Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

10/02/2026

ARIZONA CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
ANNOUNCES DIRECTOR VIDALE IS ELECTED
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION

Phoenix, AZ, Friday, October 2, 2026 – The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) announced today that Executive Director Anthony Vidale has been elected Vice President of the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) for the 2026–2028 term.

NCJA is a national, nonpartisan membership association representing state, tribal, and local criminal and juvenile justice professionals and agencies. The association works to strengthen criminal justice policy and practice, support effective administration of federal justice resources, and provide a national forum for collaboration among justice leaders and policymakers.

“I am grateful to my fellow NCJA members for their confidence and support,” said Director Vidale. “It is an honor to serve as Vice President of an organization committed to helping states and communities make the best use of limited public safety resources. Addressing today’s criminal justice challenges requires strong partnerships among federal, state, tribal, and local leaders and a shared commitment to ensuring that resources are used effectively and where they can have the greatest impact.”

Prior to his election as Vice President, Vidale served on the NCJA Executive Committee as the elected Western Region Chair and as a member of the Finance Committee. As Vice President, he will also chair NCJA’s Finance Committee during the 2026–2028 term.

“States have an important perspective to bring to national criminal justice policy because we see firsthand how federal policy and funding decisions affect local communities,” Vidale said. “I look forward to working with leaders from across the country to strengthen those partnerships, share what is working in our states, and make sure the practical experience of state and local justice systems helps inform national policy and funding decisions.”

To learn more about the NCJA, visit www.ncja.org.

08/28/2026

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has officially released the results of the 2026 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS), highlighting significant positive trends across our state!

Administered in partnership with Arizona State University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, this survey represents feedback from over 41,000 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades across all 15 Arizona counties.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Survey:

Declining Youth Substance Use: Multi-survey data shows reported lifetime substance use continues to decrease among Arizona youth.
Rising Fentanyl Awareness: 41.0% of students reported discussing the dangers of fentanyl with a parent or guardian in the past year—up from 34.1% in 2024.

Bullying Metrics Moving in the Right Direction: Witnessed bullying and reported bullying of others on school property both showed decreases.
New Digital Safety Insights: The 2026 survey introduced metrics on digital habits, revealing that 22.0% of students maintain a social media account hidden from parents, and 30.7% communicated online with someone they’ve never met in person in the last 30 days.

While these numbers show great progress, they also remind us that our work isn't complete. Data-driven strategies, community coalition work, and open conversations at home remain critical to protecting Arizona’s youth.

Explore the full 2026 AYS report-https://www.azcjc.gov/Programs/Statistical-Analysis-Center/Arizona-Youth-Survey



The Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) is administered every two years to a statewide sample of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Statistical Analysis Center in partnership with the Arizona State University School of Criminology & Criminal Justice.

05/07/2026

🎙 ACJC NEW PODCAST ALERT! 🎙
🎙️ The Working for Justice Podcast Is Back!

Hosted by media personality Pete Cummings and ACJC Executive Director Tony Vidale, the Working for Justice podcast returns with another compelling episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, University of Arizona Police Chief Chris Olson joins the conversation to share his leadership perspective on campus and community safety. With a distinguished career in law enforcement, Chief Olson offers insight into the evolving role of policing in a university setting—where public safety, student engagement, and community trust intersect.

Chief Olson discusses his approach to modern policing, including building strong relationships with students, faculty, and the surrounding community, while navigating the unique challenges facing campus law enforcement today. From proactive safety strategies to fostering transparency and trust, he provides a thoughtful look at what effective leadership in policing looks like in today’s environment.

This two-part episode also explores broader issues shaping the future of law enforcement, including community expectations, accountability, and the importance of adapting to change while maintaining public confidence.

Whether you work in criminal justice, public safety, higher education, or public service, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, trust-building, and the future of policing.

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c44453e3-1232-4c9c-b304-6ac9984ee17d

04/21/2026

Honoring 38 years of "Strength Through Service!" 🛡️🕊️

Today, during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is proud to recognize Cecilia Federico from the Yuma County Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division for her incredible 38-year legacy.As a cornerstone of the Yuma community, Cecilia has spent nearly four decades as a vital link for survivors navigating trauma and loss. For most of her career, she served as the sole staff member for the Victim Compensation Program, providing the grit, heart, and determination needed to help victims find economic stability and healing.

