Texas Commission on Jail Standards Reviews Harris County Jail
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards met on November 6, 2025, to discuss the Harris County Jail’s progress in addressing long-standing issues. The commission commended the county for its efforts to improve detention officer staffing and reduce inmate outsourcing contracts.
Progress and Improvements
About 300 inmates who were outsourced to a private jail facility in Mississippi will return to Harris County as one of the outsourcing contracts is set to end this year. The county has also made efforts to reduce the total inmate population, with a 20% reduction in pre-trial detainees being outsourced to a private jail in Louisiana. Chief Deputy Tommy Diaz noted that the sheriff’s office has a detailed plan to replace fire panels, which were identified as an issue during an inspection in October.
Ongoing Compliance Issues
Despite the progress, the Harris County Jail remains out of compliance with state minimum standards. The commission issued an amended remedial order in February, which is still in place. The order requires the jail to address ongoing and unresolved violations, including issues with fire control panels. Brandon Wood, the executive director of the state’s jail commission, made a motion to authorize an agreement with Harris County to work on a comprehensive compliance plan.
Remedial Order Details
The 82-page remedial order issued on August 7 details the need for a compliance plan to address violations, including:
- Instructing medical personnel on the intake review of prescription medications
- Providing enhanced training on recognizing mental health crises and suicidal ideation
- Training administrative staff on the process for attempting to end outsourcing
Concerns About Medical Care
Family members of individuals who died inside the Harris County Jail this year raised concerns about medical care inside the facility. More than a dozen people spoke out during the commission’s last meeting, questioning the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Several inmates who died suffered from pre-existing medical conditions, viral infections, and sepsis.
Calls for Investigation
Sarah Knight, the mother of Jaleen Anderson, who died at age 29 after being outsourced to a private detention facility in Louisiana, urged the commission to investigate the deaths of inmates struggling with mental health. Medical professionals from Houston also questioned the timeliness of medical care inside the jail.
Conclusion
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards will continue to monitor the Harris County Jail’s progress in addressing its ongoing compliance issues. While the county has made efforts to improve, the jail remains out of compliance with state minimum standards. The commission’s efforts to work with the county to develop a comprehensive compliance plan are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates. The commission’s actions will be closely watched as they work to address the systemic issues within the Harris County Jail.
