In an effort to combat the rise in juvenile crimes within Maricopa County, the Gilbert Police Department has teamed up with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to launch the Report, Don't Repost campaign. Unveiled last Wednesday, the initiative aims to encourage teens and adults alike to report instances of violence involving young people to authorities, rather than circulating the content on social media platforms. Working in concert with several Valley law enforcement agencies, including Phoenix Police and Tempe Police, the campaign addresses an urgent spike in juvenile-as-adult charges, which in 2023 saw a 32% increase in Maricopa County, with crimes ranging from homicide to stolen property, as reported by the Gilbert AZ announcement.
The campaign directly urges students, parents, and school officials to take a more active role in law enforcement, according to details from a press release by Gilbert AZ official website. Under Arizona laws, certain individuals are required to report crime, including but not limited to parents and school staff who may witness fights or other offenses involving minors. The movement to prevent such content from being normalized or glorified online seeks to also deeply involve the community in keeping schools and neighborhoods safer.
Statistics from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office indicate a troubling surge in violence among the youth—a trend that these agencies are determined to reverse. By stopping to share and choosing to report, community members can play a pivotal part in the prevention of teen violence escalation and the potential spread of harmful content. The agencies implore the public to utilize the Gilbert Police Department’s reporting line at 480-503-6500, or 911 during emergencies, and to also consider submitting tips anonymously through their online platform.
