Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Unlocked: A Jail Experiment’ focuses on a social experiment conducted inside a regional jail in the county. The series documents what happens when incarcerated individuals are given increased autonomy, access to incentives, and the chance to earn privileges through good behavior, accountability, and cooperation. In season 2, the initiative is led by Sheriff Ross Teeple inside the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in Arizona, who believes that traditional punitive models often fail. He led the experiment that focused on rehabilitation and creating safer environments with the goal of seeing whether trust and responsibility can reduce violence and improve outcomes within the jail system.
Ross Teeple Decided to Keep the Experiment Going After Seeing Its Success
At the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in Arizona, Sheriff Ross Teeple launched a six-week pilot experiment inside the county jail, targeting a population largely composed of inmates nearing transfer or release. He explained that the initiative was about accountability and the belief that treating people with trust and responsibility could lead to meaningful behavioral change. While Teeple was initially cautious about how the program might impact his staff, he reassured them that their safety and well-being would always remain his top priority as he moved forward. Many inmates responded positively to the experiment and openly expressed gratitude to the sheriff for introducing a system that offered dignity and opportunity rather than constant punishment.
When incidents of violent tension occurred, Teeple personally intervened, at times pausing the program for 24 hours to reset expectations and reinforce boundaries. His instincts guided his decisions, such as during a verbal confrontation involving KJ and a corrections officer. Teeple immediately separated KJ but allowed him back into the program after speaking with him and understanding the situation. Over time, Teeple’s vision got the support of much of the staff. By the end of the trial period, he chose to continue the experiment and acknowledged that while there was still much to learn, the positives were undeniable. He said that there was a clear shift in mindset among participating inmates, which reinforced his belief that change was possible.
Ross Teeple is Continuing to Serve Pinal County as a Sheriff Today
Ross Teeple’s professional journey spans over three decades of military and law enforcement service, with a strong focus on public safety and community engagement. His career began in the late 1980s with the US Navy, where he served as a Sonar Technician aboard a fast-attack submarine during Desert Storm. He received an Honorable Discharge. After returning to Arizona in the early 1990s, Teeple worked briefly as a construction electrician before answering a continued call to public service. He joined the Arizona Department of Corrections and served 12 years as a Corrections Officer. In 2000, he moved to Pinal County, where she still resides.
In 2007, Teeple joined the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). Over the next 16 years, he served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol Deputy, Search and Rescue Deputy, Honor Guard member, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Sergeant, Internal Affairs Supervisor, Human Resources Manager, Patrol Lieutenant, and Aviation/Search and Rescue Lieutenant. These roles shaped his leadership style and broadened his understanding of law enforcement operations at every level. In January 2025, Ross Teeple was sworn in as the 25th Sheriff of Pinal County, overseeing a jurisdiction roughly the size of Connecticut and managing nearly 500 department employees.
As sheriff, he emphasizes integrity, constitutional rights, staff safety, and community trust. Today, Teeple remains highly active in the community. In 2025 alone, he appeared on Arizona PBS’s ‘Trail Mix’d’ and attended President Trump’s State of the Union in Washington in March 2025. He has always remained actively involved in community events, such as speaking at the SaddleBrooke Ranch Republican Club and serving as a speaker and Navy veteran guest at the East Valley RED Friday Patriots breakfast, honoring the 250th birthdays of the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. He also regularly participates in local initiatives such as San Tan Valley’s first Jingle Jog, senior safety presentations, holiday events, and community fundraisers. All of it reflects his continued commitment to public service beyond the badge.
Ross Teeple and His Family Have Made a Beautiful Life at Their Ranch
Ross Teeple is a devoted husband and a proud father who places immense value on home and togetherness. Teeple met his wife, Corinne, during his time in the US Navy, and their relationship has stood the test of time. In November 2025, the couple celebrated 32 years of marriage. Family remains central to Teeple’s daily life. His daughter, Ashley Yeager, lives close by following her marriage, and it has allowed them to remain ever so close over the years. Much of their time is spent at Remuda Ranch in Florence, Arizona, a family-run farm where they live and work together. The ranch is not only a home but also a space that reflects Teeple’s deep affection for animals and rural living.
Teeple is an avid animal lover and has several horses, with one in particular who holds special significance. Jodie has been with him for approximately 17 years and is considered a longtime companion. In addition to horses, Teeple also keeps cats as house pets, whom he openly dotes on and speaks about fondly. Teeple is also clear and consistent about his political views. He identifies as a conservative, has spoken publicly on immigration issues, expressed support for President Donald Trump, and commented on national political events, including lamenting the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. While outspoken, he presents these views as personal convictions shaped by his life experiences and values.
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