The attempt to alleviate overcrowding at Tarrant County Jail by outsourcing inmates to the Giles W. Dalby Correctional Center in Garza County has backfired, leading to its own set of issues.
Since 2022, Tarrant County had contracted with Management & Training Corporation to house up to 500 inmates at the Dalby facility, located about four hours west of Fort Worth. However, problems arose when it was discovered in February that the contractor had failed to meet state jail standards without informing county officials.
On Tuesday, county commissioners unanimously voted to authorize County Administrator Chandler Merritt to officially terminate the contract.
Commissioner Roy Brooks expressed relief during the meeting, stating, “It’s been a lengthy process to reach this point, but we have finally arrived here, thankfully.”
While the vote gave Merritt discretion on the timing of the termination notice, an earlier action plan stipulated that the contract would end by September 30, with accelerated renovations at the county jail to accommodate the returning inmates by that date.
Commissioner Manny Ramirez acknowledged the complexities involved in bringing back around 400 inmates, emphasizing that the administrator’s office and Sheriff’s Office would ensure a swift and safe transition.
Ramirez also expressed hope that the state would assume responsibility for some of the inmates, noting, “The majority of those currently held at Garza should already be in state custody, not in Tarrant County’s.”
Previously, concerns were raised by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) about the lack of space in county facilities to house the Dalby inmates immediately upon their return, potentially jeopardizing compliance with state standards.
When contacted for comment, a TCSO spokesperson declined to discuss specific plans due to safety considerations but expressed confidence that repaired facilities at the Tarrant County Corrections Center and Cold Springs Jail would provide adequate space for the additional inmates.
Efforts to obtain a response from Management & Training Corporation regarding the termination decision are ongoing.
