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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has started a new program amid a surge in teen violence. The Teen Advisory Council allows high schoolers to learn more about criminal justice and lets prosecutors hear directly about their concerns.
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Several teens who are part of the program that just wrapped up called it beneficial. They got to choose the topics they focused on, including reckless driving and substance abuse.
Teens share realities
Evie Tebow shared the realities faced by teens in the Valley.
“I have seen fights happen,” Tebow said. “They really do come from not being around the right group of people.”
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is hoping Tebow, and the other Teen Advisory Council graduates will be part of the solution moving forward.
One teen said the program gives teens a seat at the table and a spot where they can more easily express what they are going through.
“We listened to what you guys had to say, and we also had a number of subject matter experts,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said.
Response to violence spike
Mitchell said the program is one part of the solution after a recent spike in teen violence. Last year her office charged more than 150 teens as adults, mostly for violent crimes involving guns. Many of the sentences are longer than these young people have been alive.
Mitchell also helped pass Preston’s Law, which created a new category of assault called swarming. It is now a class four felony when three or more people attack one person. Since that law took effect, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has charged 63 people. More than half are teens.
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“This is not okay, this is not something to get clicks on, its something to report to the police. It’s very dangerous,” Mitchell said.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for new teen advisory council members.
Here’s where you can apply: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Advisory Boards | Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, AZ
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