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Public demand for answers after in‑custody deaths; sheriff declines to brief court in person
Summary
After a wave of public comment about recent in‑custody deaths at the Tarrant County jail, the sheriff’s office notified the court Sept. 3 that it will not send staff to brief the Commissioners Court at the request of a particular commissioner; the response drew immediate criticism from residents and commissioners who demanded more transparency.
Multiple residents, family members and advocates pressed Tarrant County officials Sept. 3, 2025 for more information about recent deaths in the county jail, while the sheriff’s office told the court it would not participate in briefings requested by a specific commissioner because of what the sheriff described as “hostile and unprofessional” treatment.
County staff read an email from Sheriff Bill Waybourn into the record in which the sheriff wrote that his office “remains available to collaborate in a respectful and constructive manner” but would no longer send staff to brief the court at the request…
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