By William Patrick
Palestine Herald-Press, Texas
PALESTINE, Texas — Deaths in Texas’ nearly 280 jails are not uncommon, raising questions about the state’s minimum jail standards.
Since last September, roughly 80 prisoners in Texas jails have died in custody. Nationwide, an estimated 950 county jail inmates a year die in custody, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Jail Statistics.
That means Texas accounts for more than 10 percent of the nation’s jail deaths.
On June 15, Anderson County jail inmate Rhonda Newsome became another statistic in these alarming numbers. Like most county jails in Texas, Anderson County’s has passed its annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The inspections are done without notice.
Newsome, 50, of Palestine, had been jailed three months before her death, on charges of aggravated assault.
Roughly nine months before Newsome’s death, the Anderson County jail underwent its annual inspection. To pass, a facility must meet the commission’s minimum standards. Anderson County passed.
Of the state’s nearly 280 jails, 21, or only 7.5 percent, of them were ruled non-compliant, TCJS Assistant Director Shannon Herklotz told the Herald-Press Thursday.
Anderson County’s passing grade came nearly five months after another inmate died in custody. This is the facility’s second death in 15 months.
TCJS spokesman William Turner told the Herald-Press that, with a death in custody, the commission reviews any documentation and video evidence to determine violations.
The review does not require an on-site visit, Turner said. A more through, on-site review might follow, however, if evidence is insufficient.
No decision has been made on a possible on-site visit to the Anderson County jail.
Texas Rangers are investigating Newsome’s death; a coroner’s report will determine the cause of death.
Forensic Medical Management Services of Texas in Tyler are conducting the autopsy, which can take four to 12 weeks.
Newsome was prescribed several medications. Sources close to Newsome’s family also told the Herald-Press that, in addition to several medical issues, she also received psychiatric care at Access in Palestine.
To meet minimum standards, a jail must have an approved plan for inmate medical, mental, and dental services, the Texas Administrative code states.
A jail must provide procedures for regularly scheduled sick calls, referrals for medical, mental, and dental services; efficient and prompt care for acute and emergency situations; and the distribution of prescriptions.
Another chapter of the code designates a time frame for which jailers must observe inmates face-to-face: Once every 60 minutes.
Furthermore, observations must be performed every 30 minutes in areas holding assaultive, potentially suicidal, and mentally ill inmates.
The statute also states inmates and jailers, licensed peace officers, bailiffs, and designated staff must maintain two-way voice communication capability.
Closed-circuit television may be used, but not in place of required personal observations.
Newsome was taking multiple prescriptions for several medical conditions. She was designated a high or psychiatric risk when booked into the jail.
By law, she was to have received regular medical care and remain in voice communication with staff at all times. Staff should have checked her at least every 30 minutes, if she was designated a psychiatric risk.
The Herald-Press has no information on staff checks made on Newsome. Calls to Sheriff Taylor were not returned.
©2018 the Palestine Herald-Press (Palestine, Texas)