Full Notification

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – On Thursday, June 9, 2016, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was notified via the Harris County Attorney’s Office that a suit had been filed on behalf of plaintiff Christopher Johnson.

In the pleading, Johnson alleged that following a 2015 arrest for DWI, he was assaulted by Harris County Detention Staff during intake processing. According to court documents, Johnson claims that, “two employees, whose, job titles and names are unknown, each placed a hand around Mr. Johnson’s neck for approximately thirty (30) seconds, impeding his breath, while another jail employee took his picture.”

It is not uncommon for detention personnel to assist impaired or uncooperative detainees while taking booking photographs. An initial review of the photograph in question appears to be consistent with proper procedures for assisting an impaired detainee in order to obtain a photograph.

Further, Johnson’s claim recalls a verbatim order from detention staff asserting that smiling is prohibited when taking a booking photo. No policy or procedure exists prohibiting smiling during the booking process.

Previous attempts to obtain booking photos from Mr. Johnson have occurred without incident. Johnson’s arrest record includes the following charges: DWI 1st Offender, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Driving with a Suspended License, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, and Failure to ID. Mr. Johnson’s previous booking photos are attached.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office believes that proper procedure was followed during the course of Mr. Johnson’s booking. Should any evidence arise to the contrary, proper administrative actions will be taken.

At this time, evidence suggests that Mr. Johnson’s pleading does not hold merit.