Potter County Jail Problems

This hasn't been a good year at the Potter County Jail. It seems like the problems just won't stop. It started with the jail failing its state inspection. According to the inspectors, there were overcrowding, cleanliness and staff training problems.

Then the county sheriff was arrested. Last month, he was convicted of bribery and is currently in a neighboring county's jail. A new sheriff was appointed until one could be elected next November, and it was hoped better days were ahead.

Then a couple of weeks ago, a prisoner committed suicide by hanging himself. He was awaiting trial for murder. It was not something a person wants to see, but sometimes these things do happen.

But a couple of days ago, another prisoner was found dead in an isolation cell. No details have been released about this death, and the body has been sent to Lubbock for an autopsy. Maybe it's just a weird coincidence, but two deaths in less than a month is a lot even for a jail in a large urban area, let alone a city the size of Amarillo.

Hopefully, the people of Potter County will elect a new sheriff with the experience and leadership qualities to take the jail into better times. We really don't need another year like this one has been.