that’s needed is to consider the many minimum jail standards requiring the strict supervision of inmates. In recent months and years, after several Texas jail deaths and follow-up jail inspections occurred, it was discovered that some of the deceased inmates had not been observed as required in the hours leading up to their deaths. The following is an example:

  • A special jail inspection at Moore County Jail in Dumas, Texas, revealed that before the 2022 custodial death of an inmate occurred, the deceased had not been observed on multiple occasions over several hours before his death. He had been in a holding cell, where observations were required in increments not to exceed every 30 minutes.

Supervision and Jail Suicides

Suicide is a critical issue for county and municipal jails because it is the leading cause of death among inmates. One of the questions to be determined as detainees are booked into a jail is whether he or she is suicidal. The first two weeks in jail are known to be the timeframe in which most suicides take place. However, due to the nature of the jail environment, jailers are trained to remember that all detainees are at risk for a suicide attempt at any given time.

Supervision is recognized as the most effective deterrent to suicide. So, when jails fail to provide required supervision, it is a cause for concern. The following happened in 2023:

  • After a custodial suicide occurred in one of the largest Texas county jails, it was discovered that the deceased had been unobserved for 88 minutes before being discovered hanging. Altogether, he had been in the jail for less than 5 hours when he was pronounced deceased.

Has a Loved One Died in Jail and You Suspect Jail Medical Neglect?

Don’t hesitate to call the Law Offices of Dean Malone if you suspect that a loved one who was in the custody of a Texas jail died due to jail neglect. In jail death cases, it helps to begin investigations as soon as possible. Our team dedicated to jail death cases is working on several tragic deaths now that involve possible jail neglect. We might also be able to help if you were formerly detained in a local Texas jail and suffered life-altering injuries. Contact us today for your free case review. We are available 24/7, whether you want to reach out via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Baylor County Jail is Cited for Non-Compliance

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On May 28, 2024, Baylor County Jail in Seymour, Texas, underwent its annual jail inspection. Two days later, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a notice of non-compliance to the jail. Baylor County Jail was cited for allegedly violating 3 minimum jail standards. Texas jails are rarely cited for the first of the three rule violations, and all are shown below.

According to TCJS inspectors, Baylor County Jail is using cells at the county courthouse to temporarily house inmates waiting to transfer to other counties. In the non-compliance notice, it states that the jail shall immediately cease using court-holding cells for new detainees. In another section about holding cells, the jail is cited for placing detainees in cells at the courthouse in which the toilet/lavatory combo had been removed due to corrosion.

Thirdly, it was discovered that the last official fire inspection was conducted in February 2022, making it 15 months late. A similar situation happened in April 2017, when it was discovered that the last fire prevention inspection was conducted in December 2015.

The address of Baylor County Jail is 101 South Washington Street, Seymour, Texas 76380. Baylor County Jail has an inmate capacity of 111.

Are Custodial Deaths in County Jails Common?

A watchdog group, Texas Justice Initiative (TJI), has statistics on all custodial deaths in Texas since 2005 when the vital information started being made available. TJI shows that there have been 1,937 deaths in county jails since that time.

There have been significant increases since 2021. The average number of detainee deaths per year in Texas counties was 92 through 2020. With just the figures from the past three years, the average number of inmate deaths from 2005 to 2023 jumps to 102 per year. Only three years through 2020 saw 100 or more custodial deaths. But in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, 160, 150, and 150 deaths were reported.

What is the Most Common Cause of County Jail Deaths?

In Texas county jails, the most common cause of detainee deaths is suicide. Of the 419 incidents of suicide since 2005, 90% of them were carried out by means of hanging/strangulation. Jails are required to implement suicide prevention plans.

Are You Seeking Help Regarding Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being placed in a county or municipal jail does not mean that an individual has lost fundamental rights. Jails should be held responsible when they abuse detainees or fail to provide necessary medical attention.

Have you lost a loved one who was held in a local Texas jail, and do you suspect the death was caused by neglect? Or were you previously incarcerated in a county or municipal jail and suffered life-altering injuries as a result of neglect? We are interested in helping in either of these scenarios. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have an experienced team dedicated to custodial death cases. Our years of experience help in providing diligent representation.

