Texas Commission on Jail Standards Under Fire
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the state agency responsible for overseeing county jails across Texas, has failed to consistently investigate prisoner complaints, maintain accurate records, or complete all inspections required by law. This is according to a new audit by the Texas State Auditor’s Office, which covered the period from October 2022 to December 2024.
Failure to Investigate Prisoner Complaints
The audit found that commission staff failed to properly investigate nearly all prisoner complaints that were audited. This could cover issues ranging from guard interactions to medical access. In 95% of cases, there was no record of assigning a severity level, which dictates how quickly jails must be contacted. In nearly half of the cases, there was no evidence that the agency contacted the jail at all. In some cases, the commission didn’t notify those who filed complaints or even start an investigation, leaving some complaints unresolved for more than two years.
Consequences of Inaction
These weaknesses increase the risk that the Commission will not identify a jail in violation of minimum standards, which could affect the safety and well-being of inmates. Between October 2022 and December 2024, the commission received more than 9,700 complaints. But in 13% of audited complaints still listed as "open," there was no evidence they had been assigned to an investigator at all.
Handling of In-Custody Deaths
The audit also reviewed how the commission handled in-custody deaths. Between January 2023 and December 2024, Texas jails reported 287 deaths. In all 60 cases reviewed by auditors, the commission was notified within 24 hours and assigned an outside agency to investigate. By early 2025, half were complete, while the rest remained open — including three that had been open for more than two years. According to the commission, the agency follows up quarterly but lacks authority to set deadlines for local investigators.
Issues with Inspection System
Beyond complaints and deaths, the audit found issues with the commission’s inspection system. Five counties, including Bexar and Travis, missed required limited inspections — a key factor in determining how often higher-risk jails are inspected. The audit also found issues with the agency’s inspection scheduling tool, which helps determine how often jails are inspected. In December 2024, the tool miscalculated risk scores for over 75% of jails reviewed by auditors. This left 10 facilities with insufficient oversight, according to auditors.
Enforcement Practices
The audit found that enforcement practices — including follow-up inspections, remedial orders, and technical assistance — were generally handled appropriately. From 2023 through 2024, the commission issued 149 notices of noncompliance and referred the Harris County Jail to the Texas Attorney General’s Office earlier this year after repeated violations.
Response from the Commission
TCJS officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a written response included in the audit, the agency agreed with the findings and said it plans to implement fixes by August 1. "TCJS will improve its processes and uphold its commitment to effective oversight and accountability," the agency wrote.
Conclusion
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has a critical role in ensuring the safety and rights of people in local jails. However, the audit’s findings raise serious concerns about the agency’s ability to perform its duties effectively. The commission’s failure to investigate prisoner complaints, maintain accurate records, and complete inspections required by law puts the well-being of inmates at risk. It is essential that the agency implements the necessary fixes to address these issues and provide effective oversight and accountability. By doing so, the commission can uphold its commitment to protecting the safety and rights of people in Texas county jails.
