By Paul J. Weber
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas — The head of jail oversight in Texas wants to revise mental health screenings in county lockups following the death of Sandra Bland.
Texas Commission on Jail Standards Director Brandon Wood said Thursday that a major challenge for jailers is dealing with inmates with a history of mental health issues who don’t appear to be in immediate crisis.
Wood testified to Texas lawmakers who are reviewing jail and police standards.
Bland was found dead in a Waller County jail July 13, three days after she was arrested during a traffic stop. Authorities say she hanged herself, a finding her family has questioned.
Bland indicated on a booking questionnaire that she previously attempted suicide.
Officials say Waller County jailers didn’t get additional mental health training they were supposed to receive.