Arizona officials mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

PHOENIX — Arizona prosecutors, police, and politicians gathered Monday to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Various awards were presented to those who have been victimized as well as others community members who work to protect those victims’ constitutional rights.

Among those in attendance were Gov. Doug Ducey, Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead and Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.

“When it comes to victims’ rights, that’s a category of accomplishment that (Arizona) can be very proud of,” Montgomery said. “We lead the nation; I would say that we are at the forefront of recognizing that justice is not a zero-sum game.”

While Arizona has in place many protections for crime victims, Montgomery said law enforcement, government leaders and community stakeholders can always do more to ensure victims’ rights are protected throughout every case.

“The criminal justice system as a whole is still engaged in a cultural shift to recognizing that victims are more than a piece of evidence,” he said.