Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday launched the first meeting of the independent prison oversight commission that she created by executive order in January.
Speaking at the state Capitol, Hobbs cited inadequate health care and inhumane living conditions for inmates, as well as prisoners and corrections officers being put in unnecessarily dangerous situations.
“We have found cover-ups where there should’ve been policy changes and excuses where there should’ve been action. My office has worked closely with Dir. [Ryan] Thornell to make immediate changes where possible,” said Hobbs.
The 13-member commission is made up of people with diverse backgrounds and is tasked with issuing a comprehensive report on recommended changes to Arizona’s prison system by mid-November.
