Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Grits for Breakfast

Criminal Law

: Grits for Breakfast

Properly staffing Dallas jail cost big bucks, with more to come

By Gritsforbreakfast

Nobody expects the Dallas jail to 100% pass its inspection this week by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, but if they've really solved their short-term understaffing crisis it will be a big accomplishment.After many years of non-compliance with state standards, Dallas County has nearly eliminated staffing problems at the jail, the Dallas News reports, but only by spending more than $9 million last year in overtime. In the end, hiring enough guards to minimally staff the jail required the county commissioners to pony up an additional $11 million per year. Reported the News ("Overtime bill at Dallas jail tops $9 million," Jan. 16):Sheriff Lupe Valdez's department spent more than $9 million on overtime at the five jails during fiscal 2007, according to a report made public Tuesday by the county auditor's office...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on January 17, 2008 (boomark / email).