Arizonans for Transparency and Accountability in Corrections

I could not be more proud nor more honored to work with anyone as much as I am for the privilege I have to work on some of our greatest challenges in society with J Alexandria Hunt-Garcia.
Please read this article to find out why I am all chips in with this incredible human being.

What prison time and a friend's death taught me about Arizona's overdose crisis Sending people to prison for drug addiction only deepens wounds and perpetuates cycles of abuse. Arizona must do better.

📢 Secure the Border Act Could Worsen Arizona's Prison Crisis 📢

"ADCRR estimates that the Secure the Border Act will cost $252 million for the first five years and $66 million annually thereafter. Arizona prisons will be at 100% capacity by 2027 if enacted. This could lead to a public safety emergency."

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry is already struggling with issues like inadequate healthcare, malfunctioning locks, and lack of air conditioning. Adding the Secure the Border Act's burdens could push our prison system over the edge. 🚨

Read our full Op-Ed for an in-depth look at the potential consequences of HRC2060. Let's discuss solutions, not add to the problem!

✍️ By John A. Fabricius, co-founder and executive director of Arizonans for Transparency and Accountability in Corrections, and Steven Scharboneau, Arizona criminal defense attorney at
Steven George Law

Thank you to Dream.Org

Greetings ATAC community! 🎉

We're thrilled to share a significant update with you all! On March 22, 2023, our Executive Director, John Fabricius, and Legislative Coordinator, J Alexandria Garcia, had a productive meeting with the newly appointed Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR), Ryan Thornell.

During this pivotal meeting, they discussed the pressing challenges within the ADCRR, the extensive work ahead for Director Thornell in addressing the department's shortcomings, and his steadfast commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and better conditions for those incarcerated in the ADCRR.

We are truly inspired by Director Thornell's determination to bring about lasting change and his openness to working with ATAC. As we press on with our mission to create a fair, transparent, and accountable corrections system in Arizona, your unwavering support remains invaluable.

Please Donate to ATAC: https://bit.ly/40opvhr

Stay connected for more updates, and thank you for your continued dedication to our cause. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those impacted by the ADCRR's policies and practices.

We had an incredible time last night with our partners Just Communities Arizona & Hey Joe Media at the Tucson The First Step screening at the Harkins Tucson Spectrum 18. Thank you to all that came out last night and attended this special event.
Special shout-out to Enrique Olivares-Pelayo, Joe Watson, and Lance Kramer for speaking last night!

***Tucson***
***Tonight - Thursday 2/23***

We’re excited to partner with on the Tucson theatrical release of the film on February 23rd.

tells a complex, urgent story about the fight for progress on and amongst the country’s divides. Go behind closed doors to see Van Jones and a team of advocates bring together politicians and everyday people fight to pass legislation to bring people home. We need more bipartisan conversations that lead to criminal justice reform. We invite any and all members of our community to join us for this important screening & discussion!

Info on how to get tickets at: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/

***TUCSON***
***THIS THURSDAY***
We’re excited to partner with on the Tucson theatrical release of the film on February 23rd.

Info on how to get tickets at: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/

tells a complex, urgent story about the fight for progress on and amongst the country’s divides. Go behind closed doors to see Van Jones and a team of advocates bring together politicians and everyday people fight to pass legislation to bring people home. We need more bipartisan conversations that lead to criminal justice reform. We invite any and all members of our community to join us for this important screening & discussion!

Date: Thursday, February 23rd

Time: 7pm

Location: Harkins Tucson, Spectrum 18
5455 South Calle Santa Cruz Tucson, AZ 85706

Speakers:
Enrique Olivares-Pelayo (Organizer & Doctoral Student at UA, Just Communities AZ)
Joe Watson (Dream.Org Organizer, Hey Joe Media)

Ticket Link: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/2023-02-23

Please come join us for the theatrical release of this incredible film and have a conversation about criminal justice reform here in Arizona and throughout the country.

***THIS WEDNESDAY***
We’re excited to partner with on the Scottsdale theatrical release of the film on February 22nd at 7pm.

