By the VotePatrick Campaign Team · October 19, 2026
Patrick Von Dohlen says Bexar County has a duty to protect people in its custody. In this 1-minute, 11-second video, the candidate for Bexar County Judge discusses jail safety, deputy staffing, capacity, and mental health care.
Watch Patrick’s full jail-crisis message on YouTube — 1 minute, 11 seconds.
Deputy staffing and overtime
Patrick points to deaths in custody and a shortage of jail deputies as reasons for action. He says deputies are working overtime and cites approximately $15 million in additional annual overtime spending. He also criticizes the cost of housing people awaiting trial in other counties.
Jail capacity and safety
Patrick calls for a new jail with 2,000 additional beds. He argues that the county needs facilities that protect people in custody, with particular attention to women and people experiencing mental illness.
Mental health care and the county’s responsibility
Patrick questions whether jail is the appropriate setting for some people with mental illness and argues that county hospital planning should include mental health services. He closes by emphasizing the county’s responsibility for the safety of people it takes into custody.
Video highlights
- 0:03 — Jail safety, deputy shortages, and overtime.
- 0:24 — Patrick’s call for additional jail capacity.
- 0:40 — Mental health services and county hospitals.
- 0:57 — The duty to protect people in custody.
Read more about Patrick’s four priorities for Bexar County and his position on deputy pay and staffing. Find additional campaign videos in The Brief.
Source: “Jail Crisis – Patrick Von Dohlen,” Patrick Von Dohlen’s YouTube channel.