In an effort to curb escalations in violent conduct within the community, Coconino County, alongside the City of Flagstaff, has rolled out a new initiative known as the Violent Offender Program. County Attorney Ammon Barker, in a statement obtained by Coconino County's official website, emphasized the imperative nature of this inter-agency collaborative. "Violence in our community requires a proactive, collaborative response," Barker said. "The Violent Offender Program strengthens the partnership between our offices and ensures that people who demonstrate a pattern of violence are identified quickly and handled with the seriousness they warrant. Our goal is straightforward, protect the public and prevent future victims."
The program aims to enhance the identification process of those with a tendency towards recurring violence and streamline their prosecution under rigorous oversight. Sheriff Bret Axlund pointed to deputies often confronting individuals with a penchant for escalating violent behavior. With the new program, his deputies can flag offenders to ensure they receive appropriate attention from authorities. "This partnership will make our communities safer," Axlund told the same source.
Key features of the Violent Offender Program include a mechanism for flagging repeated violent offenders and mandating that any plea deal for these individuals receive the green light from the Chief Deputy County Attorney. The program also calls for quarterly coordination meetings between agencies such as the Coconino County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Flagstaff Police Department (FPD), and the Flagstaff City Attorney’s Office. Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly highlighted in the announcement the benefits of unified coordination: "This partnership ensures we are all working from the same information, and toward the same mission," according to the Coconino County.
The launch of the Violent Offender Program is effective immediately, and scheduling of the first coordination meeting is set for December. By funneling efforts through shared intel and common goals, the collaboration between these agencies underscores a commitment to enhance public safety and reduce the incidence of violence in Coconino County. Through this concerted approach, officials are hopeful that the region will see a decline in violent acts, fostering a safer environment for all residents of the county.
