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January 2025

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Highlights

January was the start of a new year with opportunities and challenges both old and new for the People’s Office.

On January 7, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover was sworn in for her second term at the meeting of the Pima County Board of Supervisors – and 2025 was off and running.

Your January 2025 Community Newsletter has arrived.

Back to the Grand Jury

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The Pima County Attorney’s Office made a third attempt at taking the case involving former Tucson Police Officer Ryan Remington to a grand jury to hold him accountable for the 2021 shooting death of Richard Lee Richards at a southside shopping center. While the grand jury didn’t move forward with charges, for the second time, regarding the excessive use of force by a law enforcement officer, we must respect that decision. 

Laura released the following video statement below in response to the outcome of the case. 

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover statement after Remington grand jury decision

Way Out West

On Jan. 14, Laura and members of her team made the annual trek to the western reaches of Pima County, visiting our partners in the Tohono O’odham Nation in Sells.  Laura met with leaders to discuss important matters. Later that day a community forum was held to hear from the public and provide information about the state of crime in the region.

Laura and members of the PCAO staff met with dozens of residents who turned out to share their concerns and learn more about our efforts to address them. Laura, PCAO Chief of Detectives Fabian Pacheco, and Victim Services Director Virginia Rodriguez were on hand to speak at the event.

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A Challenge for Duty

County Attorney Conover presented “challenge coins” to PCAO staff during a gathering held in the LSB lobby on Jan. 13.

The coins, are a token of appreciation for their collective efforts on behalf of Pima County residents, mirror the collectible challenge coins that have been a tradition among military and law enforcement personnel – some believe for more than a century.

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Graduating a Star Pupil

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The Consolidated Misdemeanor Problem Solving (CMPS) Court program graduated one of its star participants last week. While Xavier Luna was on intensive probation for his felony case, he completed CMPS Court, allowing him to have 11 misdemeanor cases dismissed.

Xavier completed months of residential treatment, obtained employment and permanent housing, and contributed to the rest of the team by joining us in periodic runs that allow CMPS Court participants to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and engage in positive social activities.

Congratulations to Xavier Luna!

And we are rooting for the rest of the CMPS Court participants who are still working on their goals. Special thanks to Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) and the Tucson Police Department for their tireless outreach into the community to find participants who were in warrant status, especially the young vulnerable women in our program. CBI recently found three of these women, two of whom came to court and are starting their journey to recovery.
 
We also said goodbye, once again – to Judge Susan Shetter, who came back from retirement to fill in as the CMPS Court Judge. So much gratitude goes out to Judge Shetter for serving this program with compassion and evidence-based responses. We also thank Judge Tom Berning from Tucson City Court for stepping into this role!

A Look Back at 2024

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We were pleased to release the annual report on the final year of The People’s Office’s first term this month.

PCAO’s “Year Four Review” is making its way into the community as our annual effort to inform people about the efforts and accomplishments in our service to residents.

The colorful and information-packed 36-page magazine features highlights of 2024, updates on staff changes, profiles of programs, and people who work at the Legal Services Building. Copies are available here at 32 N. Stone Avenue in downtown Tucson, and online.

2024 Year 4 Review video stories

Celebrating MLK

County workers were among the many who enjoyed a day away from the office on Jan. 20, when we celebrated the life and accomplishments of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Laura was among the keynote speakers at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast hosted by the Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association.

Laura also joined other local leaders at Reid Park, where people marched and gathered to hear remarks about the importance of MLK’s work and the progress it launched in the interest of equality and opportunity for Black Americans. PCAO staffed a table at the event, which included a march around the midtown park.

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We Are Hiring!!!

We recruit legal researchers, litigators, and professional staff who use their unique talents to move our Office forward. You’re invited to apply to work for a progressive prosecuting agency that values accountability, public service, and outcome-driven thinking.
We offer excellent work-life balance, great incentives, and a generous benefits package, including:

  • Healthcare Options
  • Paid Leave Options
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Tuition Discount Program
  • Employee Loan Program
  • Employee Referral Incentive Program
  • Wellness Program with up to $75 monthly medical premium discounts
  • Employee discounts for fitness clubs, goods and services
  • Pima County provides equal access and equal opportunity in employment and services and does not discriminate. View the Pima County Attorney’s Office EEO Utilization Report.

All open PCAO positions APPLY HERE

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There are a variety of positions to apply for at PCAO

Messages of the Month

Sankt-Petersburg Russia November 11, 2017: Apple iPhone 7 on wooden table with icons of social media facebook, instagram, twitter, snapchat application on screen. Smartphone Starting social media app.

Here’s a look at some of the links to social media and podcast messages we’ve shared throughout the year.

All Podcast episodes are available here:

https://thepeoplesofficepodcast.podbean.com/

Social Media Posts: 
Annual Report 2024
Substance Use Disorder Awareness Month

PCAO Volunteers Trained for Victim Services

National Stalking Awareness Month

Pizza Party & Happy Retirement

Congratulations are in order for the team in our misdemeanors division who won our holiday pizza party trivia contest last month. And a special thank you to Detective Kurt for serving the community and The People’s Office over the last 45 years. We thank you for your dedication and service and wish you well in your retirement.

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Kurt with his family

See you NEXT MONTH!!

We are The People's Office.

The PCAO Community Newsletter is published and distributed monthly.

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