TCJS Commission Regulates Texas County Jails

The Texas Legislature created the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) in 1975 to implement a declared state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of construction, maintenance and operation. The TCJS is a policy-making body comprised of nine members who are appointed by the Texas governor to staggered six-year terms expiring on Jan. 31 of odd-numbered years. Adan Munoz serves as executive director of the TCJS.
It is the overall duty of the TCJS to promulgate reasonable written rules and procedures establishing minimum standards, inspection procedures, enforcement policies and technical assistance for:
the construction, equipment, maintenance, and operation of jail facilities under its jurisdiction;
the custody, care and treatment of inmates; and
programs of rehabilitation, education, and recreation for inmates confined in county and municipal jail facilities under its jurisdiction.
Over the years, the Texas Legislature has expanded the jurisdiction, role and requirements of the TCJS:
In 1983, the Texas Legislature expanded the jurisdiction of the TCJS to include county and municipal jails operated under vendor contract.
In 1991, the Texas Legislature added the requirement for count, payment, and transfer of inmates when precipitated by crowded conditions as well as expanding the TCJS’ role of consultation and technical assistance.
In 1993, the legislative function expanded the role of the TCJS again by requiring that it provide consultation and technical assistance for the State Jail program.
In 1997, the Texas Legislature affirmed that counties, municipalities and private vendors housing out-of-state inmates are within the TCJS’ jurisdiction.
As of press time, 216 Texas county jails were compliant with TCJS standards, and 32 jails were noncompliant. Some 27 jails are in the planning stages, and 23 jails are under construction.
Current Commission Members
Sheriff David Gutierrez – Chairman
Lubbock
3/19/2003 through 2/1/2009
Irene A. Armendariz
El Paso
9/14/2007 through 1/31/2009
Albert L. Black
Austin
3/8/2005 through 1/31/2011
Stanley D. Egger
Taylor County Commissioner
Abilene
12/23/2004 through 1/31/2011
Sheriff Mark Gilliam
Rockport
6/21/2004 through 02/1/2009
Judge Donna S. Klaeger
Burnet County Judge
Burnet
9/14/2007 through 1/31/2013
Jerry W. Lowry
New Caney
4/16/2008 through 1/31/2013
Dr. Michael M. Seale, M.D.
Practitioner of Medicine
Houston
2/27/2002 through 1/31/2011
Larry S. May
Sweetwater
4/16/2008 through 1/31/2013.
To view a recap of the most recent meeting of the TCJS provided by Burnet County Judge Donna S. Klaeger, please see page 37 of the December issue of County Progress.
For more information on the TCJS, including a listing of staff members and jail reports, go to www.tcjs.state.tx.us.