Termination of Criminal Justice Commission Poses Threat to Public Safety

The introduction of House Bill 2702 proposes the dissolution of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) by the end of the year, citing contradictions between the agency’s operations and its legislatively mandated purpose. The bill also alleges that ACJC has improperly lobbied for the creation of a registry for gun owners using taxpayer resources.

In response, ACJC officials assert that the claims made in HB2702 are inaccurate and misleading. They emphasize that such legislative findings misrepresent the agency’s efforts and impact on Arizona citizens.

During recent hearings, allegations surfaced that ACJC had sought to establish a gun registry for concealed carry permit holders. ACJC refutes this assertion, stating it is based on misinformation. Their past engagement with legislation, particularly HB2437, aimed to close a loophole regarding the revocation of carry permits, nothing more.

The ACJC insists its data collection practices comply fully with state laws and focus exclusively on trends in criminal justice, resource allocation, and program evaluations—not on surveilling law-abiding citizens.

Another contention in HB2702 alleges that the current ACJC chairperson, through another agency, contributed to the creation of a task force aimed at combating misinformation. ACJC argues this portrayal is misleading, as the task force’s establishment was in response to externally driven disinformation threats, particularly from foreign actors.

The task force’s directive underscored the importance of free speech, making clear that it did not serve to suppress public discourse. ACJC maintains that it had no involvement in this initiative and disputes any claims suggesting censorship activities linked to its mandate.

The potential termination of ACJC poses serious implications for public safety and law enforcement funding in Arizona. The agency manages state and federal grants that fund various essential services, including victim assistance and substance abuse treatment. Its dissolution could threaten millions in critical funding, given that ACJC has facilitated approximately $181 million for 1,339 projects since 2016.

Moreover, ACJC provides unbiased data and research vital for legislative decision-making regarding criminal justice reforms. Without ACJC, lawmakers could lack the necessary resources for informed policy development.

ACJC also serves as a collaborative platform for law enforcement agencies, a function that would be severely undermined without the commission. Its elimination would detract from efforts needed to tackle complex issues within the criminal justice system.

The agency reiterates its commitment to transparency and public service, inviting constructive engagement with lawmakers. ACJC strongly opposes the negative characterizations of its work and the flawed reasoning behind the proposed termination of its operations.

Andrew LeFevre is the executive director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.