Issues

mission & vision

Pima County Issues

Our community is grappling with significant challenges, and it's crucial that we have accurate information to guide us forward. There are concerns that the current Pima County Attorney, Laura Conover, may not be providing the full picture. It has come to light that she is currently participating in a mandatory ethics diversion program as an alternative to discipline by the Arizona State Bar.

Violent Crime

I am acutely aware of the recent upsurge in violent crime within our community, and it is my utmost priority to address this issue with a comprehensive and assertive strategy.

To combat this rise in violence, my office will prioritize the allocation of resources and support for law enforcement. This includes ensuring that our police departments are well-funded, adequately staffed, and trained in the most effective crime-fighting strategies. Emphasizing community policing is also key, as it fosters a crucial bond of trust between law enforcement and the community, essential for deterring and solving crimes.

In addition to these measures, my office will focus on the root causes of crime. It is critical to collaborate with social services, educational institutions, and economic development programs to tackle underlying issues such as poverty, education gaps, and unemployment. By addressing these societal challenges, we aim to reduce the likelihood of individuals resorting to criminal activities.

Furthermore, as County Attorney, I am committed to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes face appropriate legal consequences. My office will rigorously prosecute such offenders, ensuring justice for victims while upholding the principles of fairness and due process in our legal system.

Moreover, I believe in the power of community partnerships. Working closely with local organizations, schools, and businesses, we can develop effective crime prevention initiatives, provide support for victims, and focus on the rehabilitation of offenders. This collaborative approach is vital for creating a safer, more secure community.

My approach as County Attorney to tackle the rise in violent crime is multifaceted - focusing on law enforcement support, addressing root causes, ensuring justice, and fostering community partnerships. I am committed to making our county a safer place for all its residents.

Fentanyl

I recognize the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis on our community, including the alarming increase in overdoses. My office is committed to an aggressive and multi-faceted approach to combat this epidemic. Firstly, we will intensify our efforts to prosecute individuals and networks responsible for the distribution of fentanyl. This includes not only street-level dealers but also those higher up in the supply chain. We will leverage our investigative resources and work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to dismantle these drug trafficking operations.

Secondly, I am dedicated to working collaboratively with health professionals, educators, and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Public education campaigns will focus on prevention, highlighting the risks associated with this potent drug, and providing information on how to spot and respond to overdoses.

To address the issue of overdoses, my office will support the widespread availability of life-saving measures like naloxone (Narcan) and advocate for its accessibility in public places and among first responders. Additionally, we will promote the use of drug courts and rehabilitation programs as alternatives to incarceration for those struggling with addiction. This approach not only helps individuals get the treatment they need but also tackles the problem at its root, reducing the likelihood of re-offense.

Furthermore, I am committed to fostering partnerships with local and national organizations focused on substance abuse prevention and treatment. By collaborating with these groups, we can develop more effective strategies to combat the fentanyl crisis and provide support to those affected by it.

As County Attorney, my approach to fighting the fentanyl epidemic and addressing overdoses is comprehensive, involving rigorous law enforcement, public education, accessible treatment options, and community collaboration. It is imperative that we take decisive action to protect our citizens and eradicate this perilous threat from our community.

Retail Theft

I am acutely aware of the increasing challenge posed by retail theft, which not only impacts businesses through shrinkage and potential closures but also imposes significant costs in protecting property. My office is committed to addressing this issue comprehensively, balancing the need for effective law enforcement with support for our business community.

Firstly, we are intensifying our efforts to prosecute retail theft. This includes working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift and effective responses to reported incidents. We will focus on dismantling organized retail theft rings, which are often behind large-scale thefts, and prosecute these cases vigorously.

We also recognize the importance of collaboration with the retail sector. My office will establish partnerships with local businesses and retail associations to better understand their challenges and develop tailored strategies to combat theft. This includes sharing best practices for theft prevention and exploring innovative solutions like improved surveillance technology and enhanced store layouts to deter theft.

