Inside the Turmoil: Pima County Jail’s Struggle Through a Full-Blown Crisis

In 2022, Pima County Jail’s death rate was nearly four times the national average, prompting Sheriff Chris Nanos to describe the situation as “a full-blown crisis.” The Sheriff’s Department proposed a new jail, but families of deceased inmates argue that it won’t address the underlying issues.

On August 3, 2021, Frances Ochoa was set to visit her son, Cruz Patiño Jr., who had been jailed on a court warrant four days earlier. Instead, she received a call from the jail; her son was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital. Ochoa’s son had struggled with addiction after an accident left him with chronic pain. He had been arrested after being recognized by a store manager due to past shoplifting attempts.

Patiño’s autopsy revealed that he died from severe bacterial pneumonia complications. His mother alleges medical neglect and is suing the county. “Dealing with losing a child—it’s by far the worst,” Ochoa said.

The alarming death rate at the Pima County Jail has raised significant concerns. In 2021, 10 inmates died, followed by 12 in 2022. The 2019 national local jail mortality rate was 167 deaths per 100,000 inmates, while Pima County’s rate was 656.8 in 2022. This rate surpassed notable institutions such as Chicago’s Cook County Jail and New York City’s Rikers Island.

By 2023, eight more inmates had died in custody. Overcrowding, understaffing, and deteriorating facilities exacerbated the crisis. Nanos highlighted these issues in a memo, noting that inmates were forced to sleep on the floor due to lack of space.

One proposed solution is constructing a new jail, estimated to cost $800 million. Nanos believes modern facilities could provide better inmate supervision and timely medical care. However, former inmates and families of the deceased argue that a new building won’t rectify systemic issues, such as inadequate medical care and staff incapacity.

The current jail’s infrastructure is severely compromised, with leaks damaging new security installations and stained walls. Correctional facilities manager Amanda Williams pointed out that water even damaged new kitchen renovations worth $1.8 million.

A Blue Ribbon Commission evaluated the jail’s conditions and proposed constructing a new 3,162-bed facility. Nanos suggested a “jail tax” to fund this. However, County Administrator Jan Lesher and several former inmates oppose the idea, emphasizing that deeper systemic problems must be addressed first.

Medical care issues also plague the jail. Centurion Detention Health Services, the previous medical provider, cut ties abruptly in 2021. NaphCare took over but faced criticisms for substandard care. Legal claims and whistleblower reports suggest systemic negligence and possible drug smuggling by jail staff.

Despite recent efforts to improve conditions, such as implementing Narcan usage and body scanners, problems persist. For instance, an inmate in the detox wing was found unconscious on a top bunk in May 2023, despite policies restricting such placements.

Families continue to suffer. Frances Ochoa stands as a vocal critic against building a new facility, focusing on systemic reform. “I don’t want their money; I want my son,” she said, underscoring the emotional toll these deaths have taken.

The debate over how to address these issues continues, with conflicting opinions on whether a new facility or systemic reforms will provide a lasting solution.