The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office presented an overview of its Coordinated Re-Entry Services Program during the recent meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, highlighting their comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse disorders within the jail system.
Sheriff David Clouse, joined by Deputy Chief Ernie Garcia, detailed how the program has evolved over the past several years, with significant strides made in the last 12 to 18 months, largely due to grants and community initiatives. The program’s primary focus is on tackling the opioid crisis and other substance abuse issues that often lead individuals into repeated contact with the criminal justice system.
Deputy Chief Garcia explained that the initiative seeks to create a seamless process from the moment individuals enter the jail until their reintegration into society. Upon initial booking, comprehensive assessments are conducted to evaluate mental health, substance abuse, and socioeconomic needs. This early intervention helps the Sheriff’s Office tailor in-custody treatment to each individual, with a particular emphasis on medication-assisted treatment for those struggling with opioid addiction. The program doesn’t stop at treatment within the jail; it also includes pre-release planning, where case management teams work with inmates to prepare them for life after incarceration. This involves connecting them with community resources, peer support, and mentors to ensure they have the tools and support needed to maintain sobriety and avoid reoffending.
The success of the program has been bolstered by strong partnerships and the acquisition of multiple grants, which have allowed the Sheriff’s Office to develop a dedicated division within the jail focused solely on coordinated reentry services. Collaborations with the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, Public Health Department, and local justice programs have been instrumental in building a robust support network for inmates both during and after their time in custody.
Despite these achievements, the Sheriff’s Office acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. Future goals include establishing a coordinated release center to provide additional support as individuals leave jail, enhancing data tracking to better measure outcomes and increasing community service opportunities and diversionary programs.
Garcia told the board, “One of the biggest issues that we see and it’s very problematic to public safety, is housing. Housing seems to be the biggest, biggest deficit we have for people who are leaving the facilities and moving back into the community is finding that housing.” Adequate housing could help keep low level offenders from falling back into toxic routines but with rural America’s current housing crisis, it’s much easier said than done.
Board members expressed their appreciation for the program, noting its importance in reducing recidivism and supporting individuals as they reintegrate into society. The Sheriff emphasized that while the program is not intended for high-level offenders, it plays a crucial role in helping those caught in cycles of low-level crimes driven by addiction. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to repeated offenses, the Sheriff’s Office aims to help individuals break free from these cycles and become productive members of the community.
The presentation concluded with a commitment from the Sheriff’s Office to continue refining and expanding the program, with the ultimate goal of providing effective solutions that extend beyond the traditional responsibilities of the criminal justice system. This initiative represents an approach that is not just set out on punishing crimes but actively working to create situations that help prevent it.
In other business, the board:
* Approved past meetings minutes, court and constable reports and sympathy letters.
* Approved an update to the personnel policy that deals with the process for reporting a complaint.
* Authorized the county attorney’s office to be a member of the Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking.
* Authorized acceptance of two grants from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to benefit victims who experience expenses related to physical harm, mental distress and economic loss directly resulting from victimization. One is for $77,014 with no required match, and one is for $22,119 and requires a 25% match from the county.
* Amended a contract with Arizona Lines, LLC for the payment markings contract to extend by one year, funds required have already been budgeted.
* Authorized environmental forms to be submitted to Arizona Department of Housing for the Joseph City Sidewalk Improvement Project.
* Approved the fiscal year 2024 Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification Report which acts as an audit to make the county spending funds equitably in the Sheriff’s Office.
* Approved a memorandum of understanding with Blue Knight Corporation that will allow the corporation to step in and transport prisoners when the county needs them.
* Approved fund transfers from last year’s fiscal year to this year.
* Approved a two, two-year contract extensions with Chicanos Por la Causa for adult, dislocated worker, and youth career services for a maximum cost of $775,000. The second extension is for the organization to continue as a one-stop operator.
* Approved applications for redemption of tax waivers.
* Appointed Randy Murph to a four-year term on the county’s planning and zoning commission for District II.
* Approved services contracts with Painted Sky Engineering and Survey, LLC for right of way on three parcels for Bourdon Ranch Road near White Mountain Lake Airpark.
* Approved an amendment to the contract with Wilson & Company for the Joseph City Pedestrian Improvements Project at a cost of $30,600.
* Approved extension of memorandum of understanding between the county and the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University and its Center for Violence Prevention for data sharing at no cost to the county.
* Approved contract between the county and Bridgeway Health Solutions of Arizona, Inc. for mental health screenings and evaluation services at a cost of $105,000 per quarter.
* Approved a contract for inmate food services to Trinity Services Group, Inc. at a cost of about $1.975 per meal.
* Approved to uphold assessor’s value assessments for three parcels near Show Low, APN 210-36-028W which is on South Hidden Oaks Drive near Show Low Creek and Highway 260, APN 309-38-011 which is on the corner of South Clark Road and Deuce of Clubs Ave., and APN 212-03-001X located near Cub Lake Road and Highway 260.
* Approved contract for the Pinedale Elementary School Restoration Project to American Commercial Contracting at a total cost of $179,841.
* Approved contract for the Clay Springs Community Center Roof Replacement to Mountain Roof Repairs, LLC at a cost of $159,000.
* Approved a loan between the county and the town of Pinetop-Lakeside for $610,000 for the construction of a portion of Porter Mountain Road, county must be reimbursed by March 31, 2025.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the board chambers located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
