Policy and Legislation

ADCRR Transparency and Accountability: A Nonpartisan Issue with a Bipartisan Solution

ATAC Policy position

Transparency and accountability in corrections is a non-partisan issue that affects all Arizona families and taxpayers. ATAC believes that the American ideal of a government that functions in the light of day and serves the interests of the citizens of this state should be upheld in the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR).

To achieve this goal, ATAC recognizes that a bipartisan solution that state lawmakers will support is necessary. We believe that the formation of an Independent Corrections Ombudsman (Inspector) and a citizen-led legislative corrections oversight committee (Committee) will provide the necessary transparency and accountability that the citizens of Arizona deserve.

ATAC recognizes that in order to achieve the goal of a transparent and accountable ADCRR, a bipartisan solution that state lawmakers will support is necessary.

Citizen-led Legislative Corrections Oversight Committee

The heart of the ATAC policy model is a robust Citizen-led Legislative Oversight Committee. This committee is carefully composed of lawmakers from both chambers, members of the public who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, experts in corrections, medical and mental health experts, and scholars.

Independent Corrections Ombudsman

In addition to the Committee, ATAC supports the implementation of an Independent Corrections Ombudsman. This ombudsman model is based on the best practices and most effective elements of working ombudsman models from other states with similar correctional agencies. The ombudsman will provide an independent and impartial resource to review and investigate complaints and create reports.

two Branches of Government

The ATAC model includes a Citizen-led Legislative Oversight Committee and an Independent Corrections Ombudsman, connecting to both the Legislative and Executive branches of government, to ensure long-term and well-rounded oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) and to meet the needs and expectations of Arizona families and taxpayers.

Access

Transparency and oversight require unrestricted access to state facilities without preconditions. This is a fundamental aspect of the ATAC policy model, which aims to ensure that there are no obstacles to a complete and unbiased view of conditions within facilities.

Confidentiality

Ensuring confidentiality is crucial for effective transparency and accountability. The ATAC model prioritizes protection and confidentiality for those who use the system, guaranteeing that any information shared is kept confidential.

Reports

The ATAC policy institutes regular reporting to ensure transparency, including an annual report on ADCRR operations and the ability for the committee to request additional reports as needed.

Accounting

ADCRR receives a $1.5+ billion dollar per year appropriation from the Arizona Legislature. There is little public accountability for the expenditure of those funds. The ATAC model brings the books out into the open.

Investigation

It is not sufficient to simply receive a report or complaint and then rely on the individuals named in the complaint for information on resolution. The ATAC model grants investigatory powers to both the Independent Corrections Ombudsman and the Citizen-led Legislative Oversight Committee.

Term Limitation

ATAC believes that the permanency of positions like the Citizen-led Legislative Oversight Committee and the Independent Corrections Ombudsman can lead to callousness and corruption. To prevent this, ATAC policy sets fixed term limits for these positions.

Conditions of Confinement

The conditions of confinement within ADCRR facilities are a fundamental aspect of its operations. The state is legally obligated to provide safe and clean facilities, nutritious food, access to healthcare and education, and evidence-based programs.

Staff

Recent events have highlighted the need for a system to receive and investigate staff concerns within ADCRR. Staff members who raise legitimate concerns often face retaliation, marginalization, and mistreatment. The ATAC policy establishes a safe and secure system for staff to report issues without fear of retaliation.

Independence

ATAC's model prioritizes independence of the Citizen-led Legislative Oversight Committee and the Independent Corrections Ombudsman from political pressure and outside influence to ensure transparency and accountability in the ADCRR. This guarantees unbiased and effective oversight of the department.

ATAC Proposals, Positions, and Legislation

The One Sheet

This is the summary of the ATAC Truth in Corrections proposal.

This abstract summarizes the need for a Citizen's Oversight and Advisory Board and Ombuds to create transparency and accountability in ADCRR.

The Proposal

The ATAC policy proposal written by Travis Hiland and John Fabricius, both directly impacted with 25 cumulative years of experience in the ADCRR. This proposal provides detailed analysis on the need for transparency and accountability in ADCRR.

Proposed Legislation

The legislation proposal crafted by ATAC is based upon the Truth in Corrections Proposal. This legislation creates and independent Citizen's Oversight and Advisory Board and Ombuds to create transparency and accountability in the ADCRR.