The Texas agency overseeing jail standards will heighten its response to Harris County's years-long struggle to meet state guidelines and tackle overcrowding — less than a month after it was issued a notice for failing to complete face-to-face observations of inmates.

Since falling out of compliance, the Harris County Jail has seen at least 55 inmate deaths, a gun smuggled inside, and inmates not receiving proper medication.

Kristopher McGregor, 39, died Jan. 30 after being in custody at the Harris County Jail for less than a month. He had been arrested on a theft charge.