Sheriff Mark Daniels urges passage of Cochise County jail district ballot, warns of higher costs and recent motorcycle fatalities

Sheriff Mark Daniels told listeners Friday that Cochise County needs a new jail and urged residents to support the jail district measure on the Nov. 4 ballot, saying early ballots and a county voter pamphlet have been mailed.

"It's a principle that we need a jail," Sheriff Daniels said, urging voters to read the pros and cons provided in the publicity pamphlet. He acknowledged legal challenges to the measure and said a challenge was scheduled to be heard by a Yavapai County judge, but added the sheriff's office would continue to press for voter approval.

Daniels cautioned that if the ballot measure fails, the county would face higher operational costs, including transporting inmates to other jails. "If our jail gets in trouble and we can't use it no more, then we'll transport to another jail. But it's gonna cost," he said, adding that transporting inmates carries a financial and operational burden.

The sheriff said early ballots had gone out and that voters should receive the county's publicity pamphlet in the mail. He characterized Cochise County as a community that traditionally supports law enforcement and said he was confident voters would make an informed choice.

Daniels also raised immediate public‑safety concerns after two motorcycle fatalities occurred between Saturday and Tuesday. He described one case in which the driver fled on foot and was apprehended hours later and urged both motorists and motorcyclists to watch for one another.

"Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles," Daniels said in a separate discussion of weather hazards, and on driving behavior he noted a pattern of reckless or entitlement driving: "Slow down. There are gore lines, stop signs, red lights. They're all there for a reason."

On community fundraising, Daniels promoted the Cochise County Sheriff's Charity Ride set for Nov. 1. He said the ride has more than 500 riders, that 100% of proceeds go to local charities including Shop with a Cop programs, and highlighted a Can‑Am vehicle raffle used to raise funds. He encouraged people to buy tickets online or sign up the day of the event at the sheriff's office website, cochise.az.gov/sheriff.

Daniels also criticized the ongoing federal government shutdown, saying members of Congress still receive pay while federal employees and others are affected. "Congress still gets their check," he said, criticizing the political stalemate while emphasizing the county's ongoing public‑safety responsibilities.

Speakers and officials quoted in this report described the ballot measure, its legal status, expected ballot timing, public safety implications, and community fundraising opportunities as reported on the KWCD First Watch program.