Eight innovative programs across the Judicial Branch of Arizona were recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with Achievement Awards. Superior Court, the Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments all received awards in various categories this year, highlighting their commitment to pursuing and identifying new approaches to better serve its public.
The NACo Awards not only highlight tangible achievements but also motivate other counties to implement similar strategies for enhancing access to justice. Outstanding programs are recognized with awards across 18 categories, reflecting a wide array of county duties. The National Association of Counties (NACo), through its network of committees, caucuses, and task forces, equips counties with the tools to maximize resources, improve public services, and raise awareness about the vital role counties play in residents’ daily lives.
“We proudly honor the exceptional dedication of our teams across the Judicial Branch, whose work advances access to justice and drives meaningful youth justice reform,” said Judicial Branch Administrator, Ray Billotte. “These eight NACo Achievement Awards are more than recognition; they reflect our shared commitment to equity, resilience, and the belief that lasting change begins with purposeful action. I commend each recipient for being a beacon of progress in our mission to serve with fairness, integrity, and impact.”
The Adult Probation Department earned four Achievement Awards after implementing several innovative programs to enhance efficiency, support justice-involved individuals, and allocate resources effectively. Highlights of the awards are listed below:
- Budget Class Referral - Upgraded the budget class referral process, which increased the speed and availability of free classes for individuals on probation who have court-ordered payments.
- Digital Vehicle Reservation - The Continuous Improvement team created a new cloud-based system for reserving department vehicles.
- Domestic Violence Probation - To address the unique needs of justice-involved women as both victims and offenders, a domestic violence probation program was implemented.
- Minimum Assessed Risk Supervision (MARS) Expansion - Introduced a standardized screening process transitioning 1,0000 low-risk individuals to caseloads requiring fewer interventions.
“We strive to be a Court of innovation that expands access to justice while stewarding effectively the resources appropriated to the Judicial Branch,” said Adult Probation Chief, Michael Cimino. “I am proud of the work reflected by these awards, the staff who worked hard to make the initiatives possible, and how they demonstrate our commitment to the broader values of the Branch.”
The Juvenile Probation Department won two Achievement Awards for introducing impactful programs aimed at supporting youth in the juvenile justice system through creative engagement and culturally responsive supervision.
- Youth Guitar Club - Provides youth with valuable music education, partnered with Free Guitars 4 Kids and the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Music to expand the program’s offerings.
- Spanish-speaking Probation Officer - Initiative assigning bilingual probation officers to specialized units, ensuring culturally responsive support without additional costs.
“We understand that holding youth accountable must include connecting with the youth we supervise and meeting them and their families where they are,” said Juvenile Probation Chief, Eric Meaux. “Accountability is not just about the offense and supervision; it also includes cultivating growth, creating opportunities to learn, and authentic connection. Whether it is through the rhythm of a guitar or the cadence of a shared language, this year’s awards reflect the outstanding public safety work of our men and women serving youth in detention and the community.”
The Jury Service Department received a NACo Achievement Award for its innovative launch of the remote case-specific questionnaire. This forward-thinking solution streamlines the jury selection process by allowing the court to prescreen potential jurors before they’re ever called to report, saving time and mileage costs.
“Receiving this award is an honor and a meaningful recognition of our team’s work to modernize jury selection,” said Jury Administrator, Tiana Burdick. “It reflects our commitment to making the process more efficient for the courts, less disruptive for jurors, and more responsive to the needs of the community we serve.”
The Civil, Tax, and Lower Court Appeals took home one Achievement Award, recognizing the creation of a new internship program helping inspire young professionals while supporting court operations.
“This college internship program stands as a testament to the dedication and heart of the Superior Court in Maricopa County, where judicial officers and staff invest their time, energy, and wisdom into mentoring future leaders,” said Civil, Tax, and Lower Court Appeals, Department Administrator, Luke Emerson. “Their support gives interns the chance to do real work that matters, building confidence, skills, and a deeper understanding of public service in action.”
For more information, visit the National Association of Counties website and search by county.