Our mission at APAAC is “Empowering prosecutors through training and advocacy to serve as Ministers of Justice, as we strive to build criminal justice bridges with the greater community.” The APAAC Across Arizona podcast is an opportunity to build community bridges by discussing criminal justice related topics impacting people across Arizona. The views expressed on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the position of the APAAC Council or individual Council members.
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Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Yuma County Attorney Karolyn Kaczorowski and Yuma County Attorney's Office Litigation Support Specialist Johnny Vidrio. Yuma's frontline of justice is both diverse and united - the County Attorney's Office, law enforcement and Amberly's Place Family Advocacy Center. Supported by the community and working for the community. Learn more at: https://www.yumacountyaz.
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June 3, 2026 | |||
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| Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker to discuss all things prosecution-related. Do prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys have different roles? Why can't a prosecutor simply share every piece of information and evidence with the public? How do prosecutors deal with the pressure of a high profile case? Learn more about the Coconino County Attorney's Office and jammin' with Ammon at https://www.coconino.az. |
May 12, 2026 | |||
| Beyond the Courtroom: A Candid Conversation With Survivors Regarding Crime Victim Rights, Grief, & Navigating the Criminal Justice System |
Two elderly people are brutally murdered, thrusting their family into the court system as crime victims. Join host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz for a candid conversation with the next-of-kin - one of whom is a prosecutor - to hear their experience navigating the criminal justice system while working through their grief. | April 14, 2026 | ||
| Pinal County Diversion Programming: Holding Offenders Accountable While Providing a Path Forward | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller and Justice Services Manager Nicole Buccellato to discuss all things diversion. How does diversion work? Are the crime victim's views considered? What are the diversion success rates? Learn more at: https://pinalcountyattorney. |
February 2, 2026 | ||
| Combating Human Trafficking: A Prosecutor's Perspective | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Maggie Toth, who specializes in prosecuting human trafficking cases. Think you can spot a human trafficking victim? Learn the signs and go beyond the stereotypes. Combating human trafficking and holding offenders accountable takes all of us. Resources: Phoenix Dream Center; Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research; Governor's Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona. | January 5, 2026 | ||
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| Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes to discuss his agency's Reach Out Program. Through this innovative program, jail inmates undergo mental health and substance abuse needs assessments and benefit from care coordination upon release. By improving the behavior health outcomes for this population, Yavapai County's long term expected impacts are a reduction in recidivism which improves public safety, population health through service linkage, quality of life, and retention of family and support ties for people with mental illness and/or who are substance dependent. For more information, click here. | November 17, 2025 | |||
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| A New Path to Practicing Law: ASU's Part-time & Online Juris Doctor Program |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Stacy Leeds, Dean of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University to discuss the launch of a first-of-its-kind Juris Doctor (J.D.) part-time and online program aimed at addressing the legal deserts in rural Arizona. Public lawyers, such as prosecutors and public defenders, are needed in communities across our state. This innovative JD program makes that career path more accessible than ever. For more information, click this link here. |
October 6, 2025 | ||
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| A Path Forward for Substance-Exposed Babies & Their Families |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Tara Sundem, Executive Director & Founder of Hushabye Nursery. Offering non-judgmental support, Hushabye Nursery has provided a therapeutic and inviting environment of short-term medical care to 1000 infants suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and their families. Learn more about their unique approach at: https://hushabyenursery.org/ |
September 2, 2025 | ||
