FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — According to a study by Suzuki Law Office, Coconino County has the second highest per capita crime rate in the state. However, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office is not concerned because the crime is widespread.
Coconino County At approximately 19,000 square miles, it is the second largest county in the Lower 48 states, after San Bernardino County in California. However, only about 150,000 people live in it.
Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll They said they are primarily witnessing non-violent property crimes such as trespassing and theft. We also respond to many inquiries from tourists and leisure travelers from outside the area.
So, he said, if you look at the crime rate across the country and the small population, you would think it would be no different than any other county. Additionally, he said violent crimes such as murders and shootings are less common.
But the most recent change they've noticed over the past three years is an increase in another type of call. “Since COVID-19, we have seen a significant increase in mental health calls,” Driscoll said. “I get a lot of calls on my shift from people talking about suicide or threatening suicide. Mental health touches so many areas, from schools to the workplace to people coming in looking to reenact. You can find local mental health resources at here.
The patrol area is so wide that deputies often drive for hours to respond to calls. The county is so spread out that it has electrical substations in Page and Williams, and its 72 sworn deputies are spread out among them.
They also respond to calls on federal lands and multiple reservations. Because of this extensive area, their deputies spend a lot of time in their cars. “We drive millions of miles a year just on patrol,” Driscoll said. “But again, it's widespread and it's a tourist destination. There are so many remote areas and crime and incidents and problems happening in those areas that it's a very long drive in some cases. It may become.”
Sheriff Driscoll said depending on the distance it could take more than two hours to respond, but the sheriff's office is committed to getting there as quickly as possible.
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