Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. We are located on the I-35 corridor, half way between Austin and San Antonio. In little more than a decade, Hays County's population doubled to about 140,000 residents. Hays County is considered the 7th fastest-growing county in Texas and among the 30 fastest growing in the nation. According to the U.S. Census … [Read more...] about High Growth Rate Stresses County Jail
minimum jail standards
The Commissioners Court and the County Jail
The operation of the county jail is one of the most complex and expensive services provided by county government. Chapter 351 of the Local Government Code establishes the duty to provide local jails. In Section 351.041, the sheriff of each county is identified as the keeper of the county jail and charged with the duty to safely keep prisoners committed by proper authority. … [Read more...] about The Commissioners Court and the County Jail
Texas County Jails: Current Events
County Progress asked Terry Julian, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), to address some of the relevant issues facing county jails. Q: What level of involvement should the commissioners court have with the county jail? A: County commissioners should have oversight of issues affecting the sheriff’s jail budget. County commissioners are also … [Read more...] about Texas County Jails: Current Events
Texas Commission on Jail Standards Mental Health Study
The 78th Legislature’s House Bill 1 directed the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) to conduct a study relating to mental health screening and treatment practices of inmates with mental illnesses. To accomplish this, the TCJS and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) identified a number of stakeholders to participate as … [Read more...] about Texas Commission on Jail Standards Mental Health Study