ANDERSON, Texas — The Grimes County jail has a capacity of 111 inmates and currently has over 70 criminals behind bars.
Donald Sowell, the Grimes County Sheriff, said that he tries to balance the assistance to those who violate the law while holding those who commit severe crimes accountable.
"Not everyone with a mental health situation needs to go to jail. An easy situation would be to arrest them and put them in jail, but that's not where they need to be. The jail is not where they need to be," said Sowell.
Sowell said that some of the inmates have even contributed to artwork inside the jail's chapel. The Sheriff has claimed that he tries to provide a sense of faith for those inside in hopes the chances of former inmates returning is minimalized.
"It could help if they're sincere…I really redeemed myself," said Sowell.
Sowell said that he has come across a number of reoffenders within Grimes County, but said that it's important to remind people of the law without the need to always jail someone. The Sheriff also emphasized that having the balance between assistance and accountability is crucial for law enforcement agencies in order to better their community.