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| Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG): An Emerging Tool for Law Enforcement |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Amy Gerow, AZ DPS Crime Laboratory Cold Case Manager, and Elaine Reinhart, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogist, to discuss an emerging new tool for law enforcement - Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). What is FIGG? What potential benefits does it offer our community and what are the challenges? Learn about this and much more, including cases in which FIGG was instrumental in holding violent offenders accountable. Learn more at: https://www.gedmatch.com/ https://dnadoeproject.org/ |
December 4, 2024 | ||
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| Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL): Providing Education & Support to Parents with an Adult Child Dealing with Substance Use Disorder |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Kim Humphrey, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Executive Director/CEO to discuss education and support available to parents with an adult child dealing with substance use disorder. PAL offers both in-person and virtual peer-to-peer support meetings, in addition to resources to educate on a wide-variety of substance use abuse topics. Learn more at https://palgroup.org/ |
November 6, 2024 | ||
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| MATFORCE: Providing Education & Resources in the Fight Against Substance Abuse Across Arizona |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Merilee Fowler, Executive Director of MATFORCE to discuss education and resources available in the fight against substance abuse across Arizona. Learn about MATFORCE’s work supporting parents, teachers and statewide leaders with resources to promote healthy communities. talknowaz.com/ , learnmoreaz.org/, saclaz.org/ |
October 16, 2024 | ||
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| US DOJ Community Relations Service: A Resource for Arizona Communities |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Kim Milstead, Lead Conciliation Specialist from the United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS). Did you know CRS was created in Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964? Now fifty years old, CRS provides free services to help communities resolve conflict. CRS has four focuses: (1) facilitated dialogue; (2) mediation; (3) training; and (4) consultation. Learn more about CRS and its resources at: https://www.justice.gov/crs |
July 24, 2024 | ||
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| Arizona’s Address Confidentiality Program: Supporting Victim Safety |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Merri Tiseth from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office Address Confidentiality Program. Learn who is eligible for this free program which provides a way to shield your address from an abuser. |
November 1, 2023 | ||
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| Domestic Violence: Mesa’s Multidisciplinary Approach to Supporting Victims |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz discusses Mesa’s multidisciplinary approach to supporting domestic violence victims with Lindsey Kircher and Amy Reddy from the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, Shelly Ward from the Mesa Police Department, and Shante Saulsberry, founder of Janice’s Women’s Center. Learn about Mesa’s October 19, 2023, community domestic violence awareness event, and resources that are available year round. Domestic violence victims are not alone – your community is here to help.
One Love Workshop: https://www.joinonelove.org/act/one-love-workshops | Contact: Crystal Kazik, Violence Prevention Manager 623-932-4404 ext. 111| |
October 11, 2023 | ||
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| Tackling Human Trafficking Through Legislation |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Representative Leo Biasiucci, who serves as the Majority Leader in the Arizona House of Representatives. Representative Biasiucci shares how he is tackling human trafficking through laws which hold offenders accountable. Learn more about the legislative process, the recently enacted laws, and how we can all do our part in combatting human trafficking. |
October 4, 2023 | ||
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| Protect Yourself From Deed Fraud |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Arizona Department of Real Estate Commissioner Susan Nicolson, who details what the agency is doing to help protect the public from deed fraud, and by Debi Gotlieb who shares her experience in having the deed to her father’s home fraudulently transferred. Learn what you can do to protect yourself from deed fraud: Arizona Department of Real Estate | (https://azre.gov/) |
September 6, 2023 | ||
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| Balancing Community Safety & Justice for Victims With Diversion Programming: Coconino County’s Approach |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Deputy Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker to discuss criminal diversion programs in that jurisdiction. Learn how the Coconino County Attorney’s Office balances community safety and justice for crime victims with identifying appropriate cases for diversion which offer a defendant services and programming. Learn more about the Coconino County Attorney’s Office at: County Attorney | Coconino (az.gov) |
August 9, 2023 | ||
