jails

There is no statewide standard for non-traffic offenses, leaving the price of pretrial freedom to depend largely on geography, individual judges and local politics.

New regulations from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice are causing confusion with the Inside Books Project, a group that's been supplying literature to inmates for nearly three decades.

The order came as part of a federal lawsuit over long wait times for Texas detainees who need their mental competency restored in a state hospital before trial.

The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an opinion the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has the authority to hire an independent investigator to look into all custody deaths. The opinion is in response to a letter sent by Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells last year.

The diversion center would focus on low-level offenders who have untreated mental illness, intellectual or developmental disorders, or substance use disorders. The goal would be to ease jail overcrowding while saving taxpayers money and improving outcomes for those who avoid jail.

As a part of a yearlong study, Texas county jails are collecting data about pregnant inmates' prenatal care, mental health indicators, pregnancy outcomes and more.

Wyandotte County Deputy Richard Fatherley is free while he awaits trial in the July 5 death of Charles Adair, who prosecutors say was killed when Fatherly knelt on his back. Fatherley, who faced his first hearing Tuesday, wasn’t required to appear in court in person, which the judge said was standard early in the judicial process when substantive issues aren't heard.

The Kansas City Council moved forward with a plan to build a modular jail with about 100 beds. Officials say the temporary facility is necessary, as plans to build a permanent municipal jail will take years.

Long delays in a legal process meant to ensure fairness in court are leaving vulnerable people behind.