WASHINGTON CO. JAIL PASSES NINTH STRAIGHT RANDOM INSPECTION

  

The Washington County Jail has passed a random state inspection for the ninth year in a row.

On Monday, Texas Jail Commission Inspector Byron Shelton performed a random day-long inspection at the jail.  At the conclusion of the inspection, Shelton certified the jail as passing and within compliance of state law.  The jail has passed inspection each year since 2013, when Sheriff Otto Hanak took office.

According to a release from Hanak, Shelton gave positive remarks on the level of cleanliness and sanitation at the jail, as well as the lack of graffiti present, which the inspector called “highly unusual.”

The inspection consisted of analyzing jail policy and procedures, paperwork efficiency, emergency operations, jailer certifications, medical and dental services, inmate interviews, inmate grievance policies, food services, cleanliness, sanitation procedures, staff safety and security, religious practices, and numerous other topics.

Hanak said the jail passes these inspections because of the dedication and focus of jail supervisors, maintenance workers, and food service and medical staff.  He said while the jail structure is nearing 30 years old, the Sheriff’s Office intends to continue maintaining the facility in hopes that it will last well into the future.

As with all 254 Texas county Sheriffs, jail operations are required by state law, and all jails must meet stringent rules and regulations set by state law and overseen by the Texas Jail Commission.

Hanak commended the entirety of Washington County Jail staff, along with everyone else who has contributed to operating the jail over the past nine years.