UPDATE: The Texas Jail Commission has just commended Harris County for significant staffing improvements and plans to end inmate outsourcing contracts, marking a pivotal moment in the county’s efforts to reform its jail system. This announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny as the county struggles to meet state compliance standards.
On August 7, 2023, it was confirmed that approximately 300 inmates currently held in a private facility in Mississippi will return to Harris County as one of its outsourcing contracts nears expiration. This move is expected to enhance oversight and improve conditions for these inmates, who faced limited monitoring in private custody.
Despite these commendable steps, Harris County still faces challenges. An inspection in October revealed ongoing issues with fire control panels, resulting in the jail remaining out of compliance with state standards. Chief Deputy Tommy Diaz defended the county’s position, stating that a detailed plan is in place to address the fire panel issues. He also highlighted a 20% reduction in pre-trial detainees being outsourced to a Louisiana facility, a costly solution to staffing and capacity challenges.
The commission’s meeting on Thursday served as a critical juncture, following a series of compliance failures that prompted suggestions for intervention from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton earlier this year. An amended remedial order, still in effect, aims to correct the ongoing deficiencies, but the status of compliance remains uncertain.
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We’ve also seen an impact in our average length of stay down to 161 days, which has been a leap forward in our ability to maintain jail population,”
Diaz remarked during the meeting. Officials are now working on a comprehensive compliance plan, though details are yet to be finalized.
The August 7 remedial order also mandated improvements in medical intake procedures and mental health crisis training for jail staff. However, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has yet to fully agree to this compliance plan, leaving many questions unanswered about the current state of the jail.
Family members of inmates who died in custody this year raised urgent concerns about medical care during the meeting. The tragic reality of 15 in-custody deaths this year has amplified calls for accountability and reform. One poignant case involved Jaleen Anderson, who died after being outsourced to a private facility despite suffering from seizures. His mother, Sarah Knight, urged the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding these deaths, emphasizing the need for proper mental health support.
The commission’s meetings in Austin offer a platform for transparency and accountability, but the path to compliance remains fraught with challenges. Medical professionals present at the meeting echoed concerns regarding the timeliness and quality of care provided within the jail, further highlighting the urgency of reform.
As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Harris County to see how it navigates these compliance issues and the welfare of its inmates in the coming months. The state commission meets several times a year, and the pressure is mounting for Harris County to demonstrate significant progress.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the jail’s compliance status and inmate welfare continue to be scrutinized.
