The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office announced Friday morning an expansion of inmate opioid treatment programs at the former Tent City facility.
Sheriff Paul Penzone said, "Half of the inmates coming into our jails annually, that's 50,000 people, are back for a second or third time."
Officials say the 'MOSAIC' program expansion will not increase costs to taxpayers.
"MOSAIC breaks that cycle by dealing with their drug abuse and helping them through the trauma that led to a life of crime. A greatly expanded MOSAIC program will help us lower the crime rate, save money in detention housing, and transform inmates into productive citizens who go on to build stronger communities." said Penzone.
MCSO announced earlier this week that Tent City was shutting down, and confirmed that the facility's final inmates had been transferred to Durango Jail.
Penzone reaffirmed that part of his commitment as Sheriff would be to help the department lower crime rate and make good use of taxpayer dollars.
County partners and the MCSO will continue to put the space to use with data-based solutions to reduce recidivism said Penzone.
