Full Notification

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards today found the Harris County Jail system to be in full compliance with state regulations for the fourth year in a row.

The finding came after a week-long annual inspection of a system that includes inmate housing in downtown Houston, booking and releasing operations, holding cells in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and jail cells at Sheriff's Office patrol substations. The inspection covered fire and life safety, record-keeping, medical facilities, sanitation, hygiene, food service, chaplaincy programs, inmate telephone use and other aspects.

Jail Commission Assistant Director Shannon Herklotz said the jail system was cleaner and had fewer maintenance issues than during previous inspections. He also said the medical treatment of inmates at the Harris County Jail is "one of the best in the state if not the country."

The jail system, which holds about 8,800 inmates, was found to be out of compliance with state regulations throughout 2004-2006 and briefly in 2009.

"Our many brave first responders and investigators are the ones most likely to get credit for their public service. In contrast, the dedicated men and women who run and staff the jail -- confronting potentially dangerous or sensitive situations every day and keeping 'the bad guys' away from the public -- are among our hidden heroes," said Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who took office in 2009. "Our passing the jail inspection again is solid proof of their hard work. They have my thanks and gratitude."

Today's finding comes a few days before the retirement of Chief Deputy Mike Smith, who oversees jail operations. Dr. Michael Seale oversees inmate medical care.