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TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS

Judge Donna S. Klaeger, Burnet, Chair Allan D. Cain, Carthage Sheriff Gary Painter, Midland
Stanley D. Egger, Abilene, Vice Chair Jerry W. Lowry, New Caney Dr. Michael M. Seale, M.D., Houston
Irene A. Armendariz, Austin Larry S. May, Sweetwater Sheriff Dennis D. Wilson, Groesbeck
The Commission on Jail Standards welcomes all suggestions and will promptly respond to all complaints directed against the agency or any facilities under its purview.
To empower local government to provide safe, secure and suitable local jail facilities through proper rules and procedures while promoting innovative programs and ideas
P.O. Box 12985
Austin, Texas 78711
Voice: (512) 463-5505
Fax: (512) 463-3185
Agency Website: http://www.tcjs.state.tx.us
E-mail Address: brandon.wood@tcjs.state.tx.us

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brandon S. Wood



MEMORANDUM
To: Assistant Director Shannon J. Herklotz
From: Inspector Phillip Bosquez
Date: September 29, 2014
RE: Special Inspection of the Harris County Jail
This report will outline my observations of the isolation/single cells located in the 701 and 1200 Buildings of
the Harris County Jail Complex as well as a brief overview of documentation reviewed pertaining to the
sanitation policy and procedure (# D-233). Finally, I will provide a short synopsis of a meeting with Chief F.
Brown, Major S. Jones and Captain R. Taylor where the inspection and other issues were discussed.
During the inspection of the cells in 701 Building, they appeared clean and were devoid of excess trash
buildup. Some cells were noticeably cleaner than others. This can be attributed to the inmates housed in
those cells and their hygienic habits. When interviewing these inmates, they communicated to me their
cleaning schedule and that they preferred a clean house so they kept it that way. Also, during inmate
interviews, they informed me that inmate workers came in to clean the dayroom shower and toilet facilities
on regular basis. The inmates also told me that if they specifically asked for cleaning supplies for cells, they
would receive them. One cell, in this building, had an accumulation of four towels (only one should be issued)
as well as a couple days of newspapers. The towels were piled up with other clothes and the newspapers were
strewn about the cell making it look dirty. Although it was minor and addressed on-site, this was the worst
cell observed in this building.
Then, I proceeded to inspect the cells in Building 1200. The cells in this building were not as clean as the cells
in Building 701. Although only two cells really stood out in this building, the issues were minor, as a whole for
Building 1200. In one cell, the inmate had possibly broken open an ink pen and drawn major graffiti all over
the walls, which in my opinion, still looked very fresh. In the second cell, the inmate had pasted paper to the
door view window as well as the walls. This particular inmate became aggressive towards staff when told to
clean his cell. The inmate had to be restrained in order for the staff and trusty workers to perform the
cleaning. Also, maintenance staff was called in to adjust the hot water temperature in three of the cells in this
building. Maintenance staff was also advised to use a cleaning chemical in the shower and floor drains to
prevent tiny flies from coming out of the drains. In several cells, it was noted that the inmates utilized paper
or plastic to cover the drains. When the inmates were interviewed about the coverings, they explained that
fruit flies sometimes come out of the drains and the covers prevented them from appearing. During the
inspection, no flies were observed in either building, although inmates reported it happens more at night.
TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS









Judge Donna S. Klaeger, Burnet, Chair Allan D. Cain, Carthage Sheriff Gary Painter, Midland
Stanley D. Egger, Abilene, Vice Chair Jerry W. Lowry, New Caney Dr. Michael M. Seale, M.D., Houston
Irene A. Armendariz, Austin Larry S. May, Sweetwater Sheriff Dennis D. Wilson, Groesbeck
The Commission on Jail Standards welcomes all suggestions and will promptly respond to all complaints directed against the agency or any facilities under its purview.

P.O. Box 12985
Austin, Texas 78711
Voice: (512) 463-5505
Fax: (512) 463-3185
Agency Website: http://www.tcjs.state.tx.us
E-mail Address: brandon.wood@tcjs.state.tx.us

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brandon S. Wood



The inmates that were interviewed had no complaints concerning plumbing fixtures and all fixtures were
found to be operational at time of walk-through. The inmates claim that they do not participate in recreation
very often for several reasons but noted that recreation was offered at least the three times per week.
During the walk-through of Building 1200, I requested a jailer to call for cleaning supplies to be brought to the
pod like he normally would. A mop bucket with fresh water and a cleaning solution were brought down in
about five minutes. After talking with the jailer about more specific sanitation duties, it was recommended
that he become more familiar with post orders and sanitation procedures.
After inspecting the sanitation in both buildings, the shift duties in regards to sanitation and post orders, it
was determined that HCSO Policy #D-233 is very detailed in every aspect of who, what, when and where
things are to be done to maintain a safe and clean operation of the inmate housing areas.
In closing, I met with Chief Brown and his staff to discuss a few items as well as offer a few suggestions and
provide technical assistance. Although HCSO has a detailed policy regarding sanitation, the suggestion was
made that some sort of refresher training be given to the jailers and supervisors so that they follow this plan
to the letter. By having all floors and all shifts follow the same plan without much deviation will help to
maintain the continuity of services throughout the system. Items were discussed on things in place as well as
things to come in order to keep the jail on the right track.
The main goal of this special inspection was to insure that the issue that had initiated an anonymous
complaint was not a systemic issue throughout the jail complex. With my observations today and in the past,
it is my opinion that the incident was isolated. After meeting and consulting with jail administration, it was
evident that the incident is something that should have never happened and an issue that they will diligently
try to prevent from ever happening again. It was reiterated, on several occasions, that the Texas Commission
on Jail Standards is a resource for all our jail partners and not just a regulatory agency to enforce standards.
And finally, I advised the administration that if any issue(s) arise in the future, to contact Commission staff
immediately at the time of occurrence in order to address the problem in a more timely manner and hopefully
avoid future occurrences.

Phillip Bosquez - Inspector
Texas Commission on Jail Standards

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