URGENT UPDATE: The Texas Jail Commission commended Harris County for its efforts to address critical staffing shortages and plans to end controversial inmate outsourcing contracts. The announcement came during a meeting in Austin on October 12, 2023, as approximately 300 inmates currently held in a Mississippi private facility are set to return to county custody.
Despite these improvements, Harris County remains out of compliance with state standards, following an inspection that revealed serious issues with fire control panels. Chief Deputy Tommy Diaz emphasized that a comprehensive plan to replace the flawed systems is underway, alongside a notable 20% reduction in the number of pre-trial detainees outsourced to a Louisiana facility.
The commission’s acknowledgment of progress comes in the wake of persistent compliance failures that have led to a recommendation for intervention by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton if issues are not resolved. The commission’s recent vote reaffirmed an 82-page remedial order issued on August 7, 2023, which outlines necessary compliance measures for the jail.
“We’ve also seen an impact in our average length of stay down to 161 days, which marks significant progress in managing our jail population,” Diaz stated. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges as the sheriff’s office has yet to agree to a full compliance plan.
The recent meeting also highlighted distressing concerns from families of inmates, including the case of Jaleen Anderson, who died in custody last year after being outsourced for treatment. Families and medical professionals raised alarm over inadequate medical care, particularly for inmates with mental health issues.
As the Texas Jail Commission continues to monitor the situation, the stakes remain high. Failure to comply with the remedial order could result in severe repercussions, including potential legal action that threatens the jail’s operational authority.
The commission convenes only a few times a year, making these developments critical for the future of Harris County’s jail system. With emotions running high and public scrutiny intensifying, the county faces urgent pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of its inmates.
WHAT’S NEXT: Watch for updates as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office works to finalize compliance strategies and address the ongoing concerns raised by the commission and the families impacted by jail conditions.
