Cochise County Jail is slated to receive a necessary upgrade after officials gave the green light for a new fire alarm system. According to an announcement from the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, the board conducted a special meeting where they approved the purchase and installation to address safety needs within the facility.
The current alarm system had been reportedly non-functional, prompting the jail's administration to rely on a Fire Watch—an interim safety measure that was recently found to be inadequate by the State Fire Marshal. As a result, a private security firm will now provide a continuous, dedicated fire watch officer to meet state requirements until the new system is installed, a measure approved by the Board.
In a statement made by Cochise County government's official news release, Sheriff Mark Dannels assured the public that other safety measures at the jail are up to code. “The sprinkler system is fully operational and tested annually, with the most recent inspection and test completed on May 22, 2025," Sheriff Dannels said. He underlined the commitment to safety for both the inmates and the staff who support the facility's daily operation.
Cochise County is moving forward with plans for a new jail, but construction wouldn’t be completed until 2029 and hinges on voter approval of a proposed sales tax in November. In the meantime, officials say installing a new fire alarm system is essential to safeguard staff and inmates at the existing facility.
