Another TDCJ Officer Dies After Forced Overtime
July 19, 2007
Officer Roy Alan Cole, age 30, is the latest TDCJ officer to lose his life after
working mandatory overtime. Officer Roy Cole lost his life after he was
believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel of his vehicle after working
forced overtime at the Wayne Scott Unit in Brazoria County. Cole’s vehicle
was traveling north bound on FM 1301 5.1 miles south of Wharton when he
crossed over the center dividing line driving head on into a semi-truck
driven by Freddie Wayne Thomas, 42, of Kendleton.
filled. TDCJ policy requires correctional officers to be forced to work
overtime, when unit staffing levels are not met. TDCJ for years has called
overtime, when unit staffing levels are not met. TDCJ for years has called
this staffing problem an emergency and has failed to address the need to
recruit new qualified staff. Officers who refuse to work the overtime due to
being tried or exhausted are threatened with disciplinary action and
possible termination.
possible termination.
Wharton County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jeanette Krenek
pronounced Cole dead at the scene at 8:35 AM. Roy Alan Cole leaves
behind a son and pregnant wife. Funeral services were held Wednesday in
Wharton.
July 19, 2007
Officer Roy Alan Cole, age 30, is the latest TDCJ officer to lose his life after
working mandatory overtime. Officer Roy Cole lost his life after he was
believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel of his vehicle after working
forced overtime at the Wayne Scott Unit in Brazoria County. Cole’s vehicle
was traveling north bound on FM 1301 5.1 miles south of Wharton when he
crossed over the center dividing line driving head on into a semi-truck
driven by Freddie Wayne Thomas, 42, of Kendleton.
filled. TDCJ policy requires correctional officers to be forced to work
overtime, when unit staffing levels are not met. TDCJ for years has called
overtime, when unit staffing levels are not met. TDCJ for years has called
this staffing problem an emergency and has failed to address the need to
recruit new qualified staff. Officers who refuse to work the overtime due to
being tried or exhausted are threatened with disciplinary action and
possible termination.
possible termination.
Wharton County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jeanette Krenek
pronounced Cole dead at the scene at 8:35 AM. Roy Alan Cole leaves
behind a son and pregnant wife. Funeral services were held Wednesday in
Wharton.
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