In an era where transparency within law enforcement agencies is not just desired but demanded, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office has taken a step forward. The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office announced via a social media post that Sheriff Bill Waybourn opened the doors of the Tarrant County Jail to the prying eyes of the Dept. of Justice earlier this year, following a formal invitation he issued in February 2024. The inspection by the federal body, conducted from May 13-15, included three days of on-site tours and interviews, in addition to a thorough document review and virtual meetings.
The process culminated in the Sheriff's Office sharing the results two weeks ago, showcasing the DOJ's findings through an extensive video message from Sheriff Waybourn himself. While addressing the DOJ's findings, Sheriff Waybourn emphasized the commitment of Tarrant County Jail to maintain standards and improve where necessary.
The full report has been made accessible to the public, with the office disseminating the DOJ's recommendations and 'highlights' through an ongoing series.