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Harris County Jail Maxed Out

By Kristin Houle

The Houston Chronicle reports that the Harris County Jail now holds 1,000 people beyond its capacity ("Harris County Jail filled beyond capacity," April 1, 2008). People with mental illness account for a large percentage of those currently incarcerated, as do the chronically homeless. According to NAMI-Houston, the Harris County Jail is the largest de facto "mental health facility" in Texas.Here's the article in full:"The Harris County Jail held about 10,400 inmates ? 1,000 beyond its capacity ? Tuesday, the same day the Texas Commission on Jail Standards carried out its annual inspection of the lockup.The figures appear in line with the conclusions of a national advocacy group that issued a report Tuesday decrying the growing number of inmates in U...continue to full post

Full post as published by Prevention Not Punishment on April 04, 2008 (boomark / email).