Info on how to get tickets at: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/

tells a complex, urgent story about the fight for progress on and amongst the country’s divides. Go behind closed doors to see Van Jones and a team of advocates bring together politicians and everyday people fight to pass legislation to bring people home. We need more bipartisan conversations that lead to criminal justice reform. We invite any and all members of our community to join us for this important screening & discussion!

Date: Wednesday, February 22nd

Time: 7pm

Location: Harkins Scottsdale, Shea 14
7354 East Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Speakers:
Kara Janssen (Smart Justice Campaign Organizer, ACLU Smart Justice AZ)
J Hunt-Garcia (Digital Community Organizer, Dream.Org & Legislative Coordinator at ATAC),
John Fabricius (Digital Campaigner, Dream.org & Executive Director, ATAC)

Ticket Link: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/2023-02-22

Please come join us for the theatrical release of this incredible film and have a conversation about criminal justice reform here in Arizona and throughout the country.

***FLAGSTAFF***
***THIS TUESDAY - 2/21/2023***

We’re excited to partner with on the Flagstaff theatrical release of the film on February 21st at 7pm.

Info on how to get tickets at: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step

tells a complex, urgent story about the fight for progress on and amongst the country’s divides. Go behind closed doors to see Van Jones and a team of advocates bring together politicians and everyday people fight to pass legislation to bring people home. We need more bipartisan conversations that lead to criminal justice reform. We invite any and all members of our community to join us for this important screening & discussion!

Date: Tuesday, February 21st

Time: 7pm

Location: Harkins Theatres Flagstaff 16
4751 E Marketplace Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Speakers:
Pat Nolan (Director Emeritus of the ACU Foundation's Nolan Center for Justice)
John Fabricius (Digital Campaigner, Dream.org & Executive Director, ATAC)
J. Hunt Garcia (Digital Community Organizer, Dream.Org & Legislative Coordinator, ATAC)

Ticket Link: www.harkins.com/movies/the-first-step/2023-02-21

Please come join us for the theatrical release of this incredible film and have a conversation about criminal justice reform here in Arizona and throughout the country.

JCA Organizer Enrique Olivares-Pelayo and Joe Watson (Dream.Org Organizer, Hey Joe Media) will speak briefly after the event. Tickets are $10, but do not stay away for lack of funds! JCA is buying a block of tickets and will glady sponsor folks. Contact us at [email protected].

****ALERT HUGE WIN!!!****
****OVERSIGHT IS FINALLY HERE****

As the only organization entirely led by directly impacted individuals, we at Arizonans for Transparency and Accountability in Corrections are encouraged with Governor Hobbs appointment of Director Ryan Thornell and thrilled with the announcement of the Executive Order implementing oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR).

The executive order is a crucial step towards achieving accountability and transparency within the department. We also acknowledge that this is an important step towards addressing unintended negative consequences of mass incarceration and creating a more fair and just Arizona; however, in order to ensure long lasting change we must pass and codify independent oversight legislation.

We look forward to continuing work on independent oversight with other organizations and stakeholders to ensure that the rights of incarcerated people are protected and that meaningful reform is achieved in Arizona.

For far too long, the prison system in Arizona has been plagued by issues of opacity, inadequate safeguarding, and mistreatment of incarcerated individuals. This has not only resulted in a violation of basic human rights, but it has also had a detrimental impact on correctional staff, the families and communities affected by these issues. This is inclusive of the stories of the directly impacted and their families, as well as the brave whistleblowers beginning with Sergeant Gabby Contreras in 2019 through Deputy Warden Shaun Holland, Lieutenant Mark Hasz, and the ones who feared retaliation so much that they anonymously reported significant issues with the $26 million computer system debacle and the Lewis complex being on the brink of collapse.

With implementation of this executive order, Arizona is taking the much needed first step in reforming a bloated and failing correctional system. From US District Court Judge Roslyn Silvers order finding that ADCRR systemically violates the eighth amendment rights of every individual incarcerated, to increased escapes and lost or misappropriated funds decades worth of compounded issues now have a chance to be addressed.

The latest segment of the AZ Prison Report is now live on YouTube!

