For all practical purposes, it was a relatively quiet legislative session when it comes to county jails, and I am glad. No bills were passed that directly impact how your jail operates; however, two bills could potentially assist your operations. The first one, Senate Bill 22, can assist counties with a population of 300,000 or less with salaries for jailers. As … [Read more...] about Texas Commission on Jail Standards Update
Jails
How Comal County Sheriff’s Office Increased Efficiencies in Latest Renovation
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The recently completed renovation for the Comal County Sheriff’s Office is an example of repurposing existing facilities to maximize space and efficiency. The nearly 40-year-old office was built in 1985 and had exhausted the life and capacity of its original systems and the flexibility to adapt to changes in practice for this growing county. With rising populations, increased … [Read more...] about How Comal County Sheriff’s Office Increased Efficiencies in Latest Renovation
In Their Shoes
Simulation Program Navigates Post-Incarceration Obstacles
“People should always be treated with dignity and respect. While we cannot ignore or forget the past, we also don’t have to let the past define us or others.” Cass County Judge Travis Ransom In April, I had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. I participated in a “Prison Reentry Simulation” which replicates the challenges and struggles faced by thousands of … [Read more...] about In Their Shoes
A Ray of Hope
Diversion Program Changing Lives in Smith County
Editor’s Note: In many counties, the county jail has become a de facto mental institution, housing mentally ill inmates awaiting due process without their medications and/or life-sustaining therapies. The situation is lose-lose-lose; the inmates and their families, fellow inmates and jail staff, and the taxpayers are all affected. Money has been appropriated, and … [Read more...] about A Ray of Hope
Mentally Ill Inmates
One Family’s Hope and Heartbreak
In many counties, the jail has become a de facto mental institution, housing mentally ill inmates awaiting due process without their medications and/or life-sustaining therapies. The situation is lose-lose-lose; the inmate, fellow inmates and jail staff, and the taxpayers are all affected. The statistics have been quoted for so long that one wonders if they have lost their … [Read more...] about Mentally Ill Inmates