Furthermore, my office will advocate for and support legislative measures that address the root causes of retail theft, such as poverty and addiction, which often drive individuals to commit these crimes. By tackling these underlying issues, we can reduce the incidence of theft in the long term.

We are also aware of the substantial costs businesses incur in protecting their property. To alleviate this burden, we will explore funding opportunities and grants that can assist businesses in implementing effective security measures. This could include subsidies for advanced security systems or contributions towards the hiring of security personnel.

In addition to prosecuting offenders, we will consider diversion programs for first-time and low-level offenders, focusing on rehabilitation and restitution. This approach not only helps in reducing recidivism but also aids in the recovery of losses for affected businesses.

Lastly, my office will engage in public awareness campaigns to highlight the impact of retail theft on our local economy and the community. By increasing public understanding of this issue, we aim to foster a community-wide effort to support local businesses and deter theft.

As County Attorney, I am committed to tackling the rise in retail theft head-on, supporting our local businesses, and ensuring the safety and security of our commercial environments. Through a combination of rigorous law enforcement, community collaboration, and support for business, we will work diligently to address this growing concern.

Victim Rights and Services

My commitment to justice is not only about prosecuting offenders but also about robustly supporting and advocating for victims. Ensuring the rights and services for victims of crime is a cornerstone of my office's mission.

First and foremost, we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing victim services. This involves increasing the resources and staffing of our Victim Services Division to ensure that every victim receives personalized and compassionate assistance. We will work to provide comprehensive support, including legal guidance, emotional counseling, and practical help with navigating the criminal justice system.

To ensure that victims' rights are upheld, my office will rigorously enforce the Victims' Bill of Rights. This means keeping victims informed about their cases, including updates on proceedings and changes in the status of the accused. We will ensure that victims have a voice in the criminal justice process, including the opportunity to provide impact statements at sentencing and parole hearings. Moreover, we will strengthen partnerships with local organizations that specialize in supporting victims, such as shelters, counseling centers, and advocacy groups. By collaborating with these entities, we can extend our reach and provide a broader network of support services.

We are also committed to training our staff thoroughly on victim sensitivity and the latest best practices in victim support. This training will ensure that all interactions with victims are conducted with empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the trauma they may have experienced.

In addition, my office will actively seek grants and other funding opportunities to enhance victim services, ensuring that these crucial programs are not limited by budget constraints.

Finally, we will engage in community outreach and education to raise awareness about victim rights and the resources available to them. It is vital that victims know they are not alone and that there are avenues for support and redress. As County Attorney, I am steadfast in my dedication to increasing victim services and ensuring that the rights of victims are a priority in our justice system. Our goal is to create an environment where victims feel supported, heard, and respected throughout their journey towards justice and healing.

Burglaries and Property Crime

I am committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and quality of life for all our residents. Addressing burglary and quality of life crimes is a top priority for my office, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable who perpetrate these offenses.

Burglary and similar crimes not only result in property loss but also significantly impact the sense of security and well-being within our community. To effectively combat these crimes, my office will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift and thorough investigations, leading to the successful prosecution of offenders. We will employ advanced forensic techniques and leverage community surveillance initiatives to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Moreover, we recognize that quality of life crimes, such as vandalism, petty theft, and public intoxication, while often considered minor, can have a cumulative negative impact on community well-being. We will address these crimes with a balanced approach - ensuring appropriate legal consequences while also considering underlying issues such as poverty, addiction, and mental health.

To this end, my office will support and collaborate with social service programs and community organizations that provide resources for rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and social reintegration. We believe in a restorative justice approach, where suitable, to address the root causes of criminal behavior and reduce recidivism.

Furthermore, we will engage with community members through outreach programs to understand their concerns better and work together to enhance neighborhood safety. We will also advocate for and implement preventative measures, such as neighborhood watch programs and public education campaigns, to deter potential offenders.

