(WBAP/KLIF) — Prisoner deaths are on the rise in Tarrant County. County Sheriff Bill Waybourn is coming under fire for an increase in the number of deaths in the county jail. The Tarrant County Jail’s mortality rate has been higher than the national average for four years straight, which is concerning to both Waybourn and his detractors.
County Commissioner Alisa Simmons says since Waybourn took office in 2017, there have been 60 deaths at the jail. Waybourn indicates that 80% to 90% of the deaths were due to chronic illnesses, while he has acknowledged there have also been tragic instances which have been difficult to prevent. Over the past two years, Tarrant County Commissioners have agreed to pay $1.6 million in lawsuit settlements over inmate deaths.
WFAA says the jail is around 200 detention officers short of being fully staffed. Waybourn says that despite being understaffed, employees are doing their best to handle the load.
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