Increase the Efficiency of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Background Key Findings Solutions
Texas must implement responsible practices with regards to individuals passing through the criminal justice system – not only on the front end with quality defense representation, but also for individuals within prison walls. Incarcerated individuals must be given adequate medical treatment, as well as the ability to file legitimate grievances that will receive a response, without fear of reprisal.
Furthermore, prison staff should be better compensated so as to reduce turnover rates and personnel shortages, in turn reducing corruption and improving the safety of prison conditions.
Finally, Texas’ various criminal justice agencies and treatment providers – probation, corrections, parole, mental, and health services – should improve their coordination and communication so as better to provide a continuum of just and compassionate services for the tens of thousands of Texans entering and exiting criminal justice facilities every year.