Tucson, Arizona (13 News) – The Cochise County Juvenile Detention Center is committed to juvenile justice reform by promoting education and prevention rather than putting children in jail.

The county has saved millions of dollars by closing juvenile halls in 2021. It’s empty now, but still has a purpose. Chief Probation Officer John Shaw said the education they provide has seen less juvenile delinquency than ever before.

“Now we average 0.7, so we have less than one child per day,” says Schow. “Sometimes he spent 23 days without anyone being detained.”

When someone is detained, they are transferred to Pinal County. A partnership that saves Cochise County money and makes empty space permanent by mentoring young people on probation.

“We’re working to intervene with each child individually about the reasons and behaviors that brought them here, and work to change those behaviors,” Schow said.

Through education and rehabilitation, officers work to help pave the way forward for young people.

“All children, without exception, will thrive with us. We believe in it and the children see it. I know you’re not here to catch me doing it, you’re here to teach me how to do the right thing.

While crime is declining and fewer juveniles are being detained, 13 News asked why the number of juvenile detention centers hasn’t increased for major crimes like human smuggling across the border. .

“These kids are usually arrested and prosecuted as adults, and that happens quite a bit in Cochise County. There are some reports of them picking up and transporting people, but they stop every day,” Shaw said.

Probation officers really make a difference by helping young people realize their worth, so this summer the county is giving probation officers a full week to show their appreciation to law enforcement. I plan to return the favor.

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