Harris County Jail - Texas

[lilmike's mom]

Things have not changed as far as visitation goes at this jail. My 17 yr. old son has been there since 2/6/07 awaiting transfer to a SAFP unit.On the day of sentencing, we were told he'd be there up to a month. Since then we've been told up to 11 wks. I visit him on a daily basis (unless someone else wants to visit). There are still long lines, the guards are still rude (for the most part). I have actually had a couple of them smile and tell me to "have a nice visit". I've noticed that it's the older ones that can be nicer. Some of the guards look sooo miserable. They will not even make eye contact with you. That's usually the younger ones. I get there 30 - 45 minutes before 5 pm so that I can be one of the first to go up. This past week, we were not called up from the line until 6 - 6:15 pm. I was in line for almost 2 hours. One day, I had to walk up the stairs (from the 2nd floor) up to the 7th floor. That's where my son is located. Both elevators were broken that day. Ive heard the co's/guards scream at the inmates cuz they're leaving from visitation too slow. I have actually heard one of the co's (white shirt) comment that they (inmates) are just trying to "check out the hoes". Did he think we could not hear or did he just not care? The windows do suck, it's hard to hear and I also take alcoholic wipes w/me to clean the speakers. But they don't have that option. On the positive side: I get there 30-45 min's early and so I get to talk to the people around me, get to know them, their stories, give encouragement, tell them about PTO and all the encouragement and information I've rec'd. Like I've said before, PTO has been a God send! I'm so happy to be part of this family. Thanks everybody for your love and support! Till next time - hang in there and always have hope!

[KatyBee]

I think from what I have read that Harris and Dallas County are the worst 2 county jails in Texas. I'm glad you can see this as a time to encourage others as you wait. We are blessed to have you as a PTO member. Katy

[RobinsMan]

Texas county jail population as of 2/1/2007 and % capacity.
Harris 9082 88%
Dallas 6937 91%
Bexar 3904 91%
Tarrant 3331 83%
Travis 2603 85%
El Paso 2283 94%
Only three other counties are over 1000. Harris and Dallas counties are busy, busy, busy.

[KayNMonty]

Katy,
Dallas County Jail is one of the worst in Texas, if not the entire US! They've been on the news quite frequently during the past 5-6 months for unsanitary conditions in the facilities and the only reason they are at the 91% capacity now is because they've let a lot of people go.

[lilmike's mom]

Hey Everybody! Actually, Harris Co. Jail has also been in the news lately. Unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, not enough guards, inmates dying from not having access to their med's for their serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. I don't want to be a downer, but I think "knowledge is power". The PTO family has encouraged me, how could I not encourage others? My son is "keeping his head up", being strong and can still manage to make me laugh. He's keeping a positive outlook toward the future, anxious to do his time and says he never wants to go back. As some of you know, he's headed to a SAFP unit. I've tried to prepare him as much as possible. All the info on this site, I've passed on to him (no names). Again, THANK YOU EVERYONE!

[murmurkibbies]

My husband was in Harris County, and he said in that place, it seems like abuse and mistreatment are standard operating procedure. I hope your son gets transferred soon.

[lilmike's mom]

Thanks murmurkibbies (spell it right?). Keep us in your prayers, ok?

[txsfmhstn]

Well I see nothing ever changes at 701 N San Jacinto. They have been waiting until 6 or later to let anyone up since back in Nov 2006. The elevators broke again. Count yourself lucky if they allowed you to walk up the stairs up to visit, we were not allowed to do that. Oh and the ones in the white shirts are only jailers they are not police officers. It can take up to 6 months to transfer to a SAFP unit, heard it could be longer than that in some cases.

[Chrissy's Wife]

My dude was there at 701 for 9 months. I thought he would never leave. I too did not get a chance to say goodbye. I did not find people to be extremely rude, don't get me wrong they were rude. A few of them were flirty. I did not like that at all because they new most likely you were going to see your man. Thank GOD that those days of standing/ sitting in line are gone. I did that for 9 months, I only missed 4 days in those 9 months.


HURRY HOME BABY.....I U !

[tayalex07]

I was actually in Harris County in December. I was there for a VERY short time, but enough to make me realize I needed to change my ways Upon entrance, one girl who was in my entry group, asked to be explained why her shoes were being taken away and ours weren't (there was basically NO reason, she and I had on almost the exact same pair actually and I got to keep mine), and after being screamed at by an officer who called for backup when she asked, she just kept her mouth shut. Hours and hours later, she and I ended up in the same random holding cell again. I'd already been dressed out and gone to court, she was still in her plainclothes and hadn't been told/talked to anyone.

While in the booking holding cell, I was very very lucky. I was booked in 3 hours (found out later on, no sense on time in that jail until you see your papers), there were women in there who'd been in that same holding cell for THREE DAYS waiting to get booked. And your time doesn't start until you're booked. I kept my mouth shut the entire time, only occasionally attempting to use the pay phone to report to my mom that I'd gone before a judge and what my fine/time served was (try calling someone in that jail, they don't have phone pieces, you have to listen and talk through a single little speaker ON the phone box. . try that with a ton of loud women in one holding cell).

I'd been arrested a few times, all on traffic warrants (this one was also), serving a couple hours in Bay Area Annex and Pasadena City. Harris County was hell for the short time I was in there, but I'll tell you all one thing. . it's paradise to Pasadena City Jail.

[RobinsMan]

Awwww, c'mon. I know it's pasadena but worse than Harris County? Geeeeeez!