Citizens of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, Congress, and the administration of TDCJ

 Urgent Need for Adequate Heating and Cooling in TDCJ Facilities

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to draw your attention to a pressing issue that has been brought to my attention, concerning the inadequate heating and cooling conditions in the facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). As concerned citizens, it is crucial that we address this matter promptly, as it affects the well-being of our fellow Texans and undermines their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Recently, I have received distressing letters from inmates housed within TDCJ facilities describing the harsh weather conditions they are enduring due to the lack of properly functioning heating and cooling systems. In light of the extreme temperatures experienced across our state, it is distressing to hear that these individuals, who have already been stripped of their freedom, are now being subjected to such uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions.

The letter that particularly caught my attention was from an inmate at Dominguez's who described a dorm in which they are housed, Dorm C2.7, where there is no heat while all the other dorms have proper heating. They beseech for assistance, stating that they, along with the other inmates, are being treated like rats rather than humans. The inmate implores for intervention, emphasizing that they are not insects but deserving of basic dignity and respect.

The gravity of this situation is compounded by the fact that many of these inmates are older adults with declining health. Our correctional system should prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of all individuals in its care, regardless of their past mistakes. It is disheartening to think that these inhumane conditions could further deteriorate the health of these individuals, who require appropriate temperature regulation to maintain their well-being.

While we acknowledge that parole guidelines within TDCJ can be stringent and may hinder the release of eligible inmates, it is crucial that we do not let these individuals suffer needlessly behind bars. As citizens of Texas, we have a responsibility to advocate for their wellbeing and ensure that they are not subjected to cruel and degrading treatment.

Therefore, I humbly request your immediate attention to this matter. I call on Governor Greg Abbott, Congress, and the administration of TDCJ to join forces in addressing this urgent issue. It is essential that a comprehensive and swift plan of action be developed to assess and rectify the heating and cooling infrastructure in all TDCJ facilities, ensuring that every inmate has access to adequate temperature control.

Furthermore, I implore all citizens of Texas to lend their voices to this cause. Let us speak up collectively to make our concerns heard by those in positions of authority. Together, we can make a difference and bring about the necessary changes to uphold the dignity and basic rights of individuals within our correctional system.

I kindly request that you take immediate action to investigate these claims, provide relief to the affected inmates, and implement long-term solutions to guarantee their well-being. Every human being, regardless of their circumstance or mistake, deserves to be treated with compassion and decency.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust in your commitment to justice and fairness, and I am hopeful that our plea for action will be met with the urgency it deserves. I am available for any further discussion or assistance necessary to address this pressing issue.

shout out to the MARSHALL PROJECT FOR ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OVER THE LAST 7 YEARS WHEN WILL THE STATE OF TEXAS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!

THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT NEEDS ADDRESSING WE CAN'T KEEP OVER LOOKING WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PLAIN SIGHT!!! ELECTED OFFICIALS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND THOSE INCHARGE OF THIS FACILITIES!!!  

article from  2019 

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/02/19/inside-frigid-texas-prisons-broken-toilets-disgusting-food-few-blankets

article from 2017 

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2017/10/11/cooking-them-to-death-the-lethal-toll-of-hot-prisons

AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS AS FOLLOWS............................................................

This will confirm the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) Office of the Independent Ombudsman (IO) has received your email. 

 

Your concern for the inmate population is appreciated. Please know the agency is also concerned about the welfare of inmates incarcerated in our correctional facilities, as well as the staff working in those institutions.

 

Some correctional units, to include all medical and psychiatric facilities, are air-conditioned (AC).  However, on those units not having AC in the housing areas, the agency employs a number of protocols to mitigate the impact of excessive heat and ensure that the most heat sensitive inmates are identified, monitored, and provided appropriate housing.  Additional measures are taken to protect all inmates regardless of their heat sensitivity.  The following are some of the protocols that have been implemented:   

 

·         As inmates arrive on intake facilities, a staff member from the medical department conducts an initial screening to ascertain if the inmate has any health conditions or is on any medication(s) that would make them more sensitive to the heat.

·         Heat sensitivity is considered when making housing and work assignments.

• The Heat Restriction List provides a list of inmates who may be susceptible to heat related issues due to the inmate’s current medical condition. The list is provided to officers assigned to housing areas. During normal security checks, officers conduct checks and seek assistance for inmates as needed.

·         Employees and inmates are trained to be aware of the signs of and treatment for heat-related illnesses.

·         Inmates are transported during the coolest hours of the day, when possible.

• Water and cups are available at all times, to include during mealtimes and in the housing areas.

·       Inmates are allowed additional cool-down showers when feasible. The water temperature is lowered for single-temperature showers in unit shower areas.

·       When using fans, air is drawn through the structure and exhausted outside.  Full advantage of the fresh air exchange system or prevailing winds is taken to assist in the movement of air as applicable.   Airflow is increased by using blowers, normally used to move hot air in the winter, when appropriate.  Ribbons are attached to vents to ensure blowers are used appropriately. Window screens are cleaned so as not to restrict airflow.

·       Inmates are provided access to respite areas on each unit. 

• Outside activity, including work and recreation hours is restricted in accordance with agency policy.
• Executive strategic plans are implemented during extreme temperatures.
• All staff and inmates working in areas where increased temperatures typically occur are provided frequent water breaks.

 

The information provided above is a general overview of TDCJ’s heat-related protocols.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact this office if you have a specific concern regarding an individual offender, heat-related or otherwise. 

 

Thank you,

TBCJ Office of the Independent Ombudsman

SH

STILL NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE AT HAND THIS IS WHAT THEY DO AND NOTHING IS DONE ABOUT IT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!