Arizona has several a few large counties which have significant inmate
populations in their jails. The two largest are Maricopa County Jail
and Pima County Jail. Other large counties in Arizona include Pinal,
Yavapai, Coconino, Yuma, Cochise, Mohave and Navajo.
Maricopa County Jail
Whether you live in Arizona or not you have probably heard of Sheriff
Joe Arpaio, the Sheriff of Maricopa County. Joe Arpaio has made
national headlines for controversial measures in the jail such as
making inmates sleep in tents, wear pink underwear, feeding some
inmates only two meals a day and other undesirable conditions meant to
discourage offenders from reoffending (at least in his county).
The Maricopa County Jail conditions are notable because of the extreme
temperatures the area faces. Sleeping in tents can be miserable when
the thermometer often reaches well above 100 degrees in the summer.
Former inmates of the jail report that racial tensions run high in MCJ
so it is best to keep to yourself until you learn how the social
environment works behind bars (or tent poles).
Pima County Jail
If you are in the neighboring county of Pima count your blessings -
things could be worse had you commited a crime a few miles to the north
in Maricopa. State law mandates a 15% reduction in time served in
county jail assuming you are not subject to disciplinary action. This
means avoiding fights with other inmates, doing what the guards tell
you to do and avoiding drugs in jail.
Keep in mind that when you make phone calls from jail they are almost
always recorded. The prosector on your case can request these records
and listen to your calls if they believe any evidence may be obtained
from your calls. Any calls to your lawyer should be placed through a
special phone that does not record the call. Communications with your
attorney are protected and should remain confidential.
Other Arizona County Jails
We are always striving to provide the most accurate, up-to-date and
relevant information concerning county jails in the United States. If
you have been to a county jail in Arizona please take a few minutes to
provide
us with an interview about your experience.