Call us 24/7 by phone, text, or our online form to schedule your free case review.

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smchugh

Travis County Jail Cited After Inmate Death

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

A special jail inspection was conducted at Travis County Jail in Austin, Texas, on April 8, 2024. The following day, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance. Travis County Jail was cited for allegedly violating 1 minimum jail standard. The address of Travis County Jail is 500 W 10th St., Austin, TX 78701. Two correctional facilities are part of Travis County Jail, and the combined inmate capacity is 2,908.

Travis County Jail was Cited for a Breach of Supervision After an Inmate Death Occurred

The supervision of inmates is an important factor in helping to prevent harm. History shows that chronic noncompliance with supervision requirements in jails leads to increased violence and deaths. Custodial deaths may occur from a failure to provide medical attention in medical emergencies resulting from natural causes or physical violence. Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death in Texas jails. Strict supervision is the best way to prevent inmates from committing suicide.

In the special jail inspection report dated April 8, 2024, a TCJS inspector references the death of an unnamed detainee at Travis County Jail in connection with a violation of minimum jail standards, as follows:

  • The documentation and video submitted after a custodial death were reviewed, revealing that the observation round conducted at the time of discovery of the inmate exceeded 60 minutes.

A 30-Year-Old Commits Suicide at Travis County Jail on 3/1/2024

More than one custodial death occurred in the time just preceding the special jail inspection of Travis County Jail on April 8, 2024. It is possible that the death referred to was the tragic suicide by hanging of a 30-year-old man. He had only been incarcerated for 10 days when, on February 29, 2024, he was discovered unresponsive in his cell. He was hanging by his neck from a bedsheet, which had been fashioned into a ligature.

After lifesaving measures began and EMS arrived, paramedics revived him to consciousness. He was transported to St. David’s South Medical Center, where he died the next day.

If this was the custodial death that occurred at a time when observation rounds were late, it is conceivable that the time exceeding 60 minutes may have made the difference between life and death for this man.

Help with Jail Neglect when a Custodial Death Has Occurred

If a loved one in your family has died in a Texas jail and you suspect it was the result of some type of jail neglect, such as medical neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. It is helpful when investigation begins sooner rather than later. If you were previously incarcerated in a Texas jail and suffered a life-altering injury while there because of jail neglect, we may also be able to help you.

Contact us 24/7 either by phone call, text, or our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

 

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smchugh

Red River County Jail is Again Found Non-Compliant

Front of Jail Cell

On the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website, Red River County Jail in Clarksville, Texas, has been listed as non-compliant. As a result of the special jail inspection conducted on April 23, 2024, a notice of non-compliance was issued two days later. The jail inspection report shows that Red River County Jail failed to provide inmates with physical exercise or recreation at least three days per week. This is a repeat violation they were cited for in 2017 and 2021, as well.

The address of Red River County Jail is 500 N Cedar Street, Clarksville, TX 92470. The jail has a housing capacity of 95 inmates.

30 Minimum Jail Standards Violations in 8 Years

This latest breach is the eighth time in as many years that Red River County Jail was cited for violating minimum jail standards. Since 2017, the jail has been cited for a total of at least 30 violations, many of which were repeats from previous years. For example, twice in 2019 and once in both 2018 and 2023, Red River County Jail was cited for failing to provide required face-to-face observations of detainees in detox and holding cells. The following is the TCJS inspector’s note that accompanied the 2017 citation:

  • During the review of the holding and detox cells’ face-to-face observation documentation, this inspector observed that jailers exceeded the 30-minute limit between observations as established by minimum jail standards. The jailers made hourly checks rather than the required 30-minute checks.

Perhaps the most important reason these frequent observations are required is that jail suicides are the leading cause of death in jails. A large percentage of those deaths occur in the first few days of incarceration.

5 Violations of the Same Rule for the Protection of the Mentally Ill

Red River County Jail has received a total of 5 citations for violating part 5 of the Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan since 2017. Under that rule, jails must: Identify detainees who are known to be or are observed to be mentally disabled or potentially suicidal. County and municipal jails must also comply with the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) Article 16.22 and referrals to available mental health officials.

