1. Make an official complaint about a county jail by calling or writing to the Commission on Jail Standards. Fastest way: filll out their online form .

   We have not heard of any serious retribution against inmates for doing this, probably because once a complaint is reported, the jail knows that eyes are watching. We have heard of isolated cases where officers ridicule the inmate for being a whiner and verbally abuse them after a complaint is filed, but we believe it is very much worth that.

2. Contact Texas Jail Project and we will try to help. And call anybody you know who has connections to the sheriff; ask them to make a call to the sheriff or jail. Ask ministers and priest and religious leaders to speak to the sheriff and jail. Connections can help so ask everyone.
3. The inmate should fill out a grievance form while in jail. This is very important for legal reasons and imates should do this even when everybody says a grievance form does nothing. If the jail staff doesn’t take it seriously or says they don't have a form, write a letter to the county sheriff. (And remind them that there is a regulation saying they must have grievance forms for inmates.)

   Remember to get a relative or friend to make and keep a copy of everything you write to the sheriff or Jail Commission orany official—that is your paper trail and when people say they never got your complaint, you can always show your copy.

4. Letter to the sheriff: Be polite, keep it short and focus on the problems you see in the jail, like unhealthy conditions or bad treatment. Do not curse or give a life history. If you don't think it will get to the sheriff, mail to a relative and have them hand deliver it to the sheriff's office.
5. Get a lawyer’s advice: If you can afford it, find a legal representation who is knowledgeable about the jail and is interested in helping you and the inmate. Always try to get a lawyer who someone has recommended.

(Remember to email or mail us a copy of your complaint, please.)