Smith County sheriff makes changes after jail fails inspection

SMITH COUNTY — During a June inspection of the Smith County Jail, a backup emergency system did not work and some required procedures, including providing inmates clean clothes at all times were not followed. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Larry Smith said the problems are being addressed. Sheriff Smith said that just before the inspection, the county had replaced a backup generator. But, at the time of the inspection, a minor wiring problem rendered it inoperable. It has since been fixed. He also added, the county has spent the money to buy more jumpsuits, so each inmate has two jumpsuits, so they will have clean clothes at all times. Sheriff Smith said the county is implementing and documenting these corrective measures and will ask the state to re-inspect the jail.