HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Millions of dollars are being allocated to enhance security and safety at the Harris County Jail, but grieving families believe it’s still not enough.
Nearly 50 people have died in the county jail over the past few years, prompting efforts to reduce this number. Jacilet Griffin is all too familiar with this statistic.
“It has just been horrible,” Griffin said. “It’s a nightmare. I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to experience this.”
Griffin’s son, Evan, was killed in the jail two years ago.
“I know it’s not a castle, but it should be a rehabilitation center, not a place with so many custodial deaths,” Griffin said.
She shared this message with commissioners on Tuesday. Recently, officials formed a committee to recommend changes, and on Tuesday, they presented their first batch of suggestions. The committee proposed a dozen projects to address urgent issues like plumbing, electricity, and other security concerns. A $122 million funding item was approved.
“It is a lot more money than I would like to be spending on this, but I don’t think we have a choice,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
The funding doesn’t address the jail’s staffing shortage. The sheriff’s office informed ABC13 that they are short 180 officers. Due to this, a state committee ruled last month that more inmates will be removed, with over 1,500 already transferred out of the county.
County Administrator Diana Ramirez mentioned efforts to recruit more officers by revising the pay scale and conducting surveys.
“We’re looking at when people leave and why they go to another job,” Ramirez explained.
A new jail might also be a solution. County employees will tour other facilities this summer, and a design consultant will be hired.
Hidalgo doesn’t want to house more inmates but aims to offer new opportunities.
“I just don’t think there’s a way for this jail to support the programs we need to implement,” Hidalgo said.
Grieving families remain skeptical about whether new infrastructure is the answer.
“I know the jail isn’t a perfect place, as I said earlier, but it shouldn’t be a place where anyone loses their life,” Griffin said.
The jail has shown some improvement. In 2022, 27 inmates died. Last year, the number dropped to 19. So far, in 2024, three inmates have died.
