It has been hard to be patient, but it was well worth the wait this week when the good folks at the ASU Criminology department gave us a presentation on all of our data from 2017 to the present. The data was fascinating and revelatory. We definitely could have geeked out for days, but this data is now going to excellent use to craft all of our new policies for initial appearances, detention, charging, and plea bargaining. We deliberately chose a healthy observation period instead of arriving and slamming down a new bible. Now it’s time to dig in.
We are getting the beginnings of affirmation that we are moving simple possession cases into treatment while focusing on people who cause harm in our community through dealing. Eventually, we also want these savings in resources and labor to move directly into our victim-centric units. As hoped, progress is underway. The graph in the image above represents the percentage of drug cases submitted to PCAO that were ultimately prosecuted between 2017 (about 75%) and 2021 (about 40%).
Pay attention for updates soon!
Also, I had major, unexpected surgery early last week (I’m great!), and the team rose to the occasion. Acting County Attorney Tamara Mulembo, Criminal Chief Dan South, Martha Durkin, Jack Chin, and Joe Watson are battle-tested, fierce, steady hands at the wheel. With me out of the way, it was nice to observe them in all their glory.
And now back to work!
Happy 4th, all! And…
To be continued,
Laura
#AZGOHS #PimaCounty #ItTakesAVillage
