Bexar County Jail lays out plan to comply with safety and standards

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is now working to get its jail back in compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS).

The facility was notified November 19 that it would be taken out of compliance.

“Regaining compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) is our top priority. In response to the recent noncompliance notice, we swiftly submitted a comprehensive plan to TCJS that not only meets but maintains their standards,” said Sheriff Javier Salazar. “Our plan aims to improve inmate health and streamline the housing process at the Bexar County Jail. We also have support from University Health System which is committed to assisting us with their strategic plan. Together, we are focused on achieving compliance promptly.”

BCSO has sent a report to TCJS detailing how it plans to get back in line.

Part of the plan includes new technology that can detect some vital signs of inmates, including heart rate and respiration. This addition to the jail aims to help bring down the number of inmates dying while in custody. The facility has reported 13 inmate deaths in 2024, and that follows 12 reported in 2023.

A 48-hour report is also being implemented that will track all inmates who have yet to be housed and given a unit in the jail.

BCSO will also be conducting audits regarding inmate housing, and this data will be reviewed by both the Bexar County Standards Compliance Unit (SCU) and Jail Administration.

University Health is creating an updated plan to distribute medication to inmates at the jail.

TCJS says the Bexar County Jail will be subject to increased monitoring and inspections as this is the second time the facility has been found to be out of compliance in the last 18 months.