BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — In light of two inmate deaths less than 24 hours apart at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, Sheriff Javier Salazar said his agency has implemented changes in how people are medically evaluated upon arrival.
Duane Ventimiglia and Francisco Salinas both died while being held at the jail late last week, according to officials. While official causes have death haven't yet been determined, Salazar said both men presented symptoms of withdrawal.
Salazar added that Ventimiglia was specifically detoxing from alcohol, saying he was a diabetic who had run out of his medication.
"That to me is somebody that I can't continue to, in good conscience, take somebody into the jail setting," the sheriff said.
The new protocol outlines what deputies will have to consider before keeping inmates at the jail, including whether they will be treated in the medical facility or taken to a hospital outside the detention center.
Salazar said that decision could ultimately save lives.
"I just think there's more capabilities that exist inside a hospital," he told KENS 5.
The new jail protocols presented to facility staff in a memo state that law enforcement will now be required to medically evaluate any and all arrestees who "are diabetic and insulin-dependent" or "detoxing from alcohol or any benzodiazepines (benzo's or downers)." A medical physician would have to approve those individuals remaining at the jail.
If that doesn't happen, the arresting agency would be responsible for taking arrestees to a medical facility. The changes are effective immediately.
>>Read the full memo and new protocols below:
All Booking/intake staff at South Tower Intake/Booking Section:
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, effective immediately, it is mandatory that all arrested persons entering the South Tower Intake/Booking Section that are diabetic and insulin dependent, detoxing from alcohol, or any benzodiazepines (benzo’s or downers) undergo medical evaluation and clearance from a medical physician before formal acceptance into our facility. The arresting officer must provide proof of medical clearance to the Booking Sgt on duty in the booking section before we formally accept the arrested person.
This protocol is implemented to identify and address any potential medical concerns or conditions that may require immediate attention or specialized care. By ensuring that each arrested person receives proper medical assessment prior to our formal acceptance of an arrested person. We aim to uphold the highest standards of care and mitigate risks associated with undetected health issues. All staff members are hereby instructed to adhere strictly to this directive.
No individual shall be accepted into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center without obtaining medical clearance.
Protocol:
- All arrested persons will be thoroughly searched.
- All arrested persons will be placed on the body scanner.
- Blood Pressure
- Temperature
- Symptoms observed during triage that may indicate a possible physical and/ or psychological problem that would require further medical treatment.
- Is the AP detoxing from alcohol and / or benzodiazepines?
- Is the AP diabetic and / or an insulin dependent diabetic?
- Does the AP appear lethargic / disoriented? Not able to clearly articulate medical needs.
If medical staff determines the AP requires further treatment at a medical facility, the arresting agency is responsible for transporting the AP to the facility.
The arresting agency may return the AP to continue with the booking process once BCADA receives medical clearance from the treating facility/physician.
Should the AP not be medically cleared, the arresting agency may continue with the PROXY booking process.
B.C.S.O will assume custody of the AP once the inmate has been magistrated and admitted into a room at the hospital.
Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to maintaining the health and safety of our facility and those entrusted to our care.