Phoenix (AZ Family) — Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Prisons are facing severe staffing shortages.
The ministry has cut 853 detention officer positions.
Union leaders said this is creating a dangerous situation for officers and inmates.
“One police officer can sometimes do the work of eight people. There are seven police officers in one prison. That’s it. It’s important to reduce risk at this time.” benjamin friskpresident of Maricopa County Law Enforcement Association.
frisk Sent a letter to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. and MCSO Sheriff Russ Skinner.
He said county leaders should implement a pay tiering plan to ensure raises for officers.
MCSO is the only non-law enforcement agency in the county.
“Sometimes you can go all the way through a 20-year career and still not reach the highest salary. They just keep moving the carrot,” Frisk said.
Video: MCSO discusses recruiting efforts after Phoenix Police Department raises pay for recruits
MCSO acknowledged the problem and said it is working to promote recruitment.
A spokesperson said the county has approved a 10% pay increase and a $7,500 contract bonus for detention officers.
“Right after COVID-19 hit, we saw a dramatic decline. We also had fewer inmates, so it was easier to run, but there are no excuses. We are depressed. We want to hire more detention officers,” said Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez of MCSO.
Enriquez told Arizona Families that Sheriff Skinner is working to get the county Board of Supervisors to implement a pay tier plan.
But Skinner’s time as sheriff is coming to an end.
“We’re going to have a new sheriff in November, so the new sheriff needs to have conversations to move this agency forward. That’s the key to this issue,” Enriquez said.
Arizona families have reached out to both sheriff candidates. Prospective Democratic candidate Tyler Kampf sent us a statement.
“As Sheriff, I will implement a multi-faceted approach to improve and grow employee attraction and retention, with the goal of enhancing benefits, professional growth, and career opportunities. created a walk-in employee health clinic, collaborated with a supervisory board, created a pay structure, provided cross-disciplinary training opportunities, and focused on women, veterans, and second-career employees. We will strengthen our recruiting efforts and build recruiting relationships with educational institutions at all levels.”
Presumptive Republican candidate Jerry Sheridan sent a statement shortly after the original story aired.
Having served as the Chief Custodian for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, I am qualified to be the next Sheriff. Unlike my opponents, I understand the issues surrounding staffing and will work tirelessly to address them.
Detention officers do hard work, putting their lives on the line every day. They need a sheriff who understands their role in keeping the community and inmates safe and will fight for their rights. As Sheriff, I will work with the Board of Supervisors to find solutions to the pay disparities that currently exist.
Our detention officers are entitled to fair compensation for their service. My mission is to make sure they receive the pay and benefits they deserve. Our communities need sheriffs who will keep them safe and treat detention officers with the respect they deserve. I’m the sheriff.
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