Deaths in Custody
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Since 2005, 0 people have died in the custody of Texas law enforcement, based on state-mandated reports.
What We're Reading
News that caught our attention or cited the Texas Justice Initiative from across the Lone Star State and beyond.
Police records bill in special session raises transparency questions
Published on August 25, 2025The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas reports on a bill moving its way through the Texas Legislature's second special session that could shield police records from the public.

Texas State Auditor's Report on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Published on June 5, 2025In June, the State Auditor released an audit report on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, finding that TCJS' "complaint process, inspection process, and related data had weaknesses that could impact the Commission's ability to effectively fulfill its core functions of providing safe, secure, and suitable local jail facilities."

After death in custody, Harris County Jail fails inspection
Published on January 27, 2025Houston Public Media's Lucio Vasquez reports that, following a death in custody at the Harris County Jail in January, the facility failed a safety inspection, in part because "face-to-face observations had not been conducted as required."

Justice Department announces sweeping reforms to curb suicides in federal prisons and jails
Published on December 3, 2024A story by the Associated Press digs into a new Department of Justice report that spells out federal efforts to reduce suicides and systemic failures in federal prisons and jails, and proposing reforms to the mental health care provided to incarcerated individuals.
Keep Informed
State of the Data is our monthly newsletter where we provide updates on what we are working on and related news from all over Texas. Joining our newsletter ensures you continue to stay up to date on the latest news and legislative action related to officer involved shooting incidents in Texas.