Lawmakers Hear Ideas For Avoiding Jail Deaths Like Sandra Bland's

AUSTIN - Texas jail officials must dramatically improve conditions for prisoners with histories of mental illness, starting with proper assessment during intake, witnesses told state lawmakers Thursday. In response to the arrest and Waller County jailhouse death of Sandra Bland, the House County Affairs Committee convened the special meeting to discuss how to improve jail standards, especially while housing people with mental illnesses, and how to increase trust between law enforcement and the communities. Committee members said county officials must: revamp intake forms, ensure that inmates experiencing mental health crises see a medical professional more quickly and increase the number of maximum security beds at state hospitals.