PHOENIX — The Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association (ACPOA), representing roughly 1,700 state corrections officers, has called for an immediate repeal of the department’s “override” policy and the dismissal of the Arizona Department of Corrections director. The union’s demand follows the release of more than two dozen photos and videos that show assaults on officers and the chaotic aftermath inside state prisons.
Union leader cites alarming number of incidents
ACPOA executive director Carlos Garcia told reporters that the “override” policy – which moves inmates deemed violent into lower‑security units – has directly contributed to a surge in violent confrontations. “I’ll tell you off the top of my head, we’ve had probably 350 incidents this year, and most of them are critical,” Garcia said.
Garcia emphasized that the union is speaking not only for its members but also for inmates who have raised safety concerns. “This is the first time I’m not talking just on behalf of staff, but of inmates,” he added, noting that prisoners have complained that the policy places them in units with inmates who do not belong there, prompting rebellions.
Videos and photos illustrate the problem
One body‑camera clip released by the union shows a corrections officer being physically attacked by an inmate. Additional footage and photographs depict fights breaking out in housing units and the resulting damage to property. Garcia argues that these visual records demonstrate a clear pattern of violence linked to the policy’s implementation.
Department of Corrections disputes the union’s claims
In response, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry issued a statement calling the union’s accusations “baseless.” The department highlighted that violent incidents in October fell to their lowest level in three years, suggesting that recent reforms are yielding positive results.
Garcia rejected the department’s data, using a vivid metaphor to describe the environment he believes corrections staff face: “The lions are hunting us down and hunting down the bunnies and the sheep. And that’s why we’re here today. It’s got to stop.”
What the “override” policy entails
Under the current policy, prison administrators can reassign inmates from higher‑security facilities to lower‑security units when they are deemed to pose a lower risk. Critics argue that the criteria are too vague and that the practice forces violent inmates into environments where they can more easily attack staff and other prisoners.
The union is demanding a transparent review of the policy’s guidelines, stricter oversight of inmate placement decisions, and the removal of the department director, whom they hold responsible for allowing the policy to continue.
Next steps and community impact
Garcia indicated that the union will continue to gather evidence and push for legislative action at the state level. He urged lawmakers to hold hearings on the “override” policy and to consider legislation that would protect both corrections officers and inmates from unnecessary danger.
While the Department of Corrections maintains that its reforms are effective, the dispute highlights a broader conversation about prison safety, staff protection, and inmate rights in Arizona. The outcome of this debate could shape how the state manages its correctional facilities for years to come.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
