posted by Tradecraft1 on Aug 11, 2010 at 01:13 PM

The Arizona Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are both poorly run agencies that lack leadership. Governor Brewer should immediately do the following: Close the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections for failing to complete their mission. The counties with better trained and educated staff would be responsible for supervising the youth that were at ADJC. Fire all members of executive management at the Arizona Department of Corrections to include all the wardens and deputy wardens. This agency has had failed leadership for years and really needs a complete overhaul. There has been an extensive amount of inmate on inmate violence resulting in deaths and serious injuries to inmates. Even worse is the amount of assaults that occur on staff. Officer safety is an absolute joke at ADC. Oftentimes management is much more concerned on how clean the prison grounds are as opposed to addressing the numerous and significant officer safety concerns. Corrections in Arizona is miserable failing and the taxpayers are paying the bill for a completely ineffective and inefficient system that has zero leadership from their directors and executive managment teams.

posted by TAGardner on Aug 11, 2010 at 01:16 PM

This is just political posturing.  I didn't hear a cry for hearings over the Lewis Complex hostage situation while Janet "Nappy" Napolitano was governor.  That dispite her direct role in prolonging that situation through poor management and decision making.

Yet, here Governor Brewer is getting flak over events that occured at a private contractor prison over which she has very limited control, if any.

posted by KissMyAzcentral on Aug 11, 2010 at 01:40 PM

 I didn't realize murderers had various levels of classification in terms of minimum vs. high security prisons. Seems to me someone out there needs to pay for allowing convicted murders to go to a private babysitting complex that didn't even notice someone throwing wire cutters over the wall. 

Crucify them all! As TAGardner brings up, the Lewis Prison disaster was horrible and left a guard mentally and physically scared for life. Then there was the death of the woman left in what equates to a dog kennel. 

Perhaps its time to rethink how we incarcerate inmates, with the last few years of "mishaps" from our DOC Sheriff Joe's tents appear safer and better ran. 

Of course we are talking about an agency that runs wanted ads on daytime TV promoting their great benefits and good choice of hours to attract single mothers. I'm thinking they should set their standards a little higher. And that's for the DOC facilities- what do the private prisons hire; security guard flunkies? 

posted by AZ24ME on Aug 11, 2010 at 01:52 PM

What ?   I hope it not true !  I heard that  DOC put Parole Officers are on Furlough Status?

posted by jaysvw on Aug 11, 2010 at 02:08 PM

Sen. Pearce is a joke.  Just a few short months ago he was spearheading a push to privatize ALL the prisons.  Now he wants to take them to task?  Have you no shame sir? 

The reason MSCO appears better ran is because it is.  They have better funding than DOC and their administration has the balls to treat inmates like inmates, not guests.  I know Director Ryan is crapping his pants right now, because a public investigation into how his prison system is run will reveal some pretty stunning things.  While it's easy to push the blame somewhere else because this was a private prison, the state run prisons are ripe for these same issues.  Lack of funding, lack of staff and the good ol' boys system of administrative promotion have created a very dangerous environment. 

Ask any state correctional officer, it's a very serious mess right now.  The last few years have been disasterous for the department, thanks to budget cuts and poor leadership.  All of us knew that unfortunately it was going to take a serious event like this to open some eyes about how bad it's gotten.

posted by TrustandVerify on Aug 11, 2010 at 03:58 PM

Please, Arizona Republic, do a better job of reporting relevant details. What is the name of the private company operating the prison where this escape occurred? Does this company operate other prisons in Arizona?

I think it would make a good feature story to look at all the privately-run prisons in Arizona. What players are involved? How are these decisions made? Thanks!

posted by DividedHouse on Aug 11, 2010 at 04:01 PM

Maybe we should stop locking up people who get caught with a little pot and instead fine them and make them drug test (that they pay for) for 6months instead. If caught again/fail a test they spend weekends in tent city or first report to volunteer jobs.

For deadbeat dads, instead of arresting and keeping them locked up, force them to either get a job and start paying or spend their days on a chain gang cleaning freeways for $2 a hr. That should probably get them paying a hell of a lot faster, and keep them actually contributing by paying taxes on their job instead of loosing it while sitting in jail which is more expensive.

For those caught driving drunk, again first demand court appointed volunteer work on top of a fine. People I've talked to who spent weekends in Tent City for DUIs just watched TV and smoked pot and put up with it for the short stint they were there.

Stop housing people for stupid crimes that should instead be punished in other ways that doesn't cost the state near as much and allows others (charities, etc) to get something out of it for free. Oh, and start killing more convicted murderers/child rapists, especially when DNA evidence is present in their convictions. Both of those should clear out more room in the Max security jails.

posted by DividedHouse on Aug 11, 2010 at 04:02 PM

Oh, and of course its overly simplistic view...but something has to be done for the booming prison population and the costs associated with it.

posted by StormAZ100 on Aug 11, 2010 at 04:30 PM

This was examined in 2008 after another escape happened from a private prison in Arizona. At that time legislation was suggested to tighten up the regulations of the private facilitites and make them more accountable. This, of course, didn't get beyond the first hearing ater the CEO of the private prison firm stated his objections.

http://www.azcentral.com/ne...

From the article:

"The private-prison industry has grown rapidly in Arizona since the first such prison opened here in 1994, bringing jobs and thousands of out-of-state inmates to Pinal County.

Now, more than 9,000 felons from Alaska, Hawaii, Washington and other states and the federal government are housed in six of 11 privately run prisons in Arizona. Most of the out-of-state inmates are in CCA facilities in Pinal County, according to information collected by the Arizona Department of Corrections.".

I wasn't aware we were importing felons from other states. That's 'comforting.'

posted by iconoclast on Aug 11, 2010 at 05:35 PM

Grow some GUTS, Arizona. Enact a law that makes jail break or prison break an automatic capital crime with no stay of execution and no appeal.  (Otherwise live with prison breaks being the same hide and seek game "immigration laws" allow). Seal the dead escapee in a coffin and put the box on display in  one of the prison yards.  That may not stop ALL the breaks but it will (inappropriate term) sure slow them down.  AND one more piece of trash will be off the public expense rolls and out of the gene pool.

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 12, 2010 at 09:16 PM

"The Arizona Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are both poorly run agencies that lack leadership." says Tradecraft. I don't know this person but he or she is on the money. I have worked on a lot of special projects in corrections and have attended and been mentored by many good men and women but the ADOC is far from being the nation's best. It is so far behind in penology the word is sad. The agency needs a blood transfusion as it is incestuous and bastardized by the same blood over and over. New blood is consumed by political sabotage and old blood is divided between in and out of the cliques that exist. The policies are draconic and in need of meeting the best practices used in many other prisons nationwide. Management is soiled and spoiled with their two hour lunches and state cars.They put in four hours and charge the state eight. Uncovered positions are abused as well as uncovered staff being targeted for compliance with ridiculous directives that tests their will and loyalty to individuals. The agency is financially broke and they buy [lease]new Chevy Silverado crew cab trucks for their upper echelon as if the 2010 Impalas are not even worn to a mileage of under 30 k. Tucson buys Cadillac ATV with money that is “extra” and the staff is being furloughed. Other complexes throughout the state do the same as they are told left over 2009 money must be spent on whatever you want instead of being returned back to the state coffers. Check the purchasing the last three months and you will find extravagant expenditures with either encumbered funds or funds that needed to be depleted so they could justify asking for more next year. Yes Tradecraft, it needs an overhaul and it needs it quick. The blood is dying and the future is dim. Staff have no hope of successful progression into positions of responsibility as they are divided between the do kiss butt and don’t kiss butt. Their method of promulgating policies is puzzling to me and I’ve done policies longer than many working there now but it don’t matter as polices are changed to meet the need, regardless of staff safety of public safety.  I can cite at least two examples where Albert Einstein’s quote “If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts” applies.  He also said, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  Albert Einstein. Don't take my word for it. Check the purchase orders and the parking lots, and tell me if they need this luxury while other state agencies are shut down and staff are facing a reduction in force and furloughs. Irresponsible conduct, unbelievable cojones and they are getting away with it because nobody cares. Department of Corruptions gives the black eye to Arizona as the citizens are strapped with an increase in tax while the state officials spend their money like its Las Vegas. 

 

 

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 12, 2010 at 09:36 PM

 

“This is just political posturing.  I didn't hear a cry for hearings over the Lewis Complex hostage situation while Janet "Nappy" Napolitano was governor.  That dispite her direct role in prolonging that situation through poor management and decision making” TAGarder says. Political posturing because Terry Goddard realizes that the homicide of two innocent people in New Mexico is reality and not politics. Comparing the Lewis hostage situation which was contained and mediated on prison grounds does not compare to an escape off prison grounds and ending up in a manhunt nationwide. The director is not in control of this situation, the US Marshalls are not in control of this situation, The escapee and his girlfriend cousin fiancée are in control and they have guns. Political posturing, give me a break if you can’t tell the difference in severity and executive responsibility in the manner is was managed versus the manner this is being handled. We don’t know how many people have been hurt, robbed, maimed or killed by McCluskey and we may never know for I suspect he will be either killed or kill himself. He is a violent criminal who was misclassified and had no business where he was when he escaped. Comparing apples to oranges is the case here. I hope the bad apple doesn’t spoil everything for Arizona and its citizens as the fear is real and the threat is imminent to those who are in their way to remain free.

