ANTI-DRUG POSTER CONTEST
The Pinal County Attorney's Office partners with schools across Pinal County each year to sponsor an anti-drug poster contest. The contest usually draws between 400-800 entries and involves roughly two dozen schools. It is our goal to help youth understand the dangers of drugs. The students are encouraged to come up with creative slogans and pictures illustrating their message.
The submissions are then whittled down to the top 40. Three Pinal County Judges choose the top ten and then the top three winning posters. Those judges are Judge Joseph R. Georgini, Superior Court Presiding Judge; Judge Kevin White, Superior Court Associate Presiding Judge and Judge Daniel Washburn, Presiding Juvenile Judge. The top ten join Mr. Kent Volkmer for a group photo at the Superior Courthouse, which includes a tour, a tour of the jail and then lunch. The third place winner’s poster will be on bookmarks, the second place will be on spiral notebooks and the first place will be on t-shirts. All 40 students will receive one of each of those prizes. The first place winner’s class gets a field trip to Phoenix Science Center.
Youth CSI Summer Camp
This is one of the most immersive experiences provided to community youth that you will ever find from a government entity. Debuted in 2022, the Youth CSI Summer Camp is a three-day interactive experience to give teens an in-depth look at the criminal justice system.
In partnership with Poston Butte High School, dozens of teens take part in the program. Over the course of three days, teens are given a first-hand look at the forensic science elements of an investigation, they witness a mock crime scene where law enforcement responds and apprehends a 'suspect,' shown how investigators process the scene, sit in on a mock interrogation of the 'suspect' and also attend a mock trial that features a real Superior Court Judge and attorneys from PCAO arguing the case for the prosecution and defense.
The program takes place in June and registration details are provided in the Spring.
SKY IS THE LIMIT
This event is geared around 6th-8th grade girls and their favorite female companion (mom, grandma, aunt, step-mom, guardian, etc.). It is a day to come together to learn, laugh, and open up communication. The girls and their companion have the opportunity to have breakfast, take fun pictures, enter into raffle drawings, watch and listen to their classmates sing the National Anthem, and post the colors. Additionally, the girls and their companions get to do a journaling project, have a catered lunch, learn about the dangers of sexting and texting, talk about suicide prevention, self harm, trafficking, and how to build healthy relationships. The day wraps up with some fun singing, dancing and pictures.
SILENT WITNESS ANTI-CRIME NIGHT
This is an annual event held in Casa Grande that allows the community to interact with law enforcement and other partner agencies. There are dozens of booths setup that allow for families to interact, ask questions and play fun games. The event allows for kids of all ages to seek out prizes, while learning more about the agencies involved in the event. The Pinal County Attorney's Office also disseminates useful information at this event, including on topics such as bullying and teen dating abuse.
G.A.I.N (Getting Arizonans Involved in Neighborhoods)
G.A.I.N is an opportunity for communities to come together and get to know each other. The event takes place generally in the Fall and is a nationwide crime prevention celebration. Attendees can interact with law enforcement and also receive crime prevention tips and information. The effort is aimed at strengthening community bonds and ensuring residents know what resources are available to them. G.A.I.N most recently took place in Coolidge in October 2021.
Trunk or Treat
One of our favorite times of the year! As temperatures fall, our annual Trunk or Treat gives an excellent opportunity to engage with our youngest community members. These events are coordinated in partnership with the Arizona City Fire District as well as the Town of Florence. This provides a safe place for kids and families to enjoy the Halloween festivities.
