Travis County Inmates to See Families Face-to-Face Again
In a victory for prison reform groups, in-person visitations are coming back after more than two years behind screens.
Fort Bend sheriff pushes back against criticism over jail suicides
The Fort Bend County sheriff is pushing back against criticism of his agency following two reported jail suicides this fall, including a state report citing the jail for violating minimum standards.
Suicides and attempts on the rise in Texas prisons
Jacqueline Aguilar’s 26-year-old brother, Jose Aguilar, had spent nearly nine months in solitary confinement at the Ferguson Unit when he hanged himself in February 2014.
Graziani, Smith: Better state jail oversight can curb suicides
In the aftermath of Sandra Bland's death in the Waller County jail, Texas is now discussing suicide prevention in local jails.
[2017 Session] Ensure Critical External Oversight of the State Correctional System
Policy Background:
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has a variety of internal accountability mechanisms, including the offender grievance process, the Ombudsman office (which handles inquiries from the public), and the Office of the Inspector General (which conducts investigations and policy monitoring).
US jails, prisons struggling to meet federal anti-rape rules
Miguel Moll knew the risk of rape when he was thrown into a Texas jail in 1989 after joyriding in a stolen car.
Few US states protecting juvenile inmates from rape
Only 12 US states are in full compliance with an prison anti-rape rule intended to keep juvenile offenders from adults.
Jails, prisons still trying to meet federal anti-rape rules
Miguel Moll knew the risk of rape when he was thrown into a Texas jail in 1989 after joyriding in a stolen car.
The Harris County Jail Got So Crowded the Sheriff Delayed Inmate Transfers
County officials have known for some time that the Harris County jail is overcrowded with inmates who haven't yet been convicted of a crime, who are there in many instances just because they can't afford to pay bail before trial.
A Year Later, Sandra Bland's Death Propels Calls for Reform
In the year since her arrest and death in Waller County, Sandra Bland has powered the push for criminal justice reforms in Texas.