Houston: Where the Grass Isn't Always Greener (But the Bars Might Be)
So, you're thinking about visiting the great city of Houston, Texas? Home to sizzling fajitas, the booming NASA scene, and enough rodeos to make your head spin, H-Town promises a rootin' tootin' good time. But hold your horses, partner, because alongside all the fun, there's a question that might cross your mind (especially if you're prone to the occasional bout of jaywalking): Just how many prisons are there in Houston, anyway?
Well, buckle up, because when it comes to correctional facilities, Houston's got more than just a couple of cells to its name.
The Big House (or Rather, Houses) of Harris County
Now, Houston itself doesn't actually house any state prisons. Those are under the watchful eye of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and let's just say they've got facilities scattered all over the Lone Star State. But that doesn't mean Houston lets folks off scot-free. Nope, for those who run afoul of the law within city limits, there's the Harris County Jail complex.
That's right, complex. We're talking multiple facilities here, folks. Think of it as a jail buffet, with a selection of clink options to suit your (alleged) crime. There's the 1200 Jail, the headquarters of the Harris County Sheriff's Office, perfect for processing those fresh off the street. Then there's the 701 Jail, one of the biggest detention facilities in the entire United States. This behemoth boasts enough beds to house a small city (though, let's be honest, not the kind of city you'd want to vacation in).
But Wait, There's More! (Because Apparently Jails Are Popular Here)
And to round out the Harris County collection, we have the 1307 Jail. Originally built for the state, it now serves as another county clink. But hey, variety is the spice of life, even if that spice is of the orange jumpsuit variety.
So, how many jails does that make in total? Well, if you're good at counting (and haven't gotten too distracted by thoughts of delicious Texas barbecue), you'll know we're at three Harris County Jails.
But fear not, potential visitors! Unless you're planning on robbing a bank or challenging J.J. Watt to an arm-wrestling match (because, let's face it, you'd lose), the chances of ending up in the slammer are about as likely as encountering a herd of unicorns at the rodeo.
The important takeaway here is this: Houston is a fantastic city with a whole lot to offer. So come on down, enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of H-Town, and remember – always obey the law (and maybe avoid that questionable mustache you were thinking about growing).
