Bexar County Jail Tops the List as Worst in the United States

Texas is a large state with a diverse population, but some individuals commit crimes and may serve time in jail or prison.

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Texas has 104 prisons and 252 county jails. Out of the 104 prisons in Texas, two Texas prisons recently ended up on the list of the worst prisons in the world.

What's the difference between jail and prison?

Jails are under the jurisdiction of cities or countries and are short-term places. They are for those with short sentences or awaiting trial or sentencing.

Prisons are under the jurisdiction of the federal or state government. They are for those with long-term sentences.

Unfortunately, Texas is on another worst list.

The Worst Jails in the United States

Texas also has two jails on this list, and one jail is at the top spot for the worst county jail in the United States.

Bexar County Detention Center

Google

Bexar is located in San Antonio and is a minimum-security jail. It was opened in 1976. The jail has room for 4563 beds.

In September 2023, 33-year-old Manuel Perez was found unresponsive in his jail cell after a medical episode
In March 2024, a 19-year-old man being booked had a weapon on him and killed himself in the jail.
In April 2024, 40-year-old Duane Ventimiglia and 41-year-old Fransisco Salinas, both died from medical episodes.
In 2022, the deputies union had to get involved due to working conditions at the jail.

The other Texas county jail landed at #7

Ector County Correctional Facility

Ector is located in Odessa. This jail was opened in 1951 and has a 667 bed capacity. It is known as one of the harshest facilities.

They recently were on the Texas Jail Commission Non-Compiance List
This jail has been dealing with an employee shortage for years.
In 2011, two inmates escaped from the jail
In 2016, a jailer was arrested for sexual assault of an inmate.
In 2024, an inmate escaped custody

SOURCE: 10 worst county jails in America you want to avoid in 2024

If you want to avoid entering either of these county jails, it is advisable not to break the law.

BIG TROUBLE IN THE BIG HOUSE: These 16 County Jails in Texas Are Not Up To Standard

The counties listed below have been found in non-compliance with Texas Minimum Jail Standards as codified in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 9. They can be viewed in their entirety at State Commission on Jail Standards website.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark/TSM