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| Maricopa County Title Alert Program: Protect Yourself From Possible Fraud |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer to discuss the Maricopa County Title Alert Program. Learn how this quick and easy online tool can help protect your property from fraudulent deed transfer. Details can be found at: https://recorder.maricopa.gov/MaricopaTitleAlert/Default |
July 25, 2023 | ||
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| The Intersection of Human Trafficking & Illicit Massage |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Mai Lin Petrine, JD, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) to discuss the intersection of human trafficking and illicit massage. Learn how the FSMTB is able to assist law enforcement with sex and labor trafficking investigations, and help educate criminal justice professionals. Resources: To file a complaint with a state massage licensing board, go to: Consumer Information | Consumer Complaints (https://www.fsmtb.org/) Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy: To file a complaint: Complaint Form | Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy (https://az.gov/) The following Human Trafficking-related materials are available on the FSMTB website at: Consumer Information | Human Trafficking (https://www.fsmtb.org/) Also see: |
July 12, 2023 | ||
| Homicide Survivors: Finding Purpose in Grief to Support Others | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Harley Feldman and Dan Levey who share their experiences of losing a loved one to homicide. Learn how they found purpose in their grief and now offer support to other homicide survivors. Resources are available to assist homicide survivors. Learn more at: https://www.azvictimrights.org https://pomc.org/ https://pomc.org/valley-of-the-sun-chapter/ https://homicidesurvivorsinc.org/ Additional Legal Services for Victims: https://voiceforvictims.org/avcv-services https://lscva.org/ |
June 6, 2023 | ||
| Dad Together Program: Dads Helping Dads Be Dads | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Edward Casillas and Sleepy Vildosola regarding the statewide Dad Together program which helps anyone identifying as a father develop skills to nurture, teach, and support the children in their lives. Dads helping dads be dads. Learn more about this free program and other resources at: www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/help-me/f…s-program www.nativeamericanfathers.org/ dou-broz.com/ parentaid.org/what-we-do/lovelikeadad/ |
May 10, 2023 | ||
| Fentanyl: The Poison Across Arizona | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to discuss how fentanyl is ravaging our communities and killing our children. Learn common misconceptions about this drug and resources for everyone – from children to adults to teachers to advocates. https://www.maricopa.gov/5833/Substance-Use https://www.azhidta.org/expert-resources/fentanyl https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl |
March 8, 2023 | ||
| Forensic Nurse Examiner Sexual Assault Exams vs. At-Home Rape Kits | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Forensic Nurse Examiner Samantha Mendez, Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Michael Minicozzi, and Brook Fulton from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence to discuss both sexual assault examinations by forensic nurse examiners and at-home rape kits. Learn the differences and the perspectives from these medical, legal, and advocacy professionals. | January 17, 2023 | ||
| Human Trafficking: Beyond the Super Bowl | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Scottsdale Police Lt. Nick Alamshaw to discuss the world of human trafficking – from labor to sex trafficking – and its impact on our community. Although human trafficking increases with large events such as the Super Bowl, it is a year-around challenge. Learn how police investigate these crimes, and how you can provide vital information. No one and no family is immune to human trafficking. Learn the warning signs and how to educate the people you care about. https://phoenixdreamcenter.org/ https://goyff.az.gov/humantrafficking | January 4, 2023 | ||
| Child Rescue Coalition: Tools to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Carly Asher Yoost of the Child Rescue Coalition (CRC) to discuss how their non-profit organization provides tools for law enforcement and prosecutors to identify those sexually exploiting children. Learn more about CRC and the information every parent should know to protect their children. https://childrescuecoalition.org/ | December 7, 2022 | ||
| Teenage Dating & Sexual Violence: Bloom365 Supports Safe & Healthy Relationships for All | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Donna Bartos from Bloom365 to discuss teen dating and sexual violence. For teen dating and sexual violence survivors, Bloom365 is there with resources and support. For teenage abusers, Bloom365 offers programing to address the violence and lead them to healthy relationships. More information available at: https://bloom365.org |
November 9, 2022 | ||