"Honoring a leader like Cecilia Federico reminds us of the profound impact one dedicated individual can have," says ACJC Executive Director Anthony Vidale. "Her compassionate approach has built a lasting legacy of trust in Yuma County".

At ACJC, we are dedicated to supporting those who fight for victims every day through our:
🔹 Crime Victim Assistance Program – Funding direct services across AZ.
🔹 Crime Victim Compensation Program – Providing financial aid to those impacted by crime.

Please join us in celebrating Cecilia’s 38-year testament to service—a true model for our entire state! 🌵✨

03/31/2026

🎙 ACJC NEW PODCAST ALERT! 🎙
🎙️ The Working for Justice Podcast Is Back!

Hosted by media personality Pete Cummings and ACJC Executive Director Tony Vidale, the Working for Justice podcast returns with another compelling episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Pima County public defender Megan Page joins the conversation to share a powerful, firsthand perspective from inside the courtroom. Megan brings listeners into the realities of public defense—where advocacy, constitutional rights, and human impact intersect every day. She discusses the complexities of representing clients, the challenges within an overburdened system, and the critical role public defenders play in ensuring fairness and due process.

The discussion also explores the broader systemic issues facing the criminal justice system, including access to representation, the pressures on indigent defense, and the importance of balancing accountability with equity. Through candid insight and real-world experience, Megan highlights the human side of justice—reminding us that behind every case is a person, a story, and a system that must work as intended.

Whether you work in criminal justice, public safety, or public service, this episode offers meaningful perspective on advocacy, fairness, and the essential role of defense in a balanced justice system.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation- https://www.azcjc.gov/About-Us/Podcasts

01/16/2026

📘 Now Available: ACJC’s 2025 State Impact Report

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is proud to share our 2025 State Impact Report, highlighting how we’re working statewide to strengthen Arizona’s criminal justice system through funding, research, and collaboration.

This year’s report showcases:
✔️ Over $32 million distributed to support law enforcement, courts, victim services, reentry, and community programs
✔️ Data-driven research guiding smarter policy decisions
✔️ Strong partnerships improving public safety and victim-centered outcomes
✔️ Continued innovation, transparency, and accountability across the justice system

We invite our partners, stakeholders, and community members to explore the report and see how these efforts are making a real impact across Arizona.

📄 Read the full report here:
👉 State Impact Report 2025

State Impact Report_2025_update…

Together, we’re building a safer Arizona—today and for the future.

https://www.azcjc.gov/Portals/0/Documents/pubs/State%20Impact%20Report_2025_updated_Smaller.pdf

01/14/2026

🎙 ACJC NEW PODCAST ALERT! 🎙

🎙️ The Working for Justice Podcast Is Back!

Hosted by media personality Pete Cummings and ACJC Executive Director Tony Vidale, the Working for Justice podcast returns with a compelling episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, veteran cold case detective and author Troy Hillman joins the conversation to share his decades-long pursuit of justice in cases many thought would never be solved. Troy brings listeners inside the world of cold case investigations—where patience, persistence, and meticulous attention to detail can make the difference between unanswered questions and long-overdue accountability.

The discussion also explores Troy’s work as an author, including his gripping book on the infamous “Zombie Killer” case, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a complex and disturbing investigation that captured national attention. Through candid storytelling and professional insight, Troy reflects on the emotional toll of cold cases and why these investigations continue to matter to families, law enforcement, and communities.

Whether you work in criminal justice, public safety, or public service, this episode provides powerful perspective on perseverance, truth, and the enduring responsibility to seek justice—no matter how much time has passed.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation.

Quickly and easily listen to Criminal Justice Spotlight for free!

11/19/2025

Looking for powerful, data-driven conversations about crime, justice, and community impact?

🎧 Tune into the ACJC Criminal Justice Spotlight, where our team talks with Dr. Thaddeus Johnson, a leading criminologist and former police officer cuts through the noise with real-world insights and bold ideas for safer, stronger communities.

Quickly and easily listen to Criminal Justice Spotlight for free!

10/31/2025

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help, there are resources available for you and your loved ones. Visit www.acesdv.org

If you are needing an order of protection, visit https://azpoint.azcourts.gov/

10/29/2025

To honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ACJC interviewed Navajo County Victim Services Manager, Roxanne Pergeson. Tune into this informative and inspiring podcast to learn more about DV and what communities are doing to support survivors of crime.

Quickly and easily listen to Working for Justice for free!