NCJ Number
17462
Date Published
1973
Length
56 pages
Annotation
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING STATUTORY STANDARDS ON JAIL CONDITIONS, WITH SEVERAL PROPOSED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REMEDY THE INADEQUATE CONDITIONS FOUND IN MOST JAILS.
Abstract
THE HISTORY OF TEXAS LEGISLATION CONCERNING JAIL CONDITIONS IS TRACED. ALTHOUGH LEGISLATION HAD EXISTED CONCERNING THE CONDITIONS OF JAILS, NO FUNDS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THESE REGULATIONS WERE PROVIDED FOR ENFORCEMENT UNTIL 1970. DURING 1970-1971, 247 OF 254 COUNTY JAILS WERE INSPECTED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. VARIOUS ITEMS RELATING TO SUITABLE SEGREGATION OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF PRISONERS, SECURITY, SAFETY, SANITATION, AND HEALTH WERE EVALUATED. ONLY FIVE COUNTY JAILS WERE FOUND TO BE IN TOTAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEGISLATION ON JAIL CONDITIONS. PROBLEMS FACED BY THE TEXAS COUNTY JAILS ARE DISCUSSED, AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS ARE LISTED. AMONG THE SOLUTIONS ARE RELEASE ON PERSONAL BOND, THE TRANSFER OF THOSE ON APPEAL TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, INCREASED USE OF WORK RELEASE PROGRAMS, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS. INCLUDED IN THE APPENDIXES IS PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT EACH OF THE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT.