The ADCRR Announces Operational Responses to Prison Violence (04.18.25)
In response to an uptick of inmate on inmate violence, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) announces today a series of actions, some immediate, others to start in the coming weeks, designed to protect staff and inmates, while reducing, curtailing, and discouraging violence within the inmate population.
ADCRR’s close custody units, which account for approximately 4,900 of the more than 35,000 inmates across ADCRR and private contracted prisons, are where a recent rash of violence has taken place. Inmates assigned to these units are some of the most high-risk inmates in state custody, with histories of institutional violence, significant behavioral problems, long-standing disciplinary issues, and other concerning factors.
To ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates, the ADCRR is implementing a series of actions that restore structure and proper operations at certain close custody units. The impacted units include:
- ASPC- Eyman’s Rynning unit
- ASPC- Lewis’s Buckley, Morey, and Rast units
- ASPC- Tucson's Cimarron unit
- ASPC- Winslow’s Kaibab unit
- ASPC- Yuma’s Dakota unit
The ADCRR anticipates the impacted units will be under restricted movement with closed visitation indefinitely, allowing staff and inmates time to implement and adjust to procedures designed to ensure safety.
Recognizing the need for a strong response to the incidents of recent weeks, Director Thornell commented, “violence is not, and should never be an acceptable part of incarceration. The actions being taken in these close custody units will ensure the personal safety of staff and inmates. We will not allow continued negative behavior to disrupt our orderly operations or jeopardize the security of our institutions."
When situations arise that require this heightened level of response, it’s natural for family and friends to have concerns and questions. To be clear, inmates in the impacted units still have access to showers, phones, mail, tablets, legal visits, mental and physical health appointments, medication, and in-unit work.
Addressing families directly, Director Thornell noted, “I recognize that the effects of incarceration are felt by families, far beyond the prison walls. Your concern for your loved ones propels forward our action, their safety remains our highest priority. The strategies we are implementing are necessary to ensure this.”
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