The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is getting high praise from the Department of Justice this week for breaking down a long standing barrier for non-English speaking inmates.
Six months under a new Sheriff and two years after the Department of Justice ordered an attitude change toward non-English speaking inmates at the Maricopa County Jails, the DOJ sent a letter congratulating Sheriff Paul Penzone for meeting all of its legal requirements.
The DOJ noted a “significant shift” in jail attitudes and treatment of Latino inmates, which inspectors say is contributing to a safer and more equitable environment.
They credited MCSO specifically for identifying inmates who need help, hiring more bi-lingual personnel, and setting up signage and broadcasting systems for relaying critical information faster and more effectively.