Watch now : https://youtu.be/hd91rBmy8wU

Host John Fabricius discusses how for-profit privatized medical services in prisons have consistently failed to provide adequate care for the people incarcerated in our prisons. This is an important and informative segment for anyone interested in understanding the challenges faced by the prison system and the ways in which it affects the lives of the incarcerated.

This Was Always Going To Fail | AZ Prison Report #3.2 In this segment of the AZ Prison Report, host John Fabricius delves into the issue of for-profit privatized medical services in prisons. He discusses how th...

The latest segment of the AZ Prison Report is now available:
Watch here: https://youtu.be/qac9MBc0SZ0

In this segment, host John Fabricius delves into the amount of healthcare a prison must provide under the Eighth Amendment. This is vital information for anyone interested in prison reform and understanding the rights of inmates. Don't miss it!

Watch now on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMuQqcBNJj_XbeOH3nwK_tQ

The Eighth Amendment Ain't Much | AZ Prison Report #3.1 Welcome to the AZ Prison Report with host John Fabricius! In this clip from Episode 3, John discusses the minimal amount of care that needs to be provided to...

🚨 Breaking News 🚨
The latest episode of the AZ Prison Report is now live on YouTube!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/D-LUandihpg

Host John Fabricius discusses the Remedial Order issued by United States District Court Judge Roslyn Silver in the Jensen v. Shinn class-action lawsuit. Tune in to learn about the violation of Eighth Amendment rights in the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR)

The Remedial Order | AZ Prison Report Ep. 3 Welcome to the AZ Prison Report with host John Fabricius! In this episode, we will be discussing the Remedial Order issued by United States District Court Ju...

Sign the Petition Telling Attorney General Kris Mayes to Not Appeals the ADCRR Remedial Order and to End All Contracts for Private Law Firms to Represent ADCRR!

Sign the Petition Here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-attorney-general-kris-mayes-to-not-appeal-the-jensen-v-shinn-remedial-order

Major news to share regarding the Jensen v. Shinn Class Action Lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR). On Monday, United States District Judge Roslyn O' Silver issued a Remedial Order addressing the systematic violations of the Eighth Amendment Constitutional rights of the incarcerated men and women held in ADCRR custody. This is a necessary step towards holding the state accountable for the well-being of individuals in its custody.

However, there is still work to be done. We need your help to tell Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to not appeal the Remedial Order and to cancel any contracts with private law firms to represent the ADCRR in any further proceedings. Sign our petition and make your voice heard. Together we can demand transparency and accountability in corrections in Arizona.

Let's hold our government officials accountable and ensure that the ADCRR is providing adequate medical and mental healthcare, as well as appropriate conditions of isolation. Don't wait, sign the petition now and share it with your friends and family to spread the word!

Sign the Petition Here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-attorney-general-kris-mayes-to-not-appeal-the-jensen-v-shinn-remedial-order

See the Remedial Order Here: https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/jensen-v-shinn-remedial-orderplanned-injunction

Last week, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry Director David Shinn announced he was leaving the department after only three years as director. This leaves ADCRR with the lowest staffing levels in its history and without a director. So now what?

Please watch and share:

Ding D**g Shinn Is Gone | AZ Prison Report #2 Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Director David Shinn announced he is leaving the ADCRR as of January 4, 2023. David Shinn was ...

This is your chance to tell Governor-Elect Hobbs that we need a new director of ADCRR.
Sign the petition here: https://zcu.io/jarr

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is in a state of unprecedented disrepair and mismanagement. The ongoing failure of the ADCRR, in nearly every metric and its mission as a whole, poses daily threats to prison staff, contractors and volunteers, the incarcerated women and men housed in our prisons, and our communities. And the cost in human lives and financial waste continues to rise.

The Director has unilateral power regarding the internal operations of the ADCRR. As we have seen with the grossly negligent conduct of Director David Shinn, the selection of Director is the single most important factor in the effective and humane operations of our state prison system.

We are calling on Governor-Elect Hobbs to have a full independent review of the ADCRR before selecting a new director.

We are further calling on Governor-Elect Hobbs to appoint an interim director that places the security of the incarcerated, staff, and our communities as the primary function of the ADCRR. This will begin the process of opening transparency and accountability into the ADCRR.

