November 12, 2024 - Representatives of Shelby County faced the Texas Commission on Jail Standards on November 7, 2024, for a hearing on the jail’s non-compliance designation.
The commission had a long agenda addressing issues with jails across the state, and Shelby County was just one of them.
Those present from Shelby County included Kevin Windham, Sheriff; Chad Hooper, Chief Deputy; Tiffany Ryals, Jail Administrator; Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge; Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4; and Luciana Barr, Emergency Management Coordinator.
Shelby County was introduced to the commissioners as being on the agenda to provide you an update on their efforts to regain compliance. It was further indicated Shelby County has previously been issued a notice of non-compliance and has been working on those issues. Shelby County had to appear before the commission due to the length of time being in non-compliance so as to not go into enhanced enforcement and potentially a remedial order situation.
“We have worked diligently to make corrections to the items that we were found to be in non-compliance, and we're ready to answer your questions, if you have any,” said Sheriff Windham.
The commission requested a summary of the corrective action taken at this point of time, and then a recommendation would be made by the commission.
“As far as any non-compliance issue during our last inspection, which includes ANSUL hoods, lots of inspection things that we were out of date on, all of those things have been addressed, the plumbing, the lighting, all of those issues are squared away and we are ready for re-inspection,” said Chief Hooper.
Brandon Wood, TCJS Executive Director, stated, “based upon the information received and the comments received from the inspector in regards to his continuous communication in the efforts of the county. We would request that no action be taken at this time and allow us to report back to you through the February meeting and hopefully be able to inform you that they are currently in compliance.”
A motion to approve Wood’s recommendation was seconded and the motion passed.
