Sugar Land PD said it changed protocols after teen suspects escaped its jail

SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- The Sugar Land Police Department said its New Year's resolution is about transparency, but when it comes to an inmate escape, they're still not sharing everything.

In the name of transparency, Sugar Land PD recently released a new crime dashboard. In it, neighbors can see where crimes occur, how frequently, and some information about each one.

This information is something that Sam Houston State University assistant professor Dr. Jay Coons said can be helpful for neighbors.

"When they hear a rumor," Coons said. "When someone tells them, 'Oh, the police did this or that, or this is happening, or this is out of control.' Again, the citizens can look for themselves, and the citizen can make their own judgement."

The dashboard also shows an incident from about a month ago that Eyewitness News has been trying to get answers on. Officers said after being arrested for an aggravated robbery, four teen suspects were brought to the detention center.

Court records show the teens brutally beat a jail staffer by stomping on his head, biting him, and leaving him unconscious, before escaping.

Immediately after the escape, ABC13 asked the agency how it happened and if protocols were followed. The agency wouldn't share its policies.

This week, Eyewitness News asked again after the agency shared on social media its 2026 resolution is to elevate transparency.

When the mayor, manager, and communications staff responded, ABC13 learned that protocol changes were made, including how jail staffers have to notify dispatch if they move an inmate, and dispatch must watch on the camera.

"Being as forthcoming as they can is a great idea for police because when we have conflict with the public, when there's mistrust, there's misunderstanding," Coons explained.

As far as policies and protocols before the escape, that's still not known. Though the city said what procedures they're changing, leaders there say they won't give anything on their initial procedures because of the ongoing investigation.

Coons said another reason they may try to withhold information is to prevent criminals from knowing how the jail operates.

"What can be released is codified in law," Coons explained. "Your various agencies will take and put into written departmental policy. It could be stricter or not, but it must comply with state and federal law."

As far as the suspects, at least one remains behind bars. Court records show he was on parole at the time of the Sugar Land incident for murder out of Harris County.

In addition to asking for documents, ABC13 also tried to interview the chief. However, his office said he's unavailable.

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