Case For Change Maricopa County August 2019

Case for Change: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will transition existing jail operations, as well as two new jail
facilities opening in early 2020, to a system of strategic inmate management using the principles of
direct supervision. This shift focuses on the assumption most inmates in the jail system will comply with
rules and regulations by staff utilizing positive reinforcement, communication, accountability, and
mutual respect.
Current System: Limitations
The current methodology of jail operations has been based on the philosophy inmates are considered
violent and destructive. This assumption led to the practice of containing inmate activity behind bars or
glass and having limited interaction between staff and the inmates.
Current System: Consequences
Due to past assumptions and physical barriers, jails have been at greater risk of escapes, assaults on
staff and other inmates, property damage and medical emergencies.
Operations lack incentives designed at reinforcing appropriate inmate behavior while in custody. The
living environments of inmates who follow rules and regulations do not differ greatly from the living
environment of inmates who are in fact violent and destructive. It is time to change these assumptions
and overcome physical barriers.
Direct Supervision Jails: Design and Operation
Jail designs and operations have evolved over the last 30 years. By providing an environment utilizing
effective supervision and incentives, most inmates can and will behave appropriately. Through design
and operational guidelines, control of the facility is maintained by detention staff, improving the safety
and security of staff, inmates, and the community.
Physical Plant:
• Increasing staff presence to overcome any physical plant challenges in current facilities.
• Newly designed jails will incorporate open style living areas requiring constant staff presence
• All facilities will seek methods to reduce noise levels, improve cleanliness, and offer incentives
for appropriate behavior
Operations:
Each newly admitted inmate is assessed for risk, need, and appropriate security level and housed
accordingly. All jail facilities incorporate a system of inmate orientation, emphasizing expectations of
appropriate inmate behavior and consequences for not meeting them. Inmates who fail to meet set
expectations are to be held accountable immediately.
Detention Officers are the sole authority in the housing units they supervise and are to remain in their
assigned unit throughout the shift, maintaining the maximum level of supervision and presence. Officers
interact continuously with inmates to become familiar with the risks they present, their needs, and their
behavior patterns. Officers can detect and resolve problems in the early stages, preventing crisis or
serious conflict. Officers manage inmate behavior through positive motivational techniques and by
holding inmates accountable.
Officers are instrumental in coordinating and supervising all unit functions to ensure they contribute to a
safe, secure, and clean jail environment while providing an opportunity to positively engage the inmate
population in activities.
Direct Supervision: Benefits
The enhanced safety and security provided by this shift in strategic inmate management results in the
following benefits:
County Government/ Taxpayers:
• Reduction in costly staff turnover, vacancies, absenteeism, and associated overtime costs
• Fewer worker’s compensation claims
• Significant decline in property damage
• Less lawsuits and litigation
• Decrease in inmate escapes
MCSO Detention Staff:
• Safe, secure, healthy working environment

• More positive day-to-day experiences at work
• Decreased job stress
• Improved morale
• Decrease in staff shortages
Inmates and Inmate’s Families:
• Safe, secure, healthy living environment

• Fewer assaults
• Less medical emergencies
• Decrease in activity that may lead to higher rates of recidivism

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Case For Change Maricopa County August 2019

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Case for Change: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

Current System: Limitations

Current System: Consequences

Direct Supervision Jails: Design and Operation

Direct Supervision: Benefits

County Government/ Taxpayers:

MCSO Detention Staff:

• Safe, secure, healthy working environment

Inmates and Inmate’s Families:

• Safe, secure, healthy living environment

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