Cochise County sheriff reiterates support for new jail, says position paper will appear in pamphlet

Sheriff Mark Daniels said Cochise County needs a new jail and that he supports creating a jail district and building a replacement facility on the Bisbee site experts recommended. “We support a new jail. This ain't about personalities. This is not about whether I like where we're at today compared to where we were at a few months ago. Bottom line is we still need a jail,” Daniels said on the KWCD program First Watch.

Daniels said a position paper is already completed and will be part of an informational pamphlet. He emphasized the distinction between construction costs and operational costs: “It covers construction cost. It does not copy [cover] operational cost,” he said. Daniels described the current jail as about 40 years old and in need of replacement.

The sheriff said the Bisbee hill site was recommended by experts and that he supports that location. He framed the new facility as a quality-of-life issue for inmates and a safety issue for jail officers. Daniels also said the jail discussion should focus on the facility need rather than personalities.

Discussion on the program did not record any formal votes or ordinance actions; Daniels described the position as an office stance and noted the position paper will be included in outreach materials. No timetable, funding breakdown, or formal action by an elected body was provided on the broadcast.