Backlogs persist at Bexar County Jail after new computer system installed, sheriff's office says

SAN ANTONIO – The Bexar County Jail is still experiencing negative impacts from the installation of a new computer system.

According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the new system has led to a backlog that has led to delays in booking and releasing inmates from the jail.

KSAT 12 News began hearing complaints last week from newly released inmates and their family members who were trying to reunite with their incarcerated loved ones.

Tuesday morning, people leaving prison were still sharing the same kinds of stories.

“I got public bail but they released me today,” said one man arrested Sunday afternoon.

The man, who wanted to hide his identity, said he expected to be released within hours after posting bond in response to a misdemeanor arrest. However, he ended up spending an additional full day behind bars.

“Of course it affects my work,” he said. “I don’t get paid to not be at work.”

Temarvion Anthony, also arrested on misdemeanor charges, was released from jail Tuesday afternoon, nearly two days after his arrest.

“I bonded and they made me stay there extra days,” Anthony said. “They said (it was due to) a new system, and everything kept shutting down.”

Bexar County spokesperson Monica Ramos told KSAT 12 News Tuesday morning that the computer system is now working, for the most part, as designed.

However, she said individual issues were dealt with as they arose.

For an explanation of what's still causing delays at the jail, she turns to the sheriff's office.

A BCSO spokesperson said delays in processing inmates into and out of the jail were due to problems with the computer system.

In an email, Deputy Johnny Garcia said jail staff members are now trying to address the backlog caused by the computer system. He said at one point they had to resort to a manual system of keeping records on inmates.

According to people who have worked in prison, it's not just paperwork that piles up. They say that as the process of people moving in and out slows, conditions become crowded.

“There are not enough places for people to sit. There aren’t enough benches for people sitting on the ground,” said one man, jailed for soliciting prostitution, his first arrest.

Others echoed his sentiments.

“There are a lot of people in there who shouldn’t be in there. There are people who sleep on the floor, others who sleep on the toilet side,” said another man, who claims to have some experience of the prison system.

KSAT 12 News requested a tour of the prison to see the conditions, which are believed to be caused by the computer system. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said the request was under review.