The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office expects to continue utilizing jail space in other counties to address capacity issues for roughly the next two years. This comes as the jail grapples with a combination of factors contributing to a high inmate population.

Current Inmate Housing Situation

According to Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) statistics, the Kerr and Burnet County jails currently house an average of 207 Bexar County inmates each month. BCSO Assistant Chief Deputy Joel Janssen stated that many of these inmates are awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Factors Contributing to Overcrowding

Initially, seasonal increases in the jail population and a slowdown in court proceedings caused the capacity issues. While court activity has increased, the jail is currently housing a significant number of gang members and inmates requiring mental health services. These populations require specialized housing arrangements that limit overall capacity.

Janssen also noted a “large population of felons that are still waiting to be indicted,” contributing to the high numbers. The department is also undertaking a two-year “electronics project” that temporarily shuts down units for refurbishment, further reducing available space.

Future Planning and Potential Solutions

Unless there is a “drastic decrease in population,” Janssen said the jail will need to maintain agreements with Kerr and Burnet counties to house inmates. Looking ahead, the BCSO plans to conduct a study to assess jail growth and evaluate alternatives, such as building a new facility or implementing diversion programs.

County Commissioners Question Costs

Bexar County Commissioners recently voted to postpone a decision on a contract with Kerr County. The proposed contract would have increased the daily cost of housing an inmate from $65 to $85.

Commissioner Grant Moody expressed concerns about the rising costs and the need for a clearer understanding of jail bed utilization. He stated, “We can’t continue to just write blank checks when it comes to these items.” The court requested a “holistic analysis of the criminal justice system” and a broader discussion of diversion programs, jail facilities, and mental health beds for April 28th.

While acknowledging the short-term necessity of housing inmates in other counties, Moody emphasized the importance of optimizing contracts to reduce the financial burden on Bexar County and maximize flexibility.