SECTION 259.235. Holding Cells

One or more holding cells shall be provided to hold inmates pending intake, processing, release, or other reason for temporary holding. Holding cells shall contain the following features and equipment.

(1) Seating. A stationary bench or benches abutting the walls shall be provided. Benches shall be 17" to 19" above the finished floor and not less than 12" wide. Seating shall be sufficient to provide not less than 24 linear inches per inmate at cell capacity.

(2) Plumbing. Cells shall be provided with adequate toilets, lavatories, and floor drains. The floor shall be properly pitched to drains.

(3) Cell Size. The size of the cell shall be determined by the anticipated maximum number of inmates to be confined at any one time. Cells shall be constructed to house from one to 24 inmates and shall contain not less than 40 square feet of floor space for the first inmate and 18 square feet of floor space for each additional inmate to be confined.

(4) Surfaces. Floor, wall, and ceiling material shall be durable and easily cleaned.

(5) Supervision. The cell shall be located and constructed to facilitate supervision of the cell area and to materially reduce noise.

Source Note: The provisions of this §259.235 adopted to be effective December 12, 1994, 19 TexReg 9376; amended to be effective February 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 591