There are several immediate benefits to following through with the 16.22 report, such as that sheriffs are notified of detainees who may require special care and it helps magistrates make better informed bond decisions. The following are among the long-term benefits:

  • Saves counties time and money;
  • Prevents custodial suicides;
  • Protects the community;
  • Protects constitutional rights; and
  • Recidivism is reduced when the mentally ill receive appropriate services and treatment.

Has Jail Neglect Had an Impact on Your Life?

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., we have made it a practice to stand up for the rights of former Texas jail detainees. We may be able to help if you have a family member who died because of jail neglect while incarcerated. If you suffered a life-altering injury during former incarceration in a Texas jail, we might be able to help with that, too. Contact us for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. You can reach us 24/7 by phone or text, or by filling out our online form.

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smchugh

Edwards County Jail Fails to Make Timely Checks on Inmates in Detox

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On April 25, 2024, a special jail inspection was conducted at Edwards County Jail in Rocksprings, Texas. Subsequently, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance. Edwards County was cited for allegedly violating 2 minimum jail standards. One revealed that a fire official had last inspected the facility on December 5, 2021, though such inspections are required annually. The supervision of inmates was the other area of non-compliance. Rather than checking inmates in detox and holding cells every 30 minutes, as required, the jail staff routinely conducted them in 45-minute intervals.

The address of Edwards County Jail is 404 West Austin Street in Rocksprings, Texas 78880. Edwards County Jail has an inmate capacity of 25.

The Denial of Medical Care for Inmates in Detox

Tragically, local jail detainees in withdrawal often die within hours or days of their incarceration due to the denial of medical care. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) published a brief about managing substance withdrawal in jails, and it includes examples of alleged wrongful deaths, as follows:

  • A woman going through opiate withdrawal while in a county jail in Washington state died from severe electrolyte imbalance. It was found to be a genuine issue of material fact that the jail failed to adhere to a policy for treating detainees undergoing opioid withdrawal.
  • A woman jailed in a state outside Texas exhibited profound physical distress from the time she was booked into a Utah county jail. She also begged for medical attention from the start. Yet, no help was provided, and she died after 3.5 days. For many inmates experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal, the jail allegedly failed to perform the required withdrawal protocol assessments. An investigation uncovered a far-reaching accepted, customary, and cultural practice of ignoring symptoms exhibited by inmates in withdrawal as well as their health complaints. It was also found that the jail often failed to perform the required withdrawal protocol assessments for numerous inmates.
  • Another woman lived 2.5 days after going through intake in a Georgia county jail. The jail denied the woman access to prescribed medications, including oxycodone. Her symptoms before dying (diarrhea, nausea, and fever) were consistent with acute benzodiazepine withdrawal, though the cause of death was ruled hypertensive cardiovascular disease. It was discovered that a jailer who had not been provided with adequate medication training was authorized to make the decision whether emergency medical attention was warranted. Prior to the woman’s tragic death, the jailer decided against providing her with medical care.

Has Jail Neglect Deprived You of the Life of a Loved One?

Investigations have shown that many individuals die unnecessarily while held in a county or municipal jail in Texas. If one of your family members was in a jail when he or she died and you believe there is evidence of jail medical neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. For years, we’ve made it a practice to represent families of deceased inmates and people who were formerly incarcerated and suffered a life-altering injury due to jail neglect while there. Reach out 24/7 by calling, texting, or filling out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.

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smchugh

Memo Reminds TX Jails Re Transfer of Inmates Needing Specialized Care

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3d interior Jail

All Texas sheriffs and jail administrators received a Technical Assistance Memorandum from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) dated April 24, 2024. It doesn’t appear that any changes were made on the topic, which is the transfer of inmates to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and other jails.

The memo reminds municipal and county jail facilities that they have a duty and responsibility to take specific actions on behalf of inmates with serious medical or mental impairments. They are to notify and coordinate the inmates’ care with receiving facilities.

