Arizona’s corrections department wants to open a center to help newly released inmates who violate terms of their supervision. The agency already operates a community corrections center in Pima County that serves about 800 inmates a year.
Last fiscal year about 17 percent of people admitted into Arizona prisons were those who violated the conditions of their release. More than half of those were in Maricopa County. The proposed community corrections center provides drug treatment and housing for these newly released inmates.
Director Charles Ryan said the goal is to reduce recidivism.
“That would be potentially one of the major benefits, and that could have some positive impact in leveling off or slowing down … the growth of the prison system.”
However, the department is asking the state to add more private prisons beds to accommodate population growth. The agency estimates the number of inmates will grow by about 900 next year.