| New Life Center: Support & Resources for Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Survivors | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Angela Rose and Amy Scanlon of New Life Center (NLC) to discuss resources for domestic violence and sexual violence survivors. NLC is the largest domestic violence shelter in Arizona, serving more than 1,000 children and adults annually. Learn more about its Sunshine Healing Center which focus on supporting sexual violence survivors with specialized resources. History of New Life Center - https://newlifectr.org/about/ | October 19, 2022 | ||
| Addressing Substance Abuse: The Salvation Army Treatment Program | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Jeff Taylor of the Salvation Army to discuss their substance abuse treatment program. Learn about Jeff’s own substance abuse journey from successful wall street trader to living on the streets to jail – and how the Salvation Army treatment program helped him. More information available at: https://phoenixarc.salvationarmy.org/ |
September 27, 2022 | ||
| Victim Rights Attorneys: Resources For Crime Victims Across Arizona | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Randall Udelman, J.D., to discuss the role of a victim rights attorney. Learn how these attorneys advocate for the constitutional rights of crime victims and support them through the criminal justice process. More information available at: https://udelmanlaw.com/ |
September 14, 2022 | ||
| Human Trafficking In Arizona: Labor & Sex Trafficking In Your Backyard | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, Ph.D. from the Arizona State University School of Social Work to discuss human trafficking in Arizona. From labor trafficking to sex trafficking, learn the challenges of tackling this issue, and also the progress that has been made. Find resources at: https://www.sextraffickinghelp.com/ and https://socialwork.asu.edu/stir | August 31, 2022 | ||
| Mesa City Community Court: Innovative Approach to Addressing Criminal Justice Issues Related to Homelessness | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Assistant Mesa City Prosecutor Stacey Good to discuss the creation and evolution of the Mesa City Community Court. Learn about this innovative approach to addressing criminal justice issues related to homelessness. | August 17, 2022 | ||
| Arizona Crime Victim Rights: Answers & Resources | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Amy Bocks, M.Ed., Assistant Director & Advocacy Manager, Office of Victim Services from the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, to discuss Arizona Crime Victim Rights. Did you know … the Office of the Arizona Attorney General provides both direct victim services and oversees victim rights compliance statewide? Did you know … the resources available to crime victims? This overview of the work of the Office of the Arizona Attorney General and crime victim rights in Arizona answers common questions and provides information regarding resources. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIIliJBQm4 |
August 3, 2022 | ||
| Intimate Relationship Safety Planning: Using Technology for Safety With MyPlan | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Grace Turner to discuss the MyPlan interactive intimate relationship safety planning app. Learn how to access the app, its privacy and safety features, and the resources it provides to those in intimate relationships, advocates, and service providers. For more information visit: https://www.myplanapp.org/ https://www.acesdv.org/ |
May 25, 2022 | ||
| Grand Juries in Arizona: What, Why, & How | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon to discuss how grand juries work in Arizona. What is the purpose of the grand jury? Who serves on it? What type of cases are heard by the grand jury? What happens next? Learn the answers to these questions and more during this informative session. | May 10, 2022 | ||
| Beyond CSI: Investigation & Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Deputy Yuma County Attorney Karolyn Kaczorowski and Detective Cesar Gaitan with the San Luis Police Department to discuss the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. | April 20, 2022 | ||
| Sex Assault Examinations: Medical Care & Preserving Potential Evidence | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Samantha Mendez, Honor Health Forensic Nurse Supervisor, to discuss sex assault examinations. These examinations, usually conducted by specially-trained forensic nurse examiners, provide medical care to those who have been sexually assaulted, while also preserving evidence in the event the crime is prosecuted. Learn more about this important resource available free of charge to sexual assault survivors. | April 6, 2022 | ||
| Communicating With Individuals With Disabilities | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Kate Homan, Senior Consultant for the Modell Consulting Group, LLC, to discuss effective communication with individuals with disabilities. Vulnerable populations, which include individuals with disabilities, are disproportionately victims of crime. Effective communication is essential to keeping all members of our community safe. | March 16, 2022 | ||
