WASHINGTON COUNTY JAIL PASSES SURPRISE INSPECTION

  

The Washington County Jail passed a surprise inspection on Monday.

According to Sheriff Otto Hanak, a random jail inspection was performed at the Washington County jail by Texas Jail Commission Inspector Fred St. Amant. At the conclusion of the inspection, Mr. St. Amant certified the jail as passing and within compliance of state law.

This inspection consisted of the analysis of paperwork efficiency, emergency operations, jail policy and procedure, jailer certifications, health services, sanitation, religious practices, life safety, and numerous other topics.

Since 2013, Sheriff Hanak says Jail Captain Jerry Green and the jail staff have worked hard to bring the Washington County jail up to and exceed standards with regard to mandatory state requirements as well as compliance with local jail policy and procedures.

As with all 254 Texas county Sheriffs, jail operations are required by state law and all jails must meet rules and regulations set forth by the State, and overseen by the Texas Jail Commission.  All jails present the ultimate hourly and daily challenges to jail supervisors and jail staff management.

“It is most critical that our jail staff is not only properly trained but are constantly focused on the business at hand” said the Sheriff’s Office in a statement on Tuesday.

“In addition, our maintenance supervisor Gerald Wehring works hard each day to ensure the jail will last another 20 years.  It was under his guidance and hard work that the entire jail was updated and repainted with inmate labor saving hundreds of thousands of tax dollars.  “

Sheriff Hanak says he would like to commend the entire jail staff and their leadership for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism over the past five successful inspections.

Citizens who wish to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office or jail can visit www.washingtoncosheriff.org.