The National Association of Counties (NACo) has honored the Superior Court and its Adult and Juvenile Probation Departments with nine national awards, recognizing innovative programs that are transforming court operations and strengthening services for the community. The awards highlight initiatives that improve efficiency, enhance probation and court systems, and expand access to high-quality public service.
“These NACo Achievement awards reflect the outstanding dedication and innovation of our employees, whose work strengthens our courts and expands access to justice,” said Judicial Branch Administrator Ray Billotte. “I’m grateful for their commitment to serving our community with excellence and congratulate each team on this well-deserved recognition.”
The Adult Probation Department earned six (NACo) Achievement Awards in recognition of innovative programs that improved departmental systems, supported justice-involved individuals, and developed future leaders. Highlights of the award-winning programs are listed below:
- Restoration of Rights Postcards - Through this program, upon successful completion of their probation grant, postcards are mailed to the individual, with each postcard providing information and helpful resources for rights restoration, which includes direct links to the Judicial Branch Law Library Resource Center for additional guidance.
- Evidence Room Tracking Program - A digital solution using existing technology was created to improve the tracking of items as they moved in and out of the evidence rooms for forensic exams, transfers, releases, and destruction.
- IPS Alignment Program - The program refined eligibility and appropriateness criteria to ensure consistent identification of individuals whose criminogenic profiles are most responsive to Intensive Probation Supervision. This approach created clearer pathways for determining IPS suitability at sentencing, during violation proceedings, and improved accuracy in current placements.
- Probation Violation Case Assessment Program –The new program consolidates essential case information from multiple systems into a single automated report available immediately after initial appearances, improving accuracy, speeding up case review, and strengthening communication between officers and administrative staff.
- Streamlined Pretrial Intake Program – A self-service digital intake process that allows individuals to complete the intake form more quickly. The program securely captures essential case-related information and automatically stores it in a shared dataset for organized access and analysis.
- Learning Executive & Administrative Practices (LEAP) Program - A year-long curriculum designed to prepare APD Supervisors interested in promoting to the role of a Division Manager.
“We are very grateful for the recognition for these programs. While they could be looked at as process improvements, which are valuable, their main value is in how those programs impact people, the community, and reflect our values,” said Adult Probation Chief, Michael Cimino. “Whether it is the access to justice provided in the restoration of rights award, the accountability that is made possible through sound evidence procedures, or a program to cultivate and develop the next executives that will lead APD, the programs recognized impact people. I am proud of the efforts around continuous improvement and the work of the staff recognized by these and all the other awards the Judicial Branch received as they reflect our commitment to serving the residents of Maricopa County.”
The Juvenile Probation Department won two Achievement Awards for launching innovative programs that make a difference in the community. One program provides a meaningful response to youth gun possession requiring youth to learn and think differently about their choices while still holding them accountable with supervision, while the other empowers college students through hands-on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of professionals.
- Internship Program - Provides college and graduate students with immersive, hands-on experience in the field of juvenile justice. Students from all fields of study are allowed to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and contribute to programs supporting youth and departmental initiatives.
- Project S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Firearm Education) - The program focuses on promoting firearm safety, victim and community harm, self-reflection, and personal development while acknowledging the dangers and consequences of underage firearm possession.
"These Achievement Awards are a testament to the creativity, commitment, and professionalism of our employees, who continually find better ways to serve youth, strengthen communities, and improve public safety,” said Juvenile Probation Chief, Eric Meaux. “From Project S.A.F.E., which is influencing practices beyond Arizona, to our expanding internship program that is preparing the next generation of juvenile justice professionals, these initiatives demonstrate that meaningful innovation creates lasting impact. We are honored that our work is being recognized nationally and proud to advance our mission of promoting public safety through positive change."
The Jury Service Department received a (NACo) Achievement Award for its Citizen-Centered Jury Summons. The updated jury summons was developed through a data-driven review of juror response trends and operational challenges within the Jury Office. The summons was redesigned using plain language, clearer formatting, and improved visual organization to highlight critical information. The goal was to reduce confusion, address common questions, and encourage timely participation.
“Innovation doesn't always require new technology or significant funding. Sometimes it's about looking at an everyday process through the eyes of the people you're serving,” said Jury Administrator, Tiana Burdick. “Jury service is one of the most important ways citizens participate in our justice system, so we wanted to make that first interaction with the court clear, welcoming, and easy to understand. By using plain language and user-centered design, we made the summons less intimidating and easier to navigate. When people understand what's expected of them, they're more likely to participate, strengthening both public trust and our justice system.”
For more information, visit the National Association of Counties website and search by county.