ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona county attorney won’t prosecute drug possession cases due to surging COVID-19

Dec 15, 2021, 4:07 PM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — With COVID-19 cases surging again, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover says she won’t be prosecuting people for simple drug possession because of pandemic-related risks.

However, Conover said Tuesday that the policy will be in effect for at least 60 days before it’s reviewed again and suspects facing felony charges in addition to minor drug charges will still face charges.

Conover said she made the move to “protect both Pima County jail employees and people who are detained against the surging threat of COVID.”

The policy also covers anyone arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia or related personal-use incidents.

“A sizeable percentage of (society) has expressed disinterest in the vaccine, depriving us of the herd immunity that would have put this virus behind us,” Conover wrote in a memorandum to law enforcement officials. “COVID is now spreading inside the jail, putting people there at risk. The health and safety of our community are paramount.”

Conover’s move is meant to prevent transporting suspects facing minor drug charges to Pima County Jail.

It comes after county officials said they would fire hundreds of corrections officers who refuse to be vaccinated.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Kendrick Lamar and SZA will perform in Glendale on May 27 as part of their “Grand National Tour."...

Kevin Stone

Kendrick Lamar, SZA join forces for spring 2025 stadium tour with Phoenix-area date

Hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar and acclaimed R&B singer SZA are teaming up for a spring 2025 stadium tour that stops in the Phoenix area.

27 minutes ago

A 16-year-old girl was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision in Tempe on Dec. 3, 2024....

KTAR.com

Teenage pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries in hit-and-run collision in Tempe

A teenage pedestrian was fighting for her life Tuesday morning after a hit-and-run collision in Tempe, authorities said.

2 hours ago

An elderly woman died after getting hit by a vehicle on Bell Road in north Phoenix on Dec. 1, 2024....

KTAR.com

Elderly woman struck and killed after light changed while she crossed Phoenix street

An elderly woman was struck and killed after the light changed while she was crossing a north Phoenix street on Sunday night, authorities said.

3 hours ago

Phoenix police officer...

KTAR.com

Officer shoots man armed with knives at Phoenix mobile home park

A Phoenix police officer shot a man wielding knives during a domestic violence incident at a mobile home park on Monday night.

3 hours ago

Around 425 families will get help affording home improvement projects that will improve their quali...

Serena O'Sullivan

Maricopa County invests $500,000 to help lower income families with home improvement lending

Maricopa County officials will give $500,000 to a nonprofit that helps low- and moderate-income residents pay for home improvement projects.

4 hours ago

Phoenix temperatures...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix-area temperatures expected to stay above normal this week, possibly break record

It’s the time of year when above-normal metro Phoenix temperatures are nothing to get too heated about.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

Arizona county attorney won’t prosecute drug possession cases due to surging COVID-19