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COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION FOR CORRECTIONS
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE VISIT
Department of Homeland Security
Florence Service Processing Center
Florence, Arizona
July 16-18, 2007

VISITING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
, Chairperson
onsultant
31 Breanna Drive
Paris, Illinois 61944
b6
(217)
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b6

C
I
Montgomery County Department of Correction
12500 C Ardennes Avenue
Rockville, Maryland 20852
b6
(240)
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Faiver, Campau & Associates
P. O. Box 80406
Lansing, Michigan 48908-0406
b6
(517)Ext. b6

A.

Introduction
The audit of the Florence Service Processing Center was
by the following team: Chairperson,
b6
b6
Member, and
Memb

B.

b6

8, 2007,
,

Facility Demographics
Rated Capacity: 322
Actual Population: 278
Average Daily Population for the last 12 months: 301
Average Length of Stay: 4 days for Mexicans and 21 days for other than Mexican
Security/Custody Level: Minimum security facility, classified into two levels
Age Range of Offenders: 18 to 60
Gender: Male
Full-Time Staff: 413
32 Administrative/Support, 2 Program, 92 (ICE), 277 (AKAL) Security, 10 Other

C.

Facility Description
The Detention Center is located in the town of Florence, Arizona, in rural Pinal County,
approximately 60 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. The facility is a short term
detention center for adult aliens being detained for violations of immigration status and
laws, or pending release under other circumstances. The main purpose of the facility is to
provide a secure environment for those aliens who may abscond pending their
deportation hearings.
The detention facility operates under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement through
the Department of Homeland Security. Statutory authority permits detention of aliens in
removal proceedings for such a time necessary to complete their sentence. The mission
of the facility is “to promote public safety and national security by ensuring the departure
from the United States of all removable aliens through the fair and effective enforcement
of the nation’s immigration laws.”

D.

Pre-Audit Meeting
The team met on July 16, 2007, in Chandler, to discuss the information provided by the
Association staff and the officials from Florence Detention Center, and the Department of
Homeland Security.
The chairperson divided standards into the following groups:
Standards #4-ALDF-5A-01 to 4-ALDF-7F-07
Standards #4-ALDF-1A-01 to 4-ALDF-3A-02
Standards #4-ALDF-4A-01 to 4-ALDF-4D-28

2

b6
b6
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, Chairperson
Member
Member

E.

The Audit Process
1.

Transportation
The team was escorted to the facility by
Enforcement Agent (Accreditation Manager).

2.

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Immigration

Entrance Interview
The audit team proceeded to the conference room for a formal meeting with
Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and several staff members from the
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facility. The team expressed the appreciation of the Association for the
opportunity to be involved with the Florence Detention Center on a Technical
Assistance visit.
b6,b7c
expressed how important it is for the facility to be working towards a
reaccreditation. We were made aware that the ACA standards files had been
created, but not all of the documentation for the standards had not been gathered
for the team’s review. The team would also assist the facility on suggested ways
for the set up of ACA files and proper documentation that should be contained in
each file.

Each team member gave a brief description of their professional background and
experience in the correctional field and what standards they would review through
the process. The Chair indicated that a thorough tour of the facility would be
conducted and review of the accreditation documentation to make this visit as
much like a regular audit as possible.
It was also established that the visiting team would meet at the end of the day with
facility representatives to report on the progress of the audit. The following
persons were in attendance:
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Officer-in-Charge
Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
Immigration Enforcement Agent
Immigration Enforcement Agent
, Contract Security Officer
Detention and Deportation Officer
Immigration Enforcement Officer
Immigration Enforcement Agent

It was explained that the goal of the visiting team was to be as helpful and nonintrusive as possible during the technical assistance visit. The chairperson
emphasized the goals of accreditation toward the efficiency and effectiveness of
correctional systems throughout the United States. The audit schedule was also

3

discussed at this time.
3.

Facility Tour
The team toured the entire facility from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first day
and from 5:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. the second day. The following persons
accompanied the team on the tour and responded to the team's questions
concerning facility operations:
b6,b7c
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Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
Immigration Enforcement Agent
Detention and Deportation Officer
Immigration Enforcement Officer
Immigration Enforcement Agent
Immigration Enforcement Agent

and b6,b7c from the El Centro Processing Center, El Centro, CA
accompanied the tour group as ACA/NDS Committee Member observers.
b6,b7c

It is noted that the team also toured the Staging Area (which includes intake
processing and health screenings). A waiver (ruling) was granted by ACA that
the Staging Area is not part of the facility audit.
4.

