After a Curry County Detention Center employee was arrested for assisting in the escape of three inmates in Clovis, New Mexico last Friday, EverythingLubbock.com investigated the security measures in place at the Lubbock County Detention Center.
During a walk through of the facility, Johnny Jaquess, a watch commander at the Lubbock County Detention Center, said their security is strong thanks to the measures they already have in place.
“Every officer is trained through a training program and a state certification through Texas Commission on Law Enforcement,” said Jaquess.
A big component of the training included manipulation and abnormal behavioral training.
“Inmate manipulation is always a concern, not just for escape or security, but trying to get special favors or special privileges,” he said.
In addition, the inmates are tracked constantly through monitoring the cameras and tracking the wristbands the inmates must wear, he said. Inmates are also under direct supervision, meaning a guard is always present and monitoring their behavior.
“The design of the facility out here restricts inmate traffic, inmate movement, and especially the use of video and other tracking mechanisms,” Jaquess added.
Lubbock County Detention Center is regulated and overseen by the state. Lubbock’s facility, along with all of the jails across the state, must follow the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
The facility relies on the integrity of their officers to ensure it’s security. They conduct extensive background checks on employees, contracted personnel, and even program volunteers.
“It’s in our policies, in our value system. Once you’re determined to be dishonest or a liar, it’s clear from your employment out here, we won’t put up with it,” said Jaquess.
Lubbock County Detention Center constantly reviews their security measures to monitor when policy changes or upgrades are needed to maintain their security.
