HARRIS COUNTY JAIL OPERATIONS APPROVED BY STATE INSPECTORS FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
After a surprise inspection that started Monday, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards today found the Harris County Jail system to be in full compliance with state regulations for the sixth year in a row.
A team of six commission inspectors examined all aspects of the jail before recertifying the facilities for another year.
The inspections included inmate housing in downtown Houston, booking and releasing operations and holding cells in the adjacent Harris County Criminal Justice Center. They covered fire and life safety, record-keeping, medical facilities, sanitation, hygiene, food service, chaplaincy programs, inmate telephone use and many other aspects.
"We saw a true snapshot of the jail," inspector Phillip Bosquez said of the surprise element of the inspection, "and you all run a great organization."
The annual inspections usually take place in the spring.
The inspectors announced their approval at a meeting today with Sheriff Adrian Garcia and about 40 commanders and jail staffers.
"This is an example of what we have really worked hard to accomplish," Garcia told his staff members. "You guys have demonstrated that we are ready for an inspection every day."
In 2013, the sheriff established a jail compliance unit that conducts mock inspections of jail operations to monitor any potential violations of state regulations. The wide-ranging regulations cover issues such as jail cell air temperature and how much recreation time inmates are entitled to.
Sheriff Garcia took office in 2009. The jail system was found to be out of compliance with state regulations throughout 2004-2006 and briefly in 2009.
With an average daily population of about 8,600 inmates, the jail has a state approved capacity of about 9,400 beds and has been within capacity for years.
The jail population peaked at 12,014 inmates in 2008. With the reduction in the number of inmates housed, there has been no corresponding increase in the overall number or rate of crimes committed in Harris County.
Chief Deputy Fred Brown is the sheriff's jail administrator. Dr. Michael Seale directs inmate medical care.
The attached photo was taken today of the sheriff, staff and jail commission inspectors.
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Address/Location
Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker St
Houston, TX 77002
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 713-221-6000