WASHINGTON CO. JAIL PASSES 12TH STRAIGHT INSPECTION
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports it has passed a random state inspection at the county jail for the 12th straight year.
Texas Jail Commission Inspector Mike Garrett performed a random day-long inspection at the jail on Tuesday. At the end of the inspection, the jail was certified as passing and well within compliance of state law.
The inspection consisted of the analysis of 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.
According to a release from Sheriff Otto Hanak, the inspector gave high praise on the cleanliness and sanitation of the jail.
Hanak said the passing of another jail inspection is due to the leadership of Chief Deputy Eric Hensley and assigned staff members, including lieutenants, shift sergeants, corrections officers, administrative assistants, food service, medical and maintenance staff, and the transport/bailiff division. He said with the jail structure being over 30 years old, the sheriff’s office intends to continue maintaining the facility so that it lasts 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 said continually passing random jail inspections annually is “almost unheard of” within Texas jails comparable in size and with minimum staffing. He thanked everyone who has contributed to the operation of the jail over the past 12 years, as well as the public for its support of the sheriff’s office.