Finally, we are calling on Governor-Elect Hobbs to work with a group of experts regarding the ADCRR and corrections to select the new permanent director. This group would include nationally recognized prison experts, the directly impacted, ADCRR staff representatives, medical and mental health professionals, and legal experts to review and suggest candidates for the director position.

Please, make your voice known to Governor-Elect Hobbs by signing the petition and let her know we need new leadership in the ADCRR.

Tell Governor Elect Hobbs: We Need A New ADCRR Director The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is in a state of unprecedented disrepair and mismanagement. The ongoing failure of the ADCRR, in nearly every metric and its mission as a whole, poses daily threats to prison staff, contractors and volunteers, the incarcerat...

Gov.-elect Hobbs to inherit troubled Arizona prison system Gov.-elect Hobbs is set to take on a troubled Arizona prison system amidst calls for a new director.

Tell Governor-Elect Hobbs that we need a new ADCRR Director by signing this petition:
https://zcu.io/G3Gl

David Shinn has failed to remedy many of the problems existing in the ADCRR, he implemented policies that reduced transparency and accountability in the department, and has made comments that are, in the words of the United States District Court Judge Roslyn Silver, "Not credible," "Completely detached from reality," and "Pretending the problems he knows about do not exist."

We need a new, competent director of the ADCRR. A director that will open up transparency and accountability in the department and prioritize the safety of the people incarcerated in ADCRR, the staff, contractors and vendors.

Tell Governor Elect Hobbs: We Need A New ADCRR Director The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is in a state of unprecedented disrepair and mismanagement. The ongoing failure of the ADCRR, in nearly every metric and its mission as a whole, poses daily threats to prison staff, contractors and volunteers, the incarcerat...

Check out this video where we step through the excellent article written by AZ Republic reporter Jimmy Jenkins that details the dysfunction and lays out the case to replace David Shinn as Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry.

https://zcu.io/3S5U

The Case to Replace David Shinn | AZ Prison Report #1 David Shinn was appointed Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) in 2019 after former ADCRR Director Charles ...

Time is running out ⏳ - join us this and help make a difference in your community. Your donation today helps drive legislation that will improve the humane treatment of the incarcerated, increase safe and secure operations of corrections facilities throughout the state, increase transparency into one of the largest line items in the state budget, and save tons of taxpayer dollars. We have many options for supporters to help — some at no cost to you! Links can be found in the below.

Donate Links:
Donation Page: https://zcu.io/OjBD
PayPal: https://zcu.io/eOfM
Website: https://zcu.io/h4MP

Here is the full ATAC Link Tree:
Link Tree: https://zcu.io/CXSD

IT’S HERE! is back, and with your support, our team will be ready to move into 2023 bigger & better than ever. By donating, you’re investing in the future of AZ while helping ATAC work to improve the lives of staff and incarcerated individuals in the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry.

This we have many options for ways for our supporters to help:

Donate for through our secure donation pages:
ATAC Fundraiser Page: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/giv-tue-2022
PayPal: https://zcu.io/On6z
ATAC Website: https://zcu.io/Pu48

Select ATAC as your chosen non-profit on Amazon Smile and they’ll donate 0.5% of eligible purchases — no fees, no extra cost.

Support ATAC through Fry’s Community Rewards program — a portion of all purchases are donated at no cost to you.

Share our posts and tag on social media - awareness is key for a successful 2023 legislative session!

Click here for quick and easy access to the options listed above https://zcu.io/CHFJ

Tomorrow is officially , which has historically been the most important day of giving to Arizonans for Transparency and Accountability in Corrections.

👉 This year, ATAC’s focus for Giving Tuesday is receiving funding to continue conducting research, reporting, public-awareness campaigns, community organizing, and legislative outreach to create a robust independent, external oversight with a citizen-led legislative corrections committee and correctional ombuds. We strive to enter 2023 bigger and bolder than ever before.

📌 How can you help?
Donate for https://zcu.io/Dzvl
Support ATAC on Amazon Smile
Support ATAC through Fry’s Community Rewards program
Share our posts and tag on social media

We appreciate any & all donations. It all helps and we could not do what we do without sponsors like you! A huge thanks from the ATAC team & our partners living behind prison walls.