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 12, 2010 at 10:26 PM

If the story just reported is true that they found heroin and marijuana in Welch's car before the escape and during a previous visit, this person should have been suspended and denied access to the prison grounds for at least one year. Mojave County is pressing charges for this. 6 counts of violations on drug possession. This act was not “human error” but rather negligence and another example how private prisons are not congruent with state policies on the introduction of narcotics or controlled substances. Second, if the photo of the car shown on the very first bulletin of this escape is accurate, it shows her parked in the prison ground parking lot undetected and unchallenged. Private prison should follow state policies and state policies should ensure private prisons follow their policies.  
 
As more information is gleaned, we are finding out there were many warning signs present and nothing was done. This is an exhibition of deliberate indifference to a serious issue such as escape from a penitentiary.

   

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 12, 2010 at 10:56 PM

 

On June 19, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Mohave County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by MTC prison officials in Golden Valley in reference to illegal narcotics, according to a press release issued by MCSO Thursday. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office contacted Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team to respond to the prison to conduct the investigation, the sheriff’s office said.Prison officials informed MAGNET investigators that while performing random checks of vehicles in the parking lot, they discovered narcotics in the vehicle being driven by Casslyn Mae Welch, 44,a of Mesa, the press release stated. Welch is believed to be the accomplice that helped three MTC prisoners’ escape late last month. Citation:

http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2010/08/12/news/breaking_news/doc4c64915cd6bff199521500.txt

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 13, 2010 at 07:34 AM

 

Let’s put this in perspective “according to the three-page report, the private, medium security prison operated by Management & Training Corporation has made several security changes following the escape. The reports states that perimeter patrols were increased at both medium and minimum security units.  relieved at the security posts by the oncoming shift, controlled movement with smaller numbers of inmates, open-yard movement has been curtailed.= human error? [the outcome fits the governor’s original statement, hummmmm - coincidence?   This is a white wash of deeper problems that should be reviewed by an independent review team. Have we forgotten the seriousness of this event. Two people were killed by a escapee classified as violent offender and incurring millions of dollars of expenses conducting a manhunt so he won’t kill again [we don’t know yet]. Has the legislature no conscience on public safety? Has the Governor become so political she has been de-sensitized and numb to the reality this is unacceptable and she should expect zero tolerance of anything resembling negligence malfeasance, or deliberate indifference? Where is the conscience of this state? Are we so wrapped up in politics we are disregarding human life as expendable? Three page report, A another white wash like the Powell death. This is just shameful.

posted by Mr112578 on Aug 13, 2010 at 09:49 AM

 The Maximum custody unit that houses death row inmates and the major gang leaders use to be run with 48 Officers on one shift. Now its being run on a very good day with 25 Officers. The medium custody unit that houses murderers has about 1500 inmates and only has 12-15 Officers on some days. How is it even possible to watch 1500 inmates with the staffing that is there. There are more assaults on Officers than on Police Officers but yet the news never knows about that. As much as I hate to see any of them escape you can ask any Correction's Officer things like this are good. Its the only way to get anybody to look at the Prison and find the errors. Somebody do a story on how unsafe the prisons really are.

posted by kodiakbears on Aug 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM

Hey Mr112578 you are right on the money - the distractions keep the media from the real facts that prison safety both inside and outside are seriously impaired and the expectations of public safety fall short based on the resources available to the officers and the people who care about doing a good job. Only ten percent are doing their eight and out the gate leaving 90 percent good officers behind struggling to keep things orderly and safe. I am hoping the legislature will take a look and I have offered to help give them insight if they want it. Twenty five years from correctional officer to deputy warden at some of the biggest joints in this state. Retired because I saw dismal treatment of staff, poor management practices and a horrific event down the road. Twenty five is enough to frustrate someone into saying that if the governor don't care, why should the officers. They take their 2.7 % and furlough them while they [agency] buys new Silverado crew cab trucks and fancy ATV vehicles as well as tons of additional things they didn't need but were told to spend so they didn't have to give the money back. Those fat cats in Phoenix on the fourth floor are double dipping politicians and don't give a (inappropriate term) about public safety as long as they make money. Putting violent criminal in private prisons is wrong and staffing medium prisons like you describe is a recipe for a disaster pending with imminent danger to all that work there or live in those communities. If you want to know who I am look up www.wh2toersbijnsc.com and you will see I have been there. Wake up people of Arizona, you are getting another snow job and your troubles are still brewing Gov. Brewer.

posted by USOPEN on Aug 17, 2010 at 10:12 AM

Quit hawking your book on here "Has been" Toersbijns. The only ones that bought copies were your wife and kid!