Sheriff Mark Daniels said on KWCD's First Watch that a 2021 risk assessment of the Cochise County jail recommended rebuilding rather than remodeling the county's 40-year-old detention facility and that his office worked with Cochise County Attorney Lori Zuko to release a more detailed redacted copy to the public.

Daniels said the assessment — conducted by outside experts in 2021 — “was not a remodel recommendation. The recommendation was it's time to rebuild.” He told listeners the report identified infrastructure and operational weaknesses that create risk for staff and inmates.

The sheriff said legal review shaped what the public could see. “I rely on legal Lori Zuko and her civil team to tell me what I can and can't do,” Daniels said. He added that some information remained redacted because full disclosure could jeopardize safety or fall under attorney–client privilege. Daniels said he would comply if a court ordered broader disclosure.

Daniels also described a recent mechanical failure at the jail that he said caused smoke inside the facility. He said kitchen workers, inmates who serve as trustees and staff required medical treatment for smoke inhalation and were transported for care. “If it takes 100 officers to save a life, we're gonna have 100 officers out there,” Daniels said, characterizing the response as one of life preservation rather than a criminal investigation.

The sheriff stressed the county needs a new facility to meet modern standards and reduce operational risk. He noted the jail is about 40 years old and that outside experts concluded rebuilding was the appropriate remedy. Daniels said releasing risk assessments is a common legal balancing act: federal and other sensitive facilities typically redact their reports, and he sought to be transparent without endangering operations or personnel.

Daniels also highlighted staffing and training steps at the sheriff's office tied to detention operations. He said 14 officers graduated from the department's first in-house detention academy class, Class 25-1, and that the office is pursuing continued partnerships with Cochise College for future academies.

The sheriff asked the public and media to avoid speculation about incidents at the jail while officials complete reviews and care for affected staff and inmates. He said his office sent internal messages thanking personnel for their response to the recent incident and reiterated that protecting staff and detainees remained a priority.