County Progress asked Brandon Wood, executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (Commission), to address some of the relevant issues facing county jails.
Q: As we approach the 84th Session of the Texas Legislature, do you anticipate any impact on the TCJS?
The agency was instructed to submit a supplemental appropriations request that would demonstrate what a 10 percent reduction would have on operations, so even before the session has started we are grappling with issues that could impact us. We are also monitoring any possible recommendations from the interim charges assigned to the various committees that could require us to either assume additional duties or collect additional information from the counties for reporting purposes. The possibility of the agency being abolished or consolidated is always there, and we believe that the independence to work with the counties would be curtailed or eliminated if our duties were transferred, so that is an impact we are always monitoring.
Q: Aside from budgetary matters, what role should members of the Commissioners Court play when it comes to their county jails?
First and foremost, if they have not already done so, I strongly encourage them to walk through every part of their jail. Becoming familiar with its operations and role in the criminal justice system will assist in making informed decisions on all matters, not just budgetary, that impact the operation of the jail. Working toward solutions and looking for safe but cost-efficient ways of lowering the jail population should be on every member of the Court’s personal and professional agenda. I know that most take that approach already, but there always seems to be a new program or way of doing things that can at least be reviewed to determine if it is a viable option for their own county. There will always be inmates, and ensuring that a minimum constitutional level of confinement is provided is not just the role of the TCJS; Commissioners Court members should know what it is they are paying for, especially since the jail is often the single largest line item.
Q: What is the No. 1 challenge facing county jails today?
Trying to determine the number one problem facing county jails today depends upon one’s perspective. Some parts of the state are competing with major oil and gas fields for employees, and staffing is typically in the top five when discussing issues with the county. But, the feedback we receive most often addresses the cost of inmate health care and associated medicine and prescriptions, especially that which is used for the treatment of MHMR inmates. Even though a number of the larger counties are able to leverage the economies of scale based on the sheer number of inmates that they are dealing with, the cost is still high, and counties are continuously seeking a more efficient and cost-effective way of providing this service.
Q: How can counties best address the problems associated with mentally ill inmates who end up in the county jail system?
It almost seems that if they wind up in the county jail, you have already lost the battle. Several counties are utilizing mental health deputies and other programs in an attempt to prevent individuals from ever reaching the jail.
However, once these inmates enter the jail, one of the first priorities for counties is to establish a good working relationship with their Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA), preferably with a contract that outlines services. Second, jailers should receive mental health training on a regular basis.
Q: What is the current blue warrant status?
As of September 2014, there are 2,136 inmates incarcerated for parole violations, a 7 percent decrease from this time last year.
Q: What are the keys to retaining jail staff?
Aside from competitive pay and benefits, research has indicated that job satisfaction strategies may help keep valued employees. Task variety, increase in job difficulty and responsibility, as well as training opportunities to increase professionalism are just some of the job satisfaction strategies that administrators may wish to employ to reduce staff turnover.
