TRINITY COUNTY, TX- Today, Commissioners Court approved a contract with Angelina County to purchase 40 inmate beds per day to house Trinity County inmates. It is important that the public clearly understands what this decision means and why it was necessary.
What was approved
This is not “up to” 40 beds. Trinity County is purchasing 40 beds every day, and those 40 beds are guaranteed to be available to us when needed.
Cost of the contract
The cost is $75 per inmate per day, which equals $3,000 per day, or approximately $1.095 million per year. These beds are paid for whether they are fully used or not.
Why 40 beds
For several months now, Trinity County has averaged more than 40 inmates per day. This contract reflects our actual inmate population, not a theoretical number. If we exceed 40 inmates and Angelina County has additional space, they will make every effort to accommodate more at the same daily rate. However, only 40 beds are guaranteed. If Angelina County cannot accommodate additional inmates, we will rely on existing contracts with other counties when necessary.
Budget reality
The current county budget only includes $750,000 for inmate contract housing. That amount is not sufficient to cover this contract and will have to be addressed through a budget amendment.
Why the Groveton jail must remain open
Dispatch operations are housed in the Groveton jail. Closing the jail would not save money. By law, inmates must be magistrated within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the offense. Without a local jail, deputies would be required to transport inmates immediately after arrest and again the next day for magistrate appearances. This would mean more deputies, more fuel, more overtime, and increased liability.
State jail limits and liability
Under our current state variance, Trinity County is only allowed to hold seven inmates in Groveton. I will do everything legally possible not to exceed that limit. Exceeding it creates serious liability and places the county out of compliance with state regulations. This contract helps us stay within those limits.
Transportation risks
Inmate transportation is one of the most dangerous and liability heavy parts of law enforcement. Every transport increases risk to deputies, inmates, and the public. Keeping inmates in one location significantly reduces both risk and cost.
Cost comparison
The cost of operating the Groveton facility already includes dispatchers who also serve as jailers and part time staff. Those costs do not go away if the jail closes. In fact, they would likely increase to accommodate additional transportation demands.
Plumbing issues
The jail plumbing issues are not new. I have raised concerns about this for over 10 years, and those concerns are documented in reports, emails, letters, and on the record in Commissioners Court. While the plumbing is currently operational, this does not mean the underlying issue is resolved. The problem is age related and ongoing.
Law enforcement responsibilities
Suggestions that law enforcement should stop arresting people for certain offenses are not realistic or lawful. We are required to enforce the law when crimes occur. For example, alcohol related offenses require arrest and incarceration for a minimum period. Suggesting that impaired drivers can simply be taken home ignores the very real risk of them getting back behind the wheel and causing harm. Public safety is not optional.
Bottom line
This contract is not ideal, but it is necessary. It keeps Trinity County compliant with state law, reduces transportation and liability, and ensures inmates are housed safely. Costs are unlikely to decrease and will likely increase over time.
This is a long term issue with no quick fix. Today’s decision was a step forward, not the final solution. I will continue to be transparent and keep the public informed.
— Sheriff Woody WallaceTrinity County Sheriff’s Office
