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 … [Read more...] about TCJS Commission Regulates Texas County Jails
Jails
Tarrant County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
During the 86th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference Sept. 15-18, attendees were schooled on the development of Criminal Justice Coordinating Committees using the Tarrant County Committee as a model. Tarrant County's Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC) was established through a Commissioners Court Order, and the membership is … [Read more...] about Tarrant County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
Texas County Jails: Current Events
County Progress asked Adan Munoz, executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), to address some of the relevant issues facing county jails. Q: The TCJS conducted its first-ever strategy session earlier this year. What prompted this session, and what are some of the key strategies your team has developed? A: As part of an ongoing effort to ensure … [Read more...] about Texas County Jails: Current Events
Impact of Illegal ImmigrantsCounty Jail Survey Report 2008
In 2007, Tom Craddick, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, issued a series of interim charges. Included among them was a joint charge to both the House Committee on Corrections and the House Committee on County Affairs. These committees were charged by the speaker to: Study policies and procedures related to illegal immigration and border security of the Texas … [Read more...] about Impact of Illegal ImmigrantsCounty Jail Survey Report 2008
Mental Health Courts and Their Essential Elements
Across the United States a disproportionate number of people with mental illnesses are repeatedly coming into contact with the criminal justice system. Estimates indicate that between 7 percent and 16 percent of individuals in U.S. jails and prisons have serious mental illnesses. Because these individuals' mental health needs often have not been adequately addressed in the … [Read more...] about Mental Health Courts and Their Essential Elements