The Texas Commission on Jail Standards conducted a limited compliance review at the Polk County Jail on May 5.
“There were no deficiencies noted and upon review of this report by the Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, a certificate of compliance may be issued per the requirements of VTCA, Chapter 511 and Texas Minimum Jail Standards,” the limited compliance review report filed by the TCJS inspector said.
There were three technical assistances provided from the inspection. These included: a 90-day reclassification notice; a medication disbursement report that was not correctly filled out; and a staffing roster documenting the one-to-48 staffing ratio.
The technical assistance reports are designed to assist the sheriff and jail administrator with notice of areas where training or special attention needs to be made.
Due to ongoing staffing shortages at the Polk County Jail, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been housing inmates at the Louisiana Work Force LLC facility in Beauregard Parish, La.
Per Texas Commission on Jail Standards, each county jail in Texas is required to maintain a minimum ratio of one guard for every 48 inmates.
Like many other county jails across Texas, Polk County has faced significant staffing challenges. These shortages, along with issues of overcrowding, have forced many facilities, including Polk County’s, to explore alternative housing options for inmates.
“We conducted a thorough search for suitable facilities within Texas that could house our inmates while also being reasonably close to Polk County for court-related travel. The only viable in-state option was in Eagle Pass, which could accommodate 60 to 100 inmates. However, it is located approximately six hours away, one way. In contrast, the facility in Beauregard Parish, La., though out of state, is only a two-hour drive and can also house between 60 and 100 inmates. This proximity allows us to keep our inmate population centralized, rather than spread out across multiple locations,” Sheriff Byron Lyons said.
“Housing inmates in Beauregard Parish has enabled us to remain in compliance with Texas Minimum Jail Standards. Inmates’ essential needs, including medical care, commissary access, and mail services, are being fully met at the Louisiana facility. Once our staffing levels are restored and in-county housing becomes feasible, all inmates will be returned to the Polk County Jail,” Lyons said.