| Sexual Assault in Arizona: Addressing the Rape Kit Backlog & Proposed Rights For Sexual Assault Survivors | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Ilse Knecht of the Joyful Heart Foundation and Jamie Aragon and Tasha Menaker of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) to discuss how Arizona is addressing of untested rape kits and also proposed rights for sexual assault survivors. Learn more about the Joyful Heart Foundation at | Joyful Heart Foundation and ACESDV at Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence in Arizona (acesdv.org) | February 23, 2022 | ||
| Human Trafficking: Impacting Vulnerable Populations Across Arizona |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Kristen Abrams, Senior Director Combatting Human Trafficking with the McCain Institute, to discuss labor and sex trafficking and how it especially impacts vulnerable populations across Arizona. Learn the resources available to better understand human trafficking and access help. https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/combatting-human-trafficking/ REAL Friends Don’t (for parents/caregivers and young people): https://www.realfriendsdont.org/ For more info on Certificate Course: https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/combatting-human-trafficking/certificate-on-human-trafficking/ Polaris Hotline: https://polarisproject.org/national-human-trafficking-hotline/ |
February 10, 2022 | ||
| Combatting Vulnerable Adult Abuse: It Takes A Village | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Kelli Williams, Director of Human Services for the Maricopa Association of Governments, and Hilary Weinberg, Deputy Maricopa County Attorney, to discuss the issue of vulnerable adult abuse, and the development of multi-disciplinary protocols to assist with the investigation and prosecution of abuse crimes. https://webadmin.azmag.gov/Portals/0/Documents/MagContent/RDVC_2021-08-19_item-05_Vulnerable-Adult-Protocol-Update-and-Approval.pdf?ver=2021-08-24-102307-997 |
January 26, 2022 | ||
| Arizona Child & Family Advocacy Centers: Multidisciplinary Approach To Intervening and Investigating Violent Crimes | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Trevor Umphress, Executive Director of the Arizona Child & Family Advocacy Network (ACFAN) to discuss how advocacy centers across Arizona. Advocacy centers are comprehensive, victim-focused programs based in a facility that allows law enforcement, child protection professionals, prosecutors, victim advocates, forensic interviewers, medical professionals, and mental health providers to work together when intervening and investigating violent crimes against children and adults. Learn more about ACFAN and centers in Arizona at www.acfan.net | December 1, 2021 | ||
| Fraud Alert: Spotting Scams & Staying Safe | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Linda Vitale, a volunteer for AARP Arizona, to discuss how to proactively spot scams and where to find information and resources to keep yourself safe from fraud schemes. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a resource available free of charge to both AARP members and non-members. Learn More About the AARP Fraud Watch Network |
November 10, 2021 | ||
| Kayleigh’s Law: Protecting Survivors From Abuser Contact | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Because You Still Matter founder Kayleigh Kozak and Rachel Mitchell, Special Assistant with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, to discuss Arizona’s Kayleigh’s Law which went into effect September 29, 2021. Kayleigh’s Law allows victims of designated crimes to obtain an injunction prior to the termination of probation which would continue the ban against defendant contact with the victim. The new law makes the underlying offense adequate justification for the injunction. Learn more about Kayleigh’s Law at: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/1R/laws/0272.pdf |
October 27, 2021 | ||
| Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The City of Mesa Supports Victims & Survivors of Domestic Violence Through Its Community Event | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Assistant Mesa City Prosecutor Stacey Good to discuss how the City of Mesa is supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence through a community event on October 26, 2021. Learn more about the in-person and virtual event, in addition to the year-round resources available through the City of Mesa. https://www.mesaaz.gov/government/city-attorney/city-prosecutor-s-office/domestic-violence-awareness |
October 13, 2021 | ||
| Childhood Sexual Violence: One Survivor’s Journey | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Rabbi Avremi Zippel to discuss his experience as a survivor of childhood sexual violence. The Rabbi shares his journey in disclosing the abuse and the hurdles the prosecution faced in seeking justice. | October 6, 2021 | ||
| Brave House: Providing Support to Survivors of Gender-Based Violence | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Lauren Blodgett, Founder & Executive Director of Brave House in New York City to discuss how Brave House supports young immigrant women, with a focus on those who are survivors of gender-based violence. Brave House provides free legal support, community space and holistic services to the survivors. Learn more about Brave House at: THE BRAVE HOUSE - Home | September 22, 2021 | ||
