The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) proudly reports the success of the JAILCON26 Western Regional Conference at the Gila River Resort at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ, the 10th JAILCON Western Regional Corrections Training Conference for the Western Region.
The conference sold out once again this year, having over 500 corrections professionals from several states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming in attendance.
DAY 1 - June 18, 2026
As is tradition, JAILCON26 West began with an Opening Session honoring our nation and those who serve. We were privileged to welcome a multi-agency Honor Guard comprised of members from the Cochise, Coconino, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma County Sheriff’s Offices. Special thanks go to JAILCON Committee Member Donella Sas of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Andrei Jordache of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for coordinating this memorable presentation.
Following the Posting of the Colors, NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sgt. Leonard Miller of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Welcome remarks were then provided by Tate McCotter and Deputy Chief Michael Dawson of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
As is tradition, JAILCON26 West began with an Opening Session honoring our nation and those who serve. We were privileged to welcome a multi-agency Honor Guard comprised of members from the Cochise, Coconino, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma County Sheriff’s Offices. Special thanks go to JAILCON Committee Member Donella Sas of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Andrei Jordache of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for coordinating this memorable presentation.
Following the Posting of the Colors, NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sgt. Leonard Miller of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Welcome remarks were then provided by Tate McCotter and Chief Mike Dawson of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
The Opening Session concluded with remarks from Sheriff William Ponce of La Paz County, Vice President of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of professional development, leadership, and collaboration within the corrections profession.
Following the Opening Session, participants attended four 90-minute breakout sessions, with five training topics offered during each time block. Led by nationally recognized corrections professionals, the sessions covered a wide range of legal, operational, leadership, and professional development topics. The training curriculum was designed to benefit corrections professionals at every level, from sheriffs and jail administrators to supervisors, detention officers, and civilian staff.
At the conclusion of the day’s training, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and instructors gathered for the Welcome Reception. The event provided an opportunity to network, reconnect with colleagues, and build new professional relationships while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by local Arizona musician Cassidy Hilgers.
DAY 2 - June 9, 2026
The second day of JAILCON is always one of the most anticipated parts of the conference, as attendees gather for the keynote presentation. This year, we were honored to welcome Colonel Thomas J. Gordon, USMC (Ret.), as our keynote speaker. Colonel Gordon returned to his alma mater, The Citadel, in 2021 to serve as Commandant of Cadets following a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Marine Corps. A combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, he commanded at every level of the operating forces and gained extensive leadership experience throughout the Middle East, Far East, and Black Sea region.
Drawing from a lifetime of military service and leadership, Colonel Gordon delivered a powerful and inspiring message on principled leadership, resilience, character, and personal accountability. His presentation challenged attendees to lead with purpose and integrity both inside and outside the workplace, earning overwhelmingly positive feedback from conference participants.
Following the keynote presentation, attendees packed the Exhibit Hall to connect with fellow corrections professionals and explore the latest products, services, and solutions offered by our corrections-focused sponsors and vendors.
Colonel Gordon also joined attendees and vendors in the Exhibit Hall for a meet and greet. Attendees were able to purchase a signed copy of his book, Marine Maxims, which sold out quickly!
We’d express our deepest appreciation to all of our vendors and especially our sponsors, for supporting JAILCON.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our exhibitors and sponsors whose support helped make JAILCON26 West possible. Their commitment to the corrections profession and investment in professional development played a vital role in the success of the conference.
The afternoon was spent in two more 90 minute training sessions. Topics ranged from, “Inmate Searches,” “Use of Force Documentation,” “Inmate Religious Rights,” “Answering Grievances,” “Classification Issues,” and a 2 part Legal Issues and Updates Panel.
That evening, attendees came together for our annual Corrections Appreciation Night, one of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the conference. This year’s Western-themed celebration featured live music from All She Wrote, a talented band from Prescott, Arizona, who kept the energy high throughout the evening. Attendees enjoyed networking with colleagues, playing cornhole, and relaxing with refreshments and a cash bar after a full day of training.
A favorite attraction of the night was the Wild West-themed Old-Time Photo Booth provided by AZ Vavavoom. Attendees enthusiastically dressed up in cowboy hats, vests, bandanas, and other western attire, creating memorable photos and plenty of laughs along the way. The photo booth was a tremendous hit and remained busy throughout the evening.
We extend our sincere thanks to All She Wrote, Vavaboom, and everyone who joined us for a fun-filled evening celebrating the dedicated professionals who serve in corrections.
DAY 3 - June 10, 2026
The final day of the conference offered three 1.25 hour training sessions. Topics from our third day of training included, “SWAT Leadership: How High-Performing Teams Make Decisions When Everything is on the Line,” “Responding to an In-Custody Death,” “Duty to Intervene When Using Force in Jails,” “In-Custody Homicides: Legal Defense and Critical Evidence Preservation,” “Gang Issues in Today’s Jails: The Detention and Street Connection,” and “What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust.”
To end our conference we hosted our 10th Annual JAILCON Corrections Professionals Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where correctional professionals and agencies from the Western Region are recognized for their dedication and excellence in the profession throughout their careers, and especially during the past year. Melissa Bjergo (Director of Partnerships and Agency Development, NIJO) and NIJO Executive Director Tate McCotter presented the Western Region Corrections Professionals Awards on behalf of the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO). You can read more about the awards and the recipients here.
Once again, we’d like to thank all of the attendees, vendors, sponsors, and instructors for their contributions and participation at JAILCON this year. We are pleased to report another successful conference, and look forward to seeing you again next year!
You may also be interested in JAILCON26 Western Region Corrections Professionals Awards Summary.