The Texas Uniform Health Status Update form must be completed and forwarded to receiving criminal justice agencies at the time a detainee is transferred or released from their custody. Also, these instructions apply to inmates being transferred to TDCJ: Sending facilities must contact TDCJ’s Office of Health Services Liason prior to transfer (the number is provided). The liaison should be contacted to coordinate the intake of inmates with specific conditions, which are listed.

Below are examples of the conditions TDCJ wants to be notified about when an inmate is being transferred to their facilities. To meet some of the specific conditions presented, familiarity with the inmates’ needs and their current status is necessary:

  • Cardiac –Inmate has had a heart attack or stroke recently (within 30 days) or residual problems;
  • Seizure disorder – Medications are not helping, may require an infirmary bed placement;
  • High blood pressure – ONLY if uncontrolled with treatment;
  • Need for supplemental oxygen (even occasionally);
  • Active infectious diseases (chicken pox, end-stage HIV/AIDS, mumps, shingles, tuberculosis); and
  • Unable to perform any or all activities of daily living (i.e. bathing, dressing, feeding, remembering to take medications, etc.).

A Texas Inmate Dies After He is Denied Insulin

Tending with care to detainees with special needs in Texas jails is important, as reflected in the instructions for transferring inmates with special needs. When a reasonable level of care is denied, the result is often death.

In 2022, a 27-year-old male was booked into a county jail in Texas, and the jail was provided with the insulin he needed at the time of intake. Tragically, although the medications were properly checked in for distribution, he was never administered the insulin. On his sixth day in the jail, he was discovered unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased minutes later. After an autopsy was conducted, it was verified that the man died from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

To prevent death from diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition, the steps are simple. Among other things such as checking blood sugar often, taking the medicines prescribed even if you feel fine will prevent death from DKA.

Have you Lost a Loved One Due to Jail Neglect?

Texas jailers can be held accountable if they deny inmates certain rights, such as needed medical care in an emergency. Help is available for former detainees who suffered severe injuries while incarcerated and families of detainees who died from jail neglect. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone for a free case evaluation. We have years of experience defending inmates’ rights.

You can reach us 24/7 by calling, texting, or filling out our online form.

 

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smchugh

Milton Kaiser Dies in DeWitt County, Texas Jail

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Milton Wilson Kaiser III was only 34 years old when he was booked into Dewitt County Jail at 8:50 PM on April 12, 2024. Tragically, he was pronounced deceased less than 32 hours later on April 14, 2024. The Dewitt County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Chief Deputy John Garoni filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Kaiser on April 30, 2024. The CDR indicates that, during intake, Mr. Kaiser appeared to be intoxicated with drugs or alcohol.

In the summary of how the death occurred, a jailer discovered Mr. Kaiser without a pulse on the floor of his cell. He was stiff and cold. His right arm was extended upwards and his fist was closed. Within minutes, he was pronounced deceased in the holding cell where he had been temporarily housed.

The Dewitt County Jail facility where Mr. Kaiser was placed is at 208 East Live Oak Street Suite C in Cuero, TX 77954. The bed capacity of the Cuero jail is 161.

What are the Symptoms of Severe Withdrawal Resulting in Death?

Deaths from withdrawal are preventable. Tragically, there are many occasions when detainees in local jails appear to have died from withdrawal within hours of being booked. In every instance, according to medical experts, withdrawal death can be prevented by providing appropriate treatment. Due to the symptoms of withdrawal, coroners usually list dehydration as the cause of death.

In a 2015 withdrawal death in a state outside Texas, the coroner ruled that the cause of the dehydration death of a 25-year-old man was “drug withdrawal.” The following are among the symptoms that the man exhibited, including severe withdrawal, as seen in video evidence:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure
  • Too dehydrated to provide a urine sample
  • No longer able to walk
  • No longer able to unclench his fingers
  • He fell to the ground, trembling

The detainee begged for an IV, saying he knew from a previous detox that withdrawing from the combination of drugs in his system was especially risky. Those drugs were heroin and Xanax, an opioid and benzodiazepine, respectively.

In answer to his request, he was allegedly told that IVs were only used when it was an absolute necessity. He lived only six hours longer. A nurse for the third-party healthcare provider said it was certainly not the policy for them to deny patients indicated, appropriate treatment. Yet, it is considered almost certain that his life could have been saved with a simple IV.

