By C1 Staff
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The director of the Arizona Department of Corrections has spoken out against an editorial that he believes misrepresented the department’s response to the rape of an employee.
AZ Central reports that following the brutal assault of an Eyman corrections complex employee, the DOC immediately launched an investigation into the event with the focus of pursing prosecution of the inmate suspect to the fullest extent.
In May, the inmate was indicted by a grand jury.
DOC director Charles Ryan said “contrary to The Republic editorial board’s assertion of indifference, every assault against staff and inmates is reviewed extensively and thoroughly investigated.”
Ryan cited an AP quote that claimed the DOC said “assault is a risk that comes with the job of overseeing violent inmates,” which he dismisses and says that department practice is the opposite.
“Department practice is quite the opposite. Staff and inmate safety is our highest priority — a fact reflected and borne out by ongoing training and assessment of security protocols. Significant focus is given to ensuring that all staff remain vigilant that any inmate, regardless of custody level or prior criminal history, can turn violent.
Such self-examination is ingrained in the daily work of the Department of Corrections. It results in decisions to create sector officers who conduct security checks on staff working in isolated areas; random physical, visual, radio and phone checks of such sectors; implementation of chemical-agent and hand-held radio training; addition of cameras where appropriate; and numerous other security measures that are constantly being reviewed.”
He reasserts that staff and inmate safety is his number one priority.
Do you agree with the director’s assertions? Do you feel that management has your back at your facility?