| Specialty Courts: Holding Offenders Accountable, Seeking Justice For Victims, & Reducing Recidivism | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Phoenix City Prosecutor Bob Smith to discuss specialty courts. Learn the types of specialty courts, and how a multi-disciplinary team develops an individualized plan to hold the defendant accountable, while also addressing underlying issues. The goal is to seek justice for the victim, reduce recidivism, and help the defendant move forward in a positive direction. | September 8, 2021 | ||
| Overcoming Implicit Bias In Working With Crime Victims | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Sharla Jackson, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Resource Prosecutor for the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, to discuss strategies for overcoming implicit bias, in particular when working with crime victims. | August 25, 2021 | ||
| The Arizona Child & Adolescent Survivor Initiative: Serving Children With Parents Lost To Intimate Partner Homicide | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Arizona State University Clinical Associate Professor Bianca Harper, DSW, LCSW, to discuss the wide range of services provided free of charge to children with a parent or caregiver lost to intimate partner homicide. Services include trauma therapy, mentoring, peer support groups, therapeutic wilderness-based trips, intensive case management, and assistance with Victim Compensation and the exercise of Victim Rights. To learn more about ACASI and/or to make a referral: Call: 602.496.1327 Email: Website: https://socialwork.asu.edu/family-violence-center/acasi |
August 11, 2021 | ||
| Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry Office of Victim Services |
Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Victim Advocate Alejandro Palacios from the Arizona Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation & Reentry Office of Victim Services to discuss the wide variety of support and services offered to victims whose offender is in prison. Among the voluntary services available to victims is a victim-offender dialogue program which focuses on victim healing. Information regarding the Office of Victim Services may be found at: https://corrections.az.gov/victim-services |
July 28, 2021 | ||
| Juvenile Court Adjudications: The How and Why of Set Asides and Record Destruction | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Pima County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Quigley, Maricopa County Office of Public Defense Services Director Chris Phillis and Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Beth Beringhaus to discuss the how and why of setting aside juvenile court adjudications, seeking the destruction of juvenile court records, and the implications of juvenile adjudications on gun rights. Juvenile Adjudication and Set Aside (azcourts.gov) | June 16, 2021 | ||
| Investigating Domestic Violence Strangulation | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Lt. Dan Rincon of the Scottsdale Police Department to discuss the investigation of domestic violence strangulation cases. Lt. Rincon has dedicated his career to investigating domestic violence cases, supporting victims, and training criminal justice professionals. | June 9, 2021 | ||
| AZPOINT: Bringing 21st Century Technology to Arizona’s Order of Protection System | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Cele Hancock and Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk to discuss the Arizona Protective Order Initiation & Notification Tool (AZPOINT). The Arizona Judicial Branch, in partnership with the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, created this online portal to may apply for an order of protection to stop a person from committing domestic violence or from contacting other people protected by the order. https://azpoint.azcourts.gov/ |
May 26, 2021 | ||
| Crews’n Healthmobile: Serving Homeless Youth In Phoenix | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Dr. Sarah Beaumont, M.D. to discuss the Crews’n Healthmobile, which is a program of three Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) that bring free, comprehensive medical care directly to homeless youth in Phoenix. Each MMU is equipped with exam rooms, an intake area, a pharmacy, a laboratory and a triage area. The youth who are treated at the MMUs have often been victims of crime, including human trafficking. | May 5, 2021 | ||
| The Arizona Attorney General’s Office of Crime Victim Rights Compliance | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Assistant Arizona Attorney General Theresa Rassas to discuss the wide scope of responsibilities under the umbrella of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, which a special emphasis on their crime victim rights compliance unit. Learn how the Attorney General’s Office can assist crime victims regarding their legal rights, and how the office is proactively training criminal justice professionals to ensure rights are respected. | April 21, 2021 | ||
