09/23/2026
Protect Yourself and Your Coworkers
It has come to my attention that there are concerns about employees being directed to conduct business outside the framework of Department policy, state law, memorandums of instruction, or established action plans.
If this is happening, it is extremely important that you document it. Complete an Information Report and document what occurred.
Here’s why:
If something goes wrong and you refuse to perform an assignment, do you honestly believe administration is going to say, “Yes, I gave him that directive”?
Maybe they will. But what happens if they don’t?
“That never happened.”
“I never gave that directive.”
“He simply wasn’t doing his job.”
Now you are left trying to prove what happened.
This is why documentation is so important.
Writing an Information Report is not “snitching.” It is protecting yourself and your coworkers from potential discipline, liability, or even injury.
Whenever you are given a directive, you should be asking yourself whether it is consistent with the law, Department policy, and established procedures. If you believe a directive is unlawful or otherwise improper, do not simply ignore it—seek clarification, document the circumstances, and use the appropriate reporting process. If there is an immediate safety concern or you believe you are being ordered to violate the law, seek appropriate supervisory or legal guidance.
Protecting one another doesn’t just mean protecting each other from physical harm. It also means protecting each other professionally.
Look out for one another. Document what needs to be documented. Create a record when something doesn’t look right.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to an ACA representative. We are here for you.
I will also be contacting Department administration regarding these concerns in the next couple of days. I want to make sure I have the information organized and the appropriate complaints documented before I bring them forward.
One final reminder: If you choose to comment on this post, please remember that this page may be monitored. Keep your comments professional, factual, and respectful.
Look out for each other. Protect each other. Document what happens.
— Barry DeFeo
Executive President
Arizona Corrections Association