You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: Breaking Down Silos to Successfully Gain Buy-in from Staff, Leadership, and the Community

A lot has changed in the historically conservative County of Maricopa, Arizona. When the county first embarked on its criminal justice system master plan in 2013, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) knew they had their work cut out for them if they hoped to achieve the progressive goals outlined in the 10-year look ahead. Flash forward to today. Not only has Maricopa County transitioned to direct supervision, but it’s also opened a new, progressive intake center prioritizing community involvement, improved access to mental and medical health services, and tools for successful reentry. But don’t be fooled! The path hasn’t been easy. In this workshop, members of MCSO discuss the trials and tribulations leading up to the 2020 opening of the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer, and Release Facility. They'll provide tips and educational strategies for transforming the thinking of wary decision-makers and gaining buy-in for important progressive advancements in criminal justice.