Conditions of Confinement/Quality of Life
During the tour, the team evaluated the conditions of confinement at the facility.
The team pointed out to the facility staff what to expect from the auditors as they
toured the facility. We emphasized the typical problem areas and emphasized the
need for detailed documentation. The following narrative description of the
relevant programmatic services and functional areas summarizes the findings
regarding the quality of life.
Security
The facility is surrounded by a double chain-link fence with razor ribbon at the
top.
b2High, (b)(7)e
b2High

The perimeter is well lighted at night and monitored by surveillance cameras from
a security surveillance control center. The security surveillance also observes the
housing
(b)(2)High, (b)(7)e

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(b)(2)High, (b)(7)e

The detention center employs AKAL, a private security contractor to provide the
overall correctional management and supervision of the detainees. Correctional
officers provide direct supervision of detainees in housing units, during
movements, work assignments, and court hearings.
Environmental Conditions
The facility has adequate lighting, climate, and air quality control systems. The
noise level throughout the facility was minimal, especially in the special housing
unit. The furnishings in the housing units were simple, sturdy, and secure. There
are safety and emergency communication systems to increase the safety of staff,
visitors and detainees.
Sanitation
The exterior of the facility is well maintained and no debris or weeds were
between the perimeter fences. The housing units, segregation unit, common
areas, offices and corridors were free of clutter and debris. However, closer
attention needs to be paid to some of the mop and storage closets that were
cluttered and some cleaning supplies in the housing units were not properly
marked. Several mops were not properly hung up to dry in several of the mop
closets.
Problems were noted in at least two of the housing unit lavatories, where some
toilets and urinals were stopped up, emitting a foul odor. Housing staff indicated
that this condition had lasted over a week.
The team felt the overall appearance and sanitation of the facility was good.
Fire Safety
Fire detection panels are located and monitored 24 hours, seven days a week from
the security surveillance control center. All staff are trained on emergency
procedures and the local fire department can respond within in five minutes. It

5

was suggested that the fire department routinely visit the facility for
familiarization exercises.
Fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lighting and evacuation signs were
observed throughout the detention center. Required weekly, monthly and annual
inspections were being conducted by qualified and staff.
Caustics and flammables were inspected in there locations and were appropriately
inventoried, controlled and strictly accounted for their use. Areas that use
chemicals were equipped with operable eye wash stations.
Food Service
General population detainees eat their meals in a centrally located dining hall.
Detainees are escorted to and from the housing units and given approximately 25
minutes to eat. All meals are reviewed by a certified dietitian to ensure nutrition
levels are adequate. A lunch meal during the visit was consumed by a team
member. The meal was nutritious and good, with adequate portions. There was
an adequate number of staff available during the meals to provide security and
monitoring of the detainees.
The interview of food service staff indicates there is not a sense of urgency due to
a new food service contract going into place to provide meals. A contract was
signed on July 13, 2007 and has 60 days to be implemented with the new
contractor from that date. Staff were concerned about their current positions with
the agency. Even though this may have something to do with the cleanliness of
the kitchen area, it has led to potential health and safety problems by not
maintaining acceptable levels of sanitation.
The tour of the kitchen prep and dish washing areas were not clean. The floors
needed scrubbing and repaired. There was a large surface hole in the floor near
the end of the floor drain that is a safety and health hazard. It had standing water
which appeared to be old, needed draining and floor repaired. Ovens and back
plates had not been cleaned, and there was evidence of built-up grease and grime.
Inside one oven had leftover food in it, which appeared not to have been clean for
several days. Grill surfaces needed cleaning. Under the cooking kettles, grills,
ovens and storage racks had not been swept under or cleaned. The garbage
disposal had garbage that had not been run since the morning meal in it. It is
suggested that it be cleaned after every meal. Ceiling panels were old and needed
replaced. The sprinkler system had evidence of sprinkler heads being painted
over which was a fire safety concern for operating properly. Mousetraps were
located throughout the kitchen area. There were mouse feces on top of the
dishwashing machine. It is evident that there is a rodent problem in the kitchen
area. It was suggested that a professional, licensed exterminator be contracted for
services.