In summary, as County Attorney, my office is dedicated to holding those accountable for burglary and quality of life crimes, employing a comprehensive strategy that includes rigorous law enforcement, effective prosecution, community collaboration, and a focus on addressing the underlying causes of these crimes. Our goal is to ensure a safe, secure, and high-quality living environment for all our residents.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with addiction and mental health issues in a compassionate and effective manner. Recognizing the profound impact these issues have on both the individuals affected and the wider community, my office is dedicated to increasing the enrollment of addicts and the mentally ill into restorative programs.

Firstly, we will focus on expanding the availability and accessibility of diversion programs that emphasize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration for non-violent offenders with addiction and mental health issues. These programs are crucial as they provide necessary medical and psychological support, which is often the first step towards recovery and reintegration into society.

To achieve this, we will work closely with healthcare providers, mental health specialists, and community organizations to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive network of support tailored to individual needs.

We will also seek to increase funding for these programs, advocating for more resources at the local, state, and federal levels. This funding is vital for broadening the scope and reach of services, making them more accessible to those in need.

Moreover, my office will engage in public education campaigns to destigmatize addiction and mental illness. By raising awareness about these issues and the effectiveness of treatment over incarceration, we can change public perception and encourage more people to seek help.

We will also work with law enforcement agencies to provide training in dealing with individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues. This training will focus on de-escalation techniques and recognizing signs of mental illness or substance abuse, ensuring that interactions are handled sensitively and appropriately.

Additionally, we will regularly evaluate and adapt our strategies to ensure they are effective and meet the evolving needs of our community. This includes maintaining an open dialogue with healthcare professionals, affected individuals, and their families to gain insights and feedback on our programs.

As County Attorney, my aim is not only to mitigate the problems stemming from addiction and mental health issues but also to provide pathways for recovery and personal growth. Through increased enrollment in restorative programs and a focus on treatment and rehabilitation, we can make a significant positive impact on the lives of many in our community.

Justice and Plea Policy

I shall implement a new charging regime and plea policy that reflects our commitment to justice, fairness, and the safety of our community. This new approach is designed to ensure that our prosecution strategies are both effective and equitable, addressing the needs of the community and the rights of the accused.

New Charging Regime

1. Evidence-Based Charging: We will adopt a strict evidence-based approach to charging decisions. This means that charges will only be filed when there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction. This approach ensures fairness and upholds the integrity of the judicial process.

2. Prioritization of Serious Offenses: Our focus will be on prosecuting serious and violent crimes that pose the greatest threat to public safety. This prioritization allows us to allocate resources effectively and protect the community from the most harmful individuals.

3. Consideration of Mitigating Factors: In cases involving non-violent offenses, especially for first-time offenders, we will consider mitigating factors such as the individual's background, the circumstances of the offense, and the potential for rehabilitation. This approach aims to balance the need for accountability with the opportunity for reform.

New Plea Policy:

1. Transparent Plea Agreements: We are committed to transparency in our plea bargaining process. Plea agreements will be offered based on the strength of the evidence, the nature of the crime, and the offender's criminal history, ensuring a fair and just outcome.

2. Alternatives to Incarceration: For non-violent offenders, especially those struggling with addiction or mental health issues, we will offer plea agreements that include alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs, treatment, and community service. This policy acknowledges the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

3. Victim Involvement: In cases where victims are involved, their input will be a crucial part of the plea agreement process. We will ensure that victims are heard and their concerns are taken into account, respecting their rights and needs throughout the process.

4. Regular Review and Oversight: Our plea policies will be regularly reviewed to ensure they align with the principles of justice and efficacy. Oversight mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the implementation of these policies and ensure they are applied consistently and fairly.

This new charging regime and plea policy represent a significant step forward in our pursuit of a more just, equitable, and effective legal system. As County Attorney, I am committed to upholding the rule of law while also recognizing the need for a system that supports rehabilitation and positive community outcomes.