Human rights group: Sheriff hiding jail report

Clergy members and leaders from the Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) say there is a lack of transparency within the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

According to the group, Sheriff Joe Arpaio is hiding a report that details what really happens inside the county's jails. The report in question is from 2005, from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Deacon Susan Youngblood says taxpayers need to know what's in the report.

"One hundred percent of what happens there is paid for by us," said Youngblood. "We own the jails; the jail does not belong to the Sheriff. It belongs to the public."

The report would presumably detail areas where the county has failed to comply with national accreditation standards, thereby risking the health of detainees.

"We need to be able to look in there and see what's happening. Let the voice of the people be heard on how the jail should be run."

The group has claimed several instances of abuse in the jails, including a recent murder caught on video. In all, VIP alleges 60 deaths since 2004 could have been prevented, and would have been treated in normal medical settings.

MCSO officials say they do not have the report in question. Healthcare and health-related accreditation are handled by a separate entity, County Correctional Health Services (CHS).

CHS is not under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's office.

"As to healthy diets, the Sheriff's Office has always maintained that it provides inmate food that meets national nutrition standards," said Captain Paul Chagolla via e-mail. "We will continue to meet or exceed the recognized minimum standards for nutrition."