| Arizona: Leading the Nation in Recognizing Crime Victims Rights | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by attorneys Colleen Clase and Steve Twist to discuss the creation of victim rights in Arizona. Learn what constitutional rights crime victims have and how they work alongside those of criminal defendants. | April 7, 2021 | ||
| Addressing Domestic Violence: Arizona Intimate Partner Risk Assessment Instrument System (APRAIS) | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Dr. Neil Websdale, Ph.D., to discuss the Arizona Intimate Partner Risk Assessment Instrument System (APRAIS). The assessment tool provides criminal justice personnel and advocates with an evidence-based tool and protocol to gather information which helps identify potential risk of severe re-assault, as well as lethal or near lethal, intimate partner violence and possible future threats to officers. APRAIS is also designed to connect the victim with support services while officers are on-scene. |
March 24, 2021 | ||
| Office of the Medical Examiner: Striving to Help Arizona Through Science | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Dr. Jeff Johnston, the Chief Medical Examiner for Maricopa County, for an inside look at the work of medical examiners. Although the office may be best known for conducting autopsies on criminal homicide cases, that comprises only a small part of their job. The Office of the Medical Examiner strives to improve our community by helping us to better understand disease, identify trends, and solve medical mysteries. | March 10, 2021 | ||
| Arizona Crime Laboratories: The Inside Story | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Phoenix Crime Lab Administrator Jody Wolf to discuss the how and why of scientific analysis conducted across Arizona. Learn about lab accreditation, national collaborations, and the wide variety of crime scene evidence being analyzed in our municipal and statewide laboratories. Forget the TV shows. This is real life. | February 16, 2021 | ||
| Arizona Supreme Court: Structure, Jurisdiction & Procedures | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Arizona Supreme Court Justice James Beene to discuss the court structure in Arizona, with a special emphasis on the role of appellate courts. | February 10, 2021 | ||
| Prosecutorial Power In The Age of Criminal Justice Reform | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Coconino County Attorney Bill Ring and National District Attorneys Association Executive Director Nelson Bunn to discuss the genesis of their article Prosecutorial Power In the Age of Criminal Justice Reform and the role of prosecutors. | January 27, 2021 | ||
| A to Z on AZPOST | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board (AZPOST) Executive Director Matt Giordano to discuss peace officer training, how the work of police has changed over the years, and things to consider regarding a career in law enforcement. | January 13, 2021 | ||
| Public Lawyers Part II: Civil Litigation in the World of Public Law | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by co-host Geoffrey Balon, Mesa Police Department Legal Advisor, and Deputy Pima County Attorney Regina Nassen as they discuss what it means to be a civil attorney for a government entity. Learn the differences between practicing civil litigation in a private law firm and a government agency, and the fascinating issues handled by the public lawyers. | January 5, 2021 | ||
| Public Lawyers Part I: Prosecutors & Public Defenders | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by co-host Geoffrey Balon, Mesa Police Department Legal Advisor, to discuss the roles of prosecutors and public defenders in the criminal justice system. Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Ryan Green and Deputy Maricopa Public Defender R.J. Parker share important take-aways from their jobs. | December 9, 2020 | ||
| Yuma’s Family Advocacy Center: Amberly’s Place | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Yuma County Attorney Jon Smith and Amberly’s Place Family Advocacy Center Executive Director Diane Umphress to discuss the role which family advocacy centers play in supporting victims and helping criminal justice professionals seek justice. Learn more about Amberly’s Place at: https://www.amberlysplace.com/ | November 18, 2020 | ||
| Pinal County Criminal Diversion Programs | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer to discuss what criminal diversion programs are and why they beneficial to both the offender and the community. Mr. Volkmer explains how the Pinal County diversion programs incorporate evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism and increase community safety. | November 4, 2020 | ||
| Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on the City of Mesa Awareness Events | Host Elizabeth Burton Ortiz is joined by Dr. Tasha Menaker from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV), and Assistant Mesa City Prosecutors Stephen Bridger and Stacey Good to discuss domestic violence awareness month. Details are provided regarding the City of Mesa virtual awareness event on October 22, 2020, in addition to the statewide awareness events featured on the ACESDV calendar at: https://www.acesdv.org/events/ | October 13, 2020 |