6

Another area of concern is the detainee work detail. Due to the short stay of the
detainees in the facility, it is hard to have a labor force provide the work necessary
to keep the kitchen at acceptable sanitation levels. Most of the workers, after they
have been screened by health services are only working a couple of weeks before
they are deported or released. The kitchen needs a lot of work in sanitation to
meet acceptable standards for their reaccreditation.
Medical Care
Public Health Services (PHS) provides medical 24 hours, seven days a week, and
dental and mental health care to the detainees. The overall impression of health
services was that they maintain a well-lighted, very clean department and a very
adequate health service program. This department cares for all detainees housed
at this facility and the daily admissions of incoming detainees. Sick call, health
care assessment, triage and continuity of health care are provided for the
detainees. No fees or co-payments are charged to detainees for health services.
Health care records were randomly selected and reviewed in depth based upon
categories of: emergency care, new arrival, regular sick call, and chronic illness.
All records were reviewed were in accordance with ACA Standards and health
care practices. Each Health Standard was reviewed with the Health Services
Administrator. While some of them had documentation, only a few were
arranged in a standard ACA file. Guidance was provided as to the layout of each
file and with proper documentation needed for compliance.
The team found that health services were in compliance as to the control and
inventory of medication and medical tools.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation is provided for the general population and segregation housing
detainees. Each recreation area exceeds the amount of space required. The
outdoor recreation yard for general population detainees is covered, and water
stations are provided for the extreme heat. The general population detainees are
allowed a minimum of one hour a day for recreation. Special housing detainees
are allowed one hour a day of outside recreation, at a minimum of five days per
week.
Religious Programming
A chaplain supervises and directs all religious programming and volunteers at the
facility. The chaplain is from the Jesuit Refugee Service through an Immigration
and Customs Enforcement national contract. Religious services are held in the
dining hall. The chaplain provides pastoral care and counseling to detainees who
request it through group programs and individual services. Special services are
requested through religious volunteers approved by management.

7

Offender Work Programs
Detainees are paid a stipend of $1.00 per day to work. All work assignments
performed by detainees are on a volunteer basis. At the time of this audit, there
were 100 detainees assigned to food service, laundry, facility maintenance,
vehicles, recreation and general housekeeping.
Academic and Vocational Education
There are no academic or vocational educational programs.
Social Services
There are currently no social services within the facility at this time.
Visitation
The facility permits contact visiting between the detainees and visitors on
Saturdays, Sundays and all federal holidays. Detainee visits are scheduled for one
hour depending on available space. Attorney visits are permitted seven days a
week. Special arrangements are made for detainee family’s who travel a greater
distance upon the approval of management.
Library Services
During normal recreation periods, books are available for check out by the
detainees. A mobile cart is used to provide books to the special housing unit
twice a week.
The law library is available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. five days a week. Special housing detainees are afforded the same access
unless there are security and health concerns.
Laundry
The laundry facility has an adequate number of washers and dryers to maintain
detainee laundry and linen needs. Uniforms are exchanged twice a week and
socks, underwear and towels are exchanged daily. Detainees are supervised by a
correctional officer and given instruction on safety of chemicals and equipment.
F.

Examination of Records
Following the facility tour, the team proceeded to the conference room to review the
accreditation files and evaluate compliance levels of the policies and procedures. The
facility has no notices of non-compliance with local, state, or federal laws or regulations.

8

1.

Litigation
Since the last accreditation, the facility had no consent decrees, class action
lawsuits or adverse judgments.

2.

Significant Incidents/Outcome Measures
From June 2006 through June 2007, there have been no major hunger strikes,
work stoppages, hostage situations or fires. There was one escape in April 2007
and a disturbance in July 2006.
The escape that was reported was an administrative escape. Two escorting
officers failed to fill out a Deportation Warrant to validate a Mexican subject
being deported to Mexico through Nogales, Arizona Port of Entry.
The disturbance was due to a verbal altercation between an El Salvadorian and a
correctional officer in a housing unit. An ICE supervisor had the detainee placed
in segregation for investigation. There were between 50 and 60 detainees in the
housing unit trying to break windows out around the control center pod and pry
open the doors. They succeeded in pushing the beds up against the windows to
block the view of staff. The detainees were given several direct orders to cease
and desist. The SRT and DCT teams were mobilized and entered the housing unit
using concussion and stingball grenades. The teams subdued the detainees
without the use of chemical agents and placed them on buses to be transferred to a
nearby ICE detention facility in Eloy, Arizona.
During the same period:
Assault – detainee on detainee, without weapon: 17
Assault – detainee on staff, without weapon: 11
Number of forced cell moves: 2
Number of disturbances: 1
Number of times SRT was used: 1
Number of medical referrals as a result of injuries sustained: 30
Deaths – none
There were no major injuries as a result of assaults: detainee on detainee, detainee
on staff.

3.

Departmental Visits
Team members revisited the following departments to review conditions relating
to departmental policy and operations:
Department Visited

**Person(s) Contacted

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Medical
Maintenance
Food Service
Security
4.

