Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone holds news conference on fentanyl in jail and other issues

Sheriff Paul Penzone addresses inmate deaths and drug smuggling in jail

According to Maricopa County's Sheriff, 89 jail inmates have died frrom 2020 to 2022, and 32 of those were drug related. Meanwhile, Fentanyl is, by far, the most seized drug in jail, and it has been steadily rising.

PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office held a news conference on April 18 regarding contraband in the jails.

During the news conference, Sheriff Penzone said in general, there has been an increase in inmate deaths, either in MCSO's jail or holding cell, or those who were incarcerated in an MCSO jail or holding cell, but died at a hospital, and drug-related deaths have increased.

"Fentanyl will take more lives than COVID did," said the Sheriff.

Sheriff Penzone said a number of his staff members have been trained on how to use Narcan, which can be used to reverse an overdose. So far in the 1st Quarter of 2023, 96 individuals were administered Narcan. In 2022, 172 individuals were administered Narcan. In addition, Sheriff Penzone said his office has purchased body scanners.

The news conference also touched on the issue of non-violent offenders in MCSO's jails.

Maricopa County Sheriff talks fentanyl in jails, deaths of inmates

Maricopa County Sheriff Penzone held a press conference on April 18 about contraband in jails, mainly fentanyl, and the deaths of inmates because of it. He compares the deaths to COVID numbers, saying he believes the drug will take more lives than COVID-19 did. He also asks officers to be more discretionary when bringing non-violent suspects to jails.