Has a Family Member Died in Jail From Possible Jail Neglect?

It is always important to work with attorneys who concentrate on the type of case you need help with. If you think a family member in a Texas jail died due to neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. We may also be able to help if you were severely injured during incarceration in a Texas jail. We have gained years of experience representing inmates and, when there has been a custodial death, the interests of their families.

Contact us today. You can schedule a free case evaluation 24/7 by phone call, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Tony Beaver Dies After 4 Months in Dallas County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Sixty-four-year-old Tony Harrison Beaver was booked into Dallas County Jail on December 17, 2023. He was pronounced deceased on April 18, 2024. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Marian Brown filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Beaver on April 30, 2024.

Three basic questions about Mr. Beaver, such as whether he appeared to be intoxicated on drugs or alcohol, are answered: “Unknown.” During intake, however, it was concluded and reported that he did exhibit medical problems.

Nothing conclusive is known about the cause of death, though there is an indication that Mr. Beaver had a pre-existing medical condition. Also, he was moved to Parkland Memorial Hospital on April 9, when he experienced shortness of breath. A medical procedure was being performed on Mr. Beaver when medical staff at the hospital pronounced him deceased nine days later. His cause of death is awaiting the results of an autopsy.

The Dallas County Jail facility where Mr. Beaver was placed is at 5201 Harry Hines Blvd in Dallas, TX 75235.

Jail Deaths are Often Linked to a Lack of Observation

Whether inmates commit suicide or care isn’t given for inmates’ medical emergencies, a lack of proper jail supervision is often linked to custodial deaths. Those facts are frequently made apparent as a result of the special jail inspections conducted after jail deaths.

In April 2023, for example, TCJS inspectors recorded what they found after a 41-year-old inmate accused of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child hung himself in a Texas jail. He was booked into the jail less than 5 hours before being pronounced deceased. The charges and the timing of the suicide are significant. Such charges are among the risk factors for suicide. Also, a significant number of custodial suicides occur within the first 24 hours of incarceration. These are considerations in preventing jail suicides. Yet, the following is what the inspectors found about the circumstances in this case:

  • A review of video submitted after a custodial suicide revealed that an inmate entered a restroom and remained unobserved for 88 minutes before being discovered.

The following is more information from the CDR:

  • The inmate was found unresponsive with a drawstring from his jacket around his neck and lower extremities. CPR began on the detainee, medical staff arrived, and lifesaving measures continued until the local fire department medics arrived. The inmate was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where a physician pronounced him deceased.

Do You Suspect that a Loved One Died in Jail Due to Neglect?

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have gained years of experience representing the interests of inmates in jail neglect cases. If you suspect that jail neglect caused the death of an incarcerated loved one in Texas, or if you were in a Texas jail and suffered a life-altering injury, we may be able to help. Call today, text, or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7.

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smchugh

Leon County, Texas Jail is Cited for 11 Jail Violations

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A jail inspection was conducted at Leon County Jail in Centerville, Texas, on April 12, 2024. Four days later, on April 16, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a 3-page notice of non-compliance. Leon County Jail was cited for allegedly violating 11 minimum jail standards. Compared with the average number of jail standards Texas jails are cited for, 11 violations are excessive. The jail’s address is 606 E Saint Marys St., Centerville TX 75833. Leon County Jail has an inmate capacity of 53.

Overcrowding is Among the Areas of Noncompliance at Leon County Jail

A TCJS inspector notes an overcrowding issue at Leon County Jail, as follows:

  • Leon County Jail has an approved capacity of 53 inmates. Jail records reviewed show that Leon County exceeded their limit a total of 14 times between January 1, 2024, and April 12, 2024. The population at Leon County Jail reached as much as 60 inmates during the same period.

Another issue that can be serious in carceral settings is a lack of supervision. There is a greater likelihood of inmate-on-inmate assaults, sexual assaults, and suicides occurring when jailers don’t provide supervision as required. Inmates in restraints at Leon County Jail were not observed every 15 minutes as required partly for their safety. When inmates are in restraints, observations include ensuring that the blood circulation to major limbs hasn’t been cut off. The TCJS inspector indicated the following:

  • One restraint log that was reviewed shows that jail staff exceeded the required 15-minute observations by 11 minutes.

