Gov. Katie Hobbs has issued an executive order establishing a panel designed to improve transparency and accountability in Arizona’s prisons.
The Independent Prison Oversight Commission will inspect prison facilities and records and speak with staff and inmates about conditions inside the state’s jails.
The governor’s office says the commission will examine the accessibility and quality of mental health care and drug treatment programs and the access to basic necessities like nutrition, medicine and sanitary products as well as qualified staff.
Hobbs says incarcerated people should be treated humanely and corrections employees should feel safe in their workplace.
The criminal justice reform organization Justice Action Network applauded Hobbs’ move saying, “Robust corrections oversight will bring more transparency and accountability to the way that Arizona’s prisons operate.”