With the Potter County jail operating at nearly full capacity, local officials are moving forward with plans to address overcrowding, which has reached critical levels. The county has formed a committee to evaluate expansion options, aiming to relieve pressure on the facility that currently houses 639 inmates — just 5% below its legal maximum.
The overcrowding crisis at the jail, which includes 87 female inmates and over 82% of detainees facing felony charges, has led to the need for costly off-site housing arrangements. To alleviate the strain, the county has had to secure space in other facilities, some of which are located more than four hours away from Amarillo. In total, Potter County is currently housing 41 inmates outside of the county, including in facilities in Childress, Garza, Scurry, and Lynn counties.
In response to the escalating situation, Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “We cannot overcrowd our jail any longer. It’s inevitable that we’ll need to do something to address this.” Tanner noted that the county is exploring a range of options, including the possibility of expanding the existing jail or building new facilities, in an effort to meet the growing demands of the criminal justice system.
In an effort to manage the immediate overcrowding, the Potter County Commissioners approved a new contract with Runnels County on Tuesday to temporarily house additional inmates. However, this solution comes with its own set of challenges. Runnels County, located south of San Angelo, requires a two-day round trip for inmate transportation. Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas expressed frustration with the logistical difficulties of the arrangement, stating, “The bad part about this one is, it’s way down south. Every time we transport inmates, it’s a two-day trip — taking them down there and coming back.”
This arrangement, while providing temporary relief, places a significant strain on the county’s resources. Sheriff Thomas explained that the cost of transporting inmates over such long distances is proving more expensive than housing them locally, and the added burden on his officers has led to overtime and extended work hours. “Our officers are working six to seven days a week, with some on double shifts, just to cover the shortage,” Thomas added.
To find a sustainable solution, Potter County has established a committee tasked with evaluating expansion options. The committee will include representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, the purchasing department, and local community members, all working together to consider the most effective and cost-efficient approach.
Judge Tanner underscored that one of the committee’s primary goals would be to develop a financing plan that wouldn’t place an additional burden on local taxpayers. "With one of our previous obligations about to be paid off, we’ll have funds available without increasing the tax rate," Tanner explained. The county will likely consider issuing certificates of obligation (COs) as a way to finance the project while keeping costs manageable.
Sheriff Thomas expressed optimism about the process, pointing out that the inclusion of community members in past projects, such as the construction of the county's new administrative building, had been successful. “We’re not trying to tear something down; we’re just trying to add on to meet demand,” he said. “We want to be transparent about why we need this expansion, and we want the community’s support.”
The committee is expected to move quickly to develop a set of recommendations, with officials hopeful that a solution will be found that balances the immediate need for more space with long-term fiscal responsibility.
In addition to addressing overcrowding, Potter County has taken steps to improve inmate healthcare, signing a contract with Oklahoma-based TurnKey Health Clinics. The new partnership comes after a competitive bidding process, where TurnKey was selected as the most qualified provider among three applicants. According to Sheriff Thomas, the county is optimistic about the quality of care TurnKey will provide, especially as the jail’s population continues to grow.
However, the decision to contract with TurnKey has raised concerns in some quarters. Investigative reports by The Marshall Project and The Frontier revealed that over the past decade, at least 50 deaths have occurred at facilities where TurnKey operates, with many of the deaths linked to inadequate care, particularly for inmates with mental health issues. Sheriff Thomas acknowledged these concerns but reassured the public that the county will closely monitor TurnKey’s performance. "It’s a one- or two-year contract with an extension option, so we’ll be assessing their work closely," he said.
While the county’s current efforts, such as the contract with Runnels County and the healthcare partnership with TurnKey, provide temporary relief, Potter County officials are looking to the long-term future of the jail system. Both Judge Tanner and Sheriff Thomas agree that a major expansion is necessary to address overcrowding and improve conditions for inmates and staff alike.
“This expansion cannot happen quickly enough,” Tanner said, underscoring the urgency of the issue. “We’re dealing with overcrowding, increased transportation costs, and strain on our resources. We need a solution that works for the community and doesn’t break the bank.”
Sheriff Thomas echoed Tanner’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a solution that balances the county’s financial realities with the growing demand for jail space. “I’d love to build a new facility entirely, but that would cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Right now, adding on is our best option to control costs,” he said.
As the expansion committee begins its work, the community will be closely watching to see how Potter County plans to address its jail overcrowding crisis and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and corrections staff. With transportation costs rising and the population steadily increasing, officials are hopeful that swift action will lead to a lasting solution.
