Harris Co. Jail system passes inspection

HOUSTON Included in the inspection of the jail system was fire safety, life safety, sanitation, medical facilities, record-keeping, guard-to-inmate ratios, inmate housing arrangements as well as other aspects. The inspection was conducted last week by a Texas Commission on Jail Standards team.

"This certificate of compliance is a direct result of your department's commitment to excellence and further attests, signifies and demonstrates your department's dedication and professionalism in maintaining a safe, secure and sanitary facility," Commission Executive Director Adan Munoz Jr. wrote in a letter received Tuesday by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia.

The system houses about 9,300 inmates this week, with an additional 1,200 inmates placed in jails outside the county to stay within state restrictions on the capacity of the Harris Co. facilities.

The jail returned to compliance in 2009 after failing an inspection earlier that year.