The main focus of the Housing Unit is the Care, Custody and Control of persons committed to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility. Proper housing of all persons that enter this facility is obtained according to the classification criteria set forth by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Responsibilities also include the supervision of inmate feeding, recreation, dispensing of medication, inmate workers and the cleanliness of the inmate living areas and facility. Also, the Housing Units monitor compliance and participation of inmates in various programs such as religious services, educational programs, court ordered work release programs, and treatment programs. In addition, the Housing Units conduct supervision of the inmate population who are mentally ill and ensure their health and well-being while confined. The Housing Units also ensure that every inmate abides by the rules and regulations established by the Detention Facility.
There are approximately 36 officers on duty at any given time on each shift. Day Shift has the majority of their shift duties taken up with inmate movement outside of the facility. This includes court appearances, medical procedures, work programs and transports to various other agencies. Evening Shift has a majority of their shift duties taken up with inmate movement inside the facility. They supervise the inmate programs such as religious services, drug and alcohol programs, special tours and educational programs. The Night Shift has their shift duties taken up with preparing inmates to be transferred to the Texas Department of Corrections, the State Jail system, and other agencies and services outside the County.
Each of the three shifts have specialized training to handle emergencies and disturbances that occur inside of the Detention Facility, whether it be caused by inmates, visitors, or the weather.