TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos puts it bluntly: Being a corrections officer is a difficult job.
In the last eight months, six county law enforcement officers have died. The most recent death occurred by drowning in Patagonia Lake late last month.
“We’re seeing some things that nobody else is going to see,” he said. “Television isn’t going to be able to represent some of the things that we’re seeing.”
Nanos says this is an area that offers growth opportunities because COs regularly move into the role of deputies. However, like deputies, COs can find themselves in stressful situations without warning.
On the administrative side, Nanos said conditions for COs have improved with the elimination of mandatory 12-hour shifts and salary increases, leading to better retention – from over 3.5 COs lost per pay period to less than two.
“We are losing one and a half, or 1.8 per week – if you look back 20, 30, 40 years, that is an excellent number,” said Nanos.
But despite the improvement in working conditions, a crucial position remains vacant. Sheriff Nanos said a nationwide search is underway for a permanent doctor who can provide experienced support.
The position has been filled before – but filling the position now is not easy.
“Not every psychiatrist can handle that,” Nanos said. “Today, if something bad happens, we have contracts with doctors, but that’s different… it’s a different role, I think, than putting someone in your own department.”
In addition to the growth of the wellness area, another resource that is being heavily utilized is the Peer Support Team. Staff, from deputies to COs, are trained to help others in times of crisis.
Former health department director and Republican opponent of the sheriff’s office, Heather Lappin, said the team played an indispensable role in supporting employees in any situation.
“Sometimes it’s just, ‘Hey, this is happening in my life and I want to talk to someone about it who I know has to remain anonymous. They’re not going to tell anyone about my issues,’ and that’s what the peer support team is there for,” Lappin said. “And I know they’ve been very busy.”
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