Arizona lawmakers are calling for greater accountability and transparency following a recent hearing on prison safety and inmate deaths. Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) Director Ryan Thornell told the committee that nine inmates have died this year, with assaults on staff and inmates increasing during his tenure. Lawmakers questioned Thornell about policies that allowed high-risk offenders, such as Ricky Wassenaar—accused of three murders in April—to be moved to less restrictive custody levels despite histories of violence.
Representative Nguyen stated, “The people of Arizona deserve answers when preventable deaths occur inside state prisons. What we heard yesterday shows a pattern of poor decisions, a lack of accountability, and troubling gaps in transparency at the top. Moving violent offenders into less secure settings has put staff and inmates in danger, and the results are tragic. This cannot continue.”
A video recording of Tuesday’s hearing is available online: https://youtu.be/no-hyAuG1jM
Senator Payne added, “Those who’ve spent their careers inside our prisons told us plainly that leadership decisions are putting lives at risk. Instead of doubling down on failed policies, ADCRR should be reversing course and being forthright with lawmakers and the public. Our duty as lawmakers is to hold the Department accountable and make sure public safety, inside and outside the prison walls, is not compromised.”
Representative Nguyen also noted ongoing efforts to address these issues: “Director Thornell indicated to the Committee that he is willing to meet with us on an ongoing basis to address these concerns, and I look forward to working with him to do just that. Our responsibility is to increase public accountability so that staff and inmates are safe, and I remain committed to that goal moving forward.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall.