How Does Jail Overcrowding Affect Detainees?

When there are too few jailers to provide adequate supervision, violence increases. Detainees are more likely to act out against jailers and each other when they are continually locked in their cells for long periods. Research shows that staffing shortages in jails contribute to increased assaults against officers.

History shows that when jail staff are overworked and sleep-deprived, there is a greater likelihood that they will use excessive force against detainees. In a January 2024 story by The Marshall Project, a watchdog group, a correctional officers’ union in Nevada blamed the murder of an inmate on the staffing shortage.

Do You Need Help Because a Loved One’s Death Was Possibly Caused by Jail Neglect?

It is an unmitigated tragedy when an individual dies after being booked into a local municipal or county jail. Whether a death was caused by jail medical neglect or neglect stemming from a complete indifference toward an inmate’s mental or physical condition, jails can be held accountable. It isn’t right, for instance, if a person known to have attempted suicide several times is placed among the general population of detainees with no protection against themself.

Perhaps a loved one of yours died in a Texas jail and you believe it was caused by jail neglect. If so, contact us at the Law Offices of Dean Malone. We can work with increased efficiency because we have a team that focuses on custodial deaths. Contact us 24/7. You can reach us by phone call, text, or our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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smchugh

Upton County Jail is Found Noncompliant Re Prescriptions for Inmates

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

A jail inspection was conducted at Upton County Jail in Rankin, Texas, on April 10, 2024. On the same day, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance, although there is a typo on the notice, showing “Upon” instead of “Upton.” Upton County Jail was cited for allegedly violating two minimum jail standards.

The TCJS inspector’s notes reveal where Upton County Jail failed to comply with minimum requirements:

  • The documentation from the jail indicated that prescribed medications are not being administered to detainees as ordered by the physician.
  • Inmates are not receiving 1 hour of supervised physical activity 3 times per week as required, per the documentation from the jail.

Upton County Jail’s address is 1106 Grand Street in Rankin, Texas 79778. The bed capacity at the Rankin jail is 54.

Have Jail Inmates Died When Prescription Medications Weren’t Distributed Properly?

Families of deceased detainees in U.S. jails often voice their concerns that their loved ones did not receive their prescribed medications or other necessary care. If, for instance, a jail was provided insulin for an inmate, it could be considered jail medical neglect if the insulin is not administered.

Without insulin, the body begins to break down fat and muscle. This can result in a medical emergency such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a condition in which your body produces ketones at a dangerous level. Untreated, DKA can result in loss of consciousness and, eventually, death. When treated appropriately with timely treatment, however, the survival rate of diabetic ketoacidosis is upwards of 95%.

When custodial deaths due to natural causes occur, autopsies cannot always prove whether jail medical negligence was a factor. Sometimes, this happens because an inmate suffered from multiple health conditions.

Is Sepsis a Condition Linked to Evidence of Jail Medical Neglect?

When someone dies in jail from sepsis, it is always a red flag because treatment with antibiotics can prevent death from sepsis from occurring. Those who are at a higher risk for sepsis include adults age 65 or older and anyone with a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition such as lung disease, kidney disease, or cancer. If medical personnel in a jail know these things plus the symptoms of sepsis, they should take action as necessary. The following are potential signs and symptoms of sepsis:

  • Delirium or confusion
  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Chills
  • Fever or hypothermia (low body temperature)
  • Lightheadedness caused by low blood pressure
  • Warm skin
  • Mottled skin or a skin rash

What if Someone Dies of Jail Medical Neglect?

Do you have a family member who died of possible jail medical neglect while in a U.S. jail? Or were you formerly incarcerated in a Texas jail and suffered a life-altering condition while there? If so, call the Law Offices of Dean Malone. Having gained years of experience representing families after loved ones died in jail, we have a team dedicated to those types of cases. We are available 24/7. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. You can reach us by phone call, text, or our online form.

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smchugh
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