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November 3, 2009

County jail passes unannounced inspection

By Rich Flowers News Editor

Despite its larger size, increased staff and a higher inmate population, the Henderson County Jail passed its annual inspection last week.

Each year, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards examines county jails to determine if they meet the minimum standards set in place by the Texas Legislature.

During the inspection, conducted Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, the jail passed in all categories with no deficiencies noted.

“I would like to thank the hard work and professionalism that is carried out by our detention staff in striving to keep the Henderson County Jail above the standards that are set by law,” Sheriff Ray Nutt said.

The inspection was unannounced, with the inspector arriving at the facility without informing HCSO beforehand, Nutt said. About 25 percent of the state’s county jails are undergoing unannounced inspections each year.

The county jail has fared well in past state inspections, despite major changes in the facility.

In July, 2006, construction began on a new wing that would add about 300 additional beds to the jail. In October, 2007, with construction underway at the facility, the county passed its annual inspection, with no major deficiencies.

In June, 2008, almost two years after the construction project began, TCJS approved the new portion of the jail for operations. After getting approval to move some prisoners into the new section, the county was able to proceed with renovation of the old portion of the jail.

The project included enlarging the areas for visitation, booking, food service and property storage.

In February, 2009, after completion of the jail expansion, TCJS made a surprise visit to the remodeled area of the of the jail.

Inspections found only a few minor problems such as malfunctioning lights and locks. The jail passed in all major categories.

As of Oct. 21, TCJS records show the jail capacity at 509 with 421 beds filled.

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