East Texas Jail to Get Half-Million-Dollar Upgrade

The Smith County Commissioners Court recently approved the spending of $514,250 to upgrade the Smith County jail, located in the East Texas city of Tyler. The commissioners approved the spending, upon recommendation from Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith.

The upgrades will include improvements to the eight inmate holding tanks in an area dubbed the “old jail,” which is separate from a newer part of the building that opened in 2015. Renovations will be made to plumbing, lighting, painting and general construction in inmate bathrooms, common and sleeping areas and hallways. Two guard stations in the jail are also scheduled for renovations.

Smith indicated that maintenance problems have existed at the jail, located at 206 E. Elm St., since the late 1980s.

Photo of Smith County Jail courtesy of Michael Barera

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter