Pima County is streamlining the process of warrant resolution with an easy-to-navigate webpage aimed at assisting community members. The initiative, a collaboration between the Pima County Justice Services Department and Pima County Pretrial Services, is designed to help individuals understand how to proactively address warrants, thus avoiding the potential for arrest during even minor law enforcement encounters. The website offers a consolidated source of information for resolving warrants through various county courts, including the Superior Court Adult Probation's "Clear My Warrant" program.
An arrest for a "failure to appear" warrant is a leading reason for bookings into the county jail, comprising more than 30% of such incidents. "Many in our community live every day in fear that even a relatively minor contact with law enforcement, like a traffic stop, may result in an arrest and going to jail. Even a brief time in jail can affect employment, housing, and child care," Kate Vesely, director of the Justice Services Department, said in a statement obtained by the Pima County Newsroom. The new online resource is meant to empower individuals with the necessary knowledge to handle such concerns.
Those uncertain about the existence or origin of a warrant can receive assistance from Pretrial Services, which offers to check for outstanding warrants and, in some cases, resolve them over the phone. "You don't have to wait until there is contact with police and get arrested before dealing with a warrant," Vesely said. This approach simplifies a process that might otherwise seem daunting, and it can be initiated through a phone call to 520-724-3310, according to the Pima County.
Additional support is available through the Justice Services' Transition Center. Here, individuals who are navigating the complexities of court proceedings can connect with Justice Navigators. These navigators can direct people to community resources for employment, treatment, housing, and peer support. They also assist with court-related transportation needs. The Transition Center can be contacted at 520-724-2463, or by email at [email protected] for those in need of such assistance.
