MARICOPA COUNTY OFFICE PAUL PENZONE SHERIFF In ?4 9 ?my" wow? 0 A - March 20, 2020 The intent of this communication is to express my concerns and position as it relates to the Intake, Transfer, Release (ITR) facility. As a collaborative governmental organization, we all have a vested interest in the success ofthis facility. Although a building primarily utilized for the detention of inmates, several county divisions will provide services for the needs of the community. We had all hoped to see the facility open at the projected target date in April as the benefits would immediately impact efficiencies, cost savings and continuity. The uncertainties of the current pandemic is not a challenge we thought we would ever face. Although Arizona is just now feeling the impact of this health crisis, we must have a vision for the impact and demand on resources we will face. The ITR was designed to promote a communal, direct supervision model where our employees would have more personal interaction with the detainee population. This design reduces anxiety, creates efficiencies for process and promotes relationships in this environment to reduce violence in the jail system. The pandemic is transferred through proximity, direct contact and airborne transmittal. The design of our facility is in direct conflict with health recommendations by the CDC to suppress the outbreak of Our personnel displayed excitement over the opportunity to evolve to this new direct supervision model inside the Now, circumstances have affected perception and complicated population management all leading to concern over conversion to this model during the active pandemic. Due to these factors and concerns I strongly oppose opening the facility at this time as I feel the detriments and complications would by far outweigh the long term benefit we would see for the organization and the county. I am confident once we have overcome the existing challenge the transition would be successful and we could use lessons learned to improve all aspects ofour detention center should we face another health crisis in the future. The most important element to these challenges is the opportunity that presents itself. I believe Maric0pa County and the Maricopa County Sheriff?s Office can make a considerable difference in the fight to suppress this health threat and provide services for community members in need. We expect a considerable demand on the health care system whereas equipment, staff and facilities will be overburdened. One area of concern that has become a priority is the accessibility of hospitals and care. If we are to prepare for the potential of a high volume of exposures requiring advanced health care we must determine if we have spaces that can be converted to health care facilities. 550 Jackson Street . Phoenix, Arizona 85003 (602) 876-1000 - Statewide Toll Free 1-800-352-4553 - It is my opinion we should keep the in an unused and secure state without occupancy. We should work with the Arizona Department of Health Services and/or one of the major hospital systems to evaluate and determine the practicality for converting usable space for the purpose of medical treatment and temporary care of patients. For all practical purposes, we facilitate non- structural modifications to the working space, beds and utilities to meet the needs of a temporary hospital facility. The costs for any modifications to the facility, and subsequent modifications to return to original state, lease fees, wear and tear, sterilization of the facility at the conclusion of needs and all costs incurred for use of utilities should be the responsibility of the State of Arizona or the private hospital system utilizing the space. recognize this is an unorthodox and extreme response for the use of the facility, which is viewed as the future ofour detention system. Yet, we are in the infancy stages of an extreme pandemic unlike any heath crisis our generation has faced. It is my hope we do not have a need to utilize the for medical needs and other actions suppress this pandemic outbreak. We do not have the luxury to hope for a positive outcome as we are in the business of public health and public safety. Therefore, it is my opinion we institute a plan for the potential scenarios we may face and identify the most effective use for our facilities, supplies and personnel. Respectfully, Sheriff Paul Penzone