Harris County Jail Fails State Inspection, Allows Gun to Enter Facility
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with new information from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office
A state inspection has found that Harris County Jail officials failed to search a prisoner’s wheelchair when he was booked in October, allowing a loaded handgun to enter the facility. The gun remained inside the jail for more than a month before it was confiscated by authorities.
The Incident
The inspection was conducted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) in mid-December, about a month after the gun was found inside the seat cushion of a wheelchair used by 53-year-old Tyrone Kennedy. According to the report, state inspectors reviewed security footage and found that Kennedy’s personal wheelchair "had not been searched for contraband upon entry" when he was booked into the jail in October.
"As a result, contraband items were introduced into the jail," the report read.
Consequences
Kennedy, who was arrested on October 23 on a felony parole revocation warrant, is now facing additional felony charges: possession of a deadly weapon in a penal institution and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Background
The inspection was conducted by the TCJS, which previously determined that the Harris County Jail was violating statewide safety standards due to persistent understaffing and medical neglect, among other issues. This determination held true for nearly two years, up until the facility finally passed an inspection with "technical assistance" in August.
Investigation
According to the report, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported the "serious incident" to the commission after the gun was found in the jail in November. At the time, the sheriff’s office said it launched an internal investigation that would include "a review of relevant policies and procedures."
Corrective Action
As a result of the failed inspection, jail officials were required to submit a corrective plan of action including "some type of training for personnel regarding conducting contraband searches." According to Jason Spencer, chief of staff at the sheriff’s office, a plan was sent over to the commission via email on December 13 – just days before the inspection occurred.
Read the full notice of noncompliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at the Harris County Jail?
A: A state inspection found that officials failed to search a prisoner’s wheelchair, allowing a loaded handgun to enter the facility.
Q: What were the consequences for the prisoner?
A: The prisoner, Tyrone Kennedy, is now facing additional felony charges: possession of a deadly weapon in a penal institution and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Q: What did the Harris County Sheriff’s Office do in response to the incident?
A: The sheriff’s office reported the "serious incident" to the commission and launched an internal investigation that included "a review of relevant policies and procedures."
Q: What was the result of the failed inspection?
A: Jail officials were required to submit a corrective plan of action, including "some type of training for personnel regarding conducting contraband searches."
