A computer system outage brought the criminal justice system in the state’s largest county to a grinding halt and prompted a magistrate to order the release of more than 100 suspects.
Harris County Deputies’ Organization officials and lawyers describe dismal conditions in an out-of-control jail with alleged rampant drug use and frequent assaults against both staff and inmates.
A report for Harris County acknowledges spikes in violent crime, but says misdemeanor bail reform policies are unrelated and are helping to reduce misdemeanor filings and use of cash bail.
New controversy over felony bail bond practices erupted in Harris County after a sheriff’s deputy was allegedly shot by a suspect out on multiple bonds.
In a new emergency request, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is asking a federal judge to facilitate the release of jail inmates due to COVID-19 concerns.
Arrested and charged with murder last month, a known gang member with six prior felony convictions had been released on bond for other felony charges three times.
