Final Report on prison riot; Correctional Officers facing criminal charges

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) released a final report detailing what lead to the prison riot at Arizona State Prison Complex – Yuma in March, saying that it was sparked by inmates thinking excessive force was used to restrain a violent and intoxicated inmate. The report also found that six correctional officers intentionally destroyed inmate property and that they’re no longer with ADC and are also facing criminal prosecution.

The Disturbance Assessment Report and Operational Review Report on the March 1 major disturbance at ASPC-Yuma’s medium-custody Cheyenne Unit was released Wednesday.

The Assessment Team concluded that the disturbance was a spontaneous event triggered by inmates’ false perception of excessive force deployed by security staff to restrain a violent and intoxicated inmate. Mass assaults on security staff required the deployment of Designated Armed Response Teams and Tactical Support Units, which regained control of the inmates and the Unit within approximately 2½ hours.

Additionally, ADC criminal investigators determined that six correctional officers intentionally destroyed inmate property following the disturbance, most notably 145 personal televisions (as well as food items, blankets, fans, etc.). These six officers no longer work for ADC, and the agency has referred them to the Yuma County Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. ADC has also replaced the damaged personal property (costing $28,275 for the televisions alone).

“The intolerable actions of these former officers violate every facet of what it means to be a correctional officer and dishonor the positive daily efforts of thousands of honest and dedicated corrections professionals in Arizona,” said Director Ryan. “Such criminal behavior is utterly unacceptable, not to mention dangerous and jeopardizes the safety of our employees inside State prisons.”

Immediately following the disturbance, ADC Director Charles Ryan appointed a team of experienced ADC corrections professionals to conduct a comprehensive operational assessment of the incident and the Yuma prison. The assessment included criminal and administrative investigations covering incident response, property damage, administration performance, inmate programs, and hundreds of interviews of inmates and prison staff.

“Prisons remain inherently dangerous, with an ever-present potential for the outbreak of violence,” said ADC Director Charles Ryan.”To protect the safety of employees, inmates, and the public, we rightly set and expect a high standard for adherence to policy and procedure. I am grateful to all of our corrections professionals who assisted in the Yuma response effort, including the comprehensive assessment, and who strive daily for excellence in what we do.”

ADC said unit staffing levels played no contributory role in the disturbance, nor did any inmate perceived dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Integrated Housing Program.

The Assessment Team report also identified underlying operational deficiencies and other issues of concern that have resulted in swift corrective measures by the agency, including disciplinary action against several members of prison complex leadership. Two received a letter of reprimand, one was demoted, and another was relieved of his duties.

ADC said capitalizing on lessons learned and investing in prevention is critical. ADC is assigning key administration personnel at the Yuma complex to undertake additional training to help prevent similar events from occurring and to more effectively manage such critical situations. This will apply to the warden, all deputy wardens, as well as all supervisor-level employees.

The Disturbance Assessment Report the Operational Review Report, and related exhibits, are posted and available for download in the Reports section of the ADC website. Click here for a direct link.

Criminal and administrative investigations of the disturbance and an inmate death remain ongoing at this time.