County reallocates funds to upgrade inmate health monitoring with Overwatch system

June 09, 2025 | Rockwall County, Texas


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County reallocates funds to upgrade inmate health monitoring with Overwatch system
During the Rockwall County Commissioners Court Workshop Meeting on June 9, 2025, key discussions centered around the county's health monitoring systems for inmates and the integration of an equine therapy program aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

A significant topic of conversation was the ongoing issues with the current health monitoring system provided by Turnkey Health. County officials expressed concerns about the system's inadequacy, particularly its failure to deliver real-time health data for inmates. The Overwatch system, which has been successfully re-implemented after technical adjustments, was highlighted as a more effective alternative. This system allows for real-time monitoring of vital signs, alerting staff to potential health crises among inmates. The county plans to reallocate $12,000 from the Turnkey contract to support the Overwatch system, although Turnkey has expressed a desire to separate from Overwatch, complicating the relationship.

The meeting also addressed the need for a more comprehensive service plan for the county's security systems, which manage access to facilities and monitor inmate movements. Officials discussed the potential benefits of upgrading from the current silver plan to a gold plan, which would provide more frequent technical support and potentially reduce costs associated with emergency service calls.

In addition to health monitoring, the commissioners reviewed the Barpark County Equine Therapy Program, which has shown promising results with an 84.62% success rate in 2024 and a 0% recidivism rate among participants. This program aims to rehabilitate inmates through equine-assisted therapy, and the county is considering officially incorporating it into the budget with an allocation of $40,000.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving inmate health care and rehabilitation services. The anticipated next steps include finalizing the budget allocations for both the Overwatch system and the equine therapy program, as well as addressing the ongoing challenges with Turnkey Health's services. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to enhance the well-being of inmates and reduce recidivism in Rockwall County.

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