The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is set to implement, Life Check Systems, an electronic tracking system for inmates at the Taylor County Jail, moving from a traditional pen-and-paper approach to a digital one. Sheriff Ricky Bishop, who has worked at the jail since 1999, highlighted that the old system was vulnerable to forgery, with some jailers falsely logging cell checks, especially for inmates on suicide watch.
With Life Check, the jail will now utilize barcodes to ensure accurate monitoring of cell checks and will remind jailers about visitations and other important checks throughout the day, while also tracking and identifying inmates. This upgrade, inspired by a similar system implemented at Comanche County Jail, is expected to enhance safety and security by eliminating missed checks and simplifying record-keeping.
“The safety and security of the facility is a whole lot better. There is no not getting your checks, and [I] think it’s easier than keeping up with paper logs.”
– Brandon Kolb, Jail Administrator, Taylor County Jail
The total cost for the system is over $45,000, with ongoing monthly expenses of $1,500, funded through a commissary account generated by inmate purchases. Sheriff Bishop emphasized that the new system will improve safety for both the jail staff and the inmates.