LTCMDR
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HSA
, Supervisor
od Service Supervisor
Contract Security Officer
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Shifts
a.

Day Shift
The team was present at the facility during the day shift from 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. and was able to observe the operations within the facility in
addition to conducting interviews with line staff and administrators.

b.

Evening Shift
The team was present at the facility during the evening shift from 2:00
p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and continued to interview line staff and supervisors.

c.

Night Shift
The team was present at the facility during the night shift from 5:30 a.m.
to 7:00 a.m. The team continued to interview staff within the housing
units

G.

Interviews
During the course of the audit, team members met with both staff and offenders to verify
observations and/or to clarify questions concerning facility operations.
Offender Interviews
The audit team spoke to the detainees during the visit. There were no unusual complaints
or consistent complaints. The comments were generally favorable toward their treatment
received from staff.
Staff Interviews
The staff interviewed was found to be knowledgeable and very professional in their
duties. The staff stated that they felt safe within the facility and presented a positive
attitude. There were no issues or complaints from the staff that were interviewed.

H.

Exit Discussion
The exit interview was held at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room with the Supervisory
Detention and Deportation Officer and 14 staff in attendance.
The following persons were also in attendance:

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b6,b7c
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b6
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b6
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, Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
, Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
upervisory Detention and Deportation Officer
Detention Operations Supervisor
Detention Operations Supervisor
Immigration Enforcement Agent
mmigration Enforcement Agent
Contract Security Officer
Maintenance Supervisor
Contract Security Program Director
, Director Public Health Services (HSA)
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Food Service Supervisor
Detention and Deportation Officer (Guest)
Immigration Enforcement Officer (Guest)
Immigration Enforcement Agent (Guest)

The chairperson explained the procedures that would follow the audit. The team
discussed the observations and reviewed the comments made during the technical
assistance visit. Each auditor discussed compliance levels of the mandatory and nonmandatory standards and reviewed their individual findings with the group. A copy of
the compliance checklist was also given to the facility with our comments on each
standard to bring them in compliance.

b2High

The team expressed their concerns regarding food service and its overall appearance and
sanitation. Everything that was detailed in the food service description was discussed in
detail during this close out. They assured the visiting team that they understood the
problems and would work diligently to correct the problems before the reaccreditation
took place.
The chairperson expressed appreciation for the cooperation of everyone concerned and
congratulated the facility team for the progress made and encouraged them to continue to
strive toward even further professionalism within the correctional field.

11

Significant Incident Summary
This summary is required to be provided to the chair of your audit team upon their arrival. The
information contained on this form will also be summarized in the narrative portion of the
visiting committee report and will be incorporated into the final report. It should contain data for
the last 12 months; indicate those months in the boxes provided. Please type the data. If you
have questions on how to complete the form, please contact your regional manager.
Facility
Florence Service Processing Center
Year July 06 –June 07

7/0
6

8/0
6

9/0
6

10/
06

11/
06

Indicate
types
(sexual**,
physical,
etc.)

P

P

P

P

P

P

#
With
Weapon

0

0

0

0

0

#
Without
Weapon

3

1

0

2

Indicate
types
(sexual**,
physical,
etc.)

P

P

P

#
With
Weapon

0

0

#
Without
Weapon

1

(Cell
extraction or
other forced
relocation of
offenders)

Incidents
Assault:
Offenders/
Offenders*

Assault:
Offender/
Staff

Number
Forced
Moves
Used***

of

Disturbances*
***

Months
12/ 1/0
06
7

2/0
7

3/0
7

4/0
7

5/0
7

6/0
7

P

P

P

P

P

P

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

3

3

3

0

1

0

0

P

P

P

P

P

P

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

Number
of
Times
Chemical
Agents Used

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Number
of
Times Special
Reaction Team
Used

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Offender
#’s should
Medical
reflect
Referrals as a incidents on
Result
of this
form,
Injuries
not rec or
Sustained
other source

4

2

2

3

2

5

5

4

1

2

0

0

Escapes

# Attempted

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

# Actual

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

Reason
(medical,
food,
religious,
etc.)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Number

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Reason

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Number

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Four/Five
Point
Restraints

Substantiated
Grievances
(resolved
in
favor
of
offender)

Deaths

Number
Indicate type
(chair, bed,
board, etc.)

*Any physical contact that involves two or more offenders
**Oral, anal or vaginal copulation involving at least two parties
***Routine transportation of offenders is not considered Aforced@

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****Any incident that involves four or more offenders. Includes gang fights, organized multiple
hunger strikes,
work stoppages, hostage situations, major fires, or other large scale incidents

14

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