Scottsdale advances new diversion and probation compliance program to strengthen public safety

Scottsdale is moving forward with a new Diversion and Probation Compliance Officer Program within the City Attorney’s Office, a strategic step to strengthen accountability, enhance public safety and support rehabilitation efforts.

The initiative stems from policy direction provided by the Scottsdale City Council’s Community Safety Committee, which identified compliance monitoring as a key gap in the city’s current criminal justice framework.

During the committee’s March 26 meeting, Interim City Attorney Luis Santaella outlined how the program will improve visibility, reporting and outcomes for individuals placed on diversion or probation. While diversion programs and limited misdemeanor probation provide meaningful alternatives to incarceration, the absence of dedicated compliance personnel has created challenges for courts, prosecutors, victims and service providers.

The new program is designed to address those challenges.

“This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to thoughtful, innovative public safety improvements,” Santaella said. “By adding a compliance officer to work with our prosecution team, we can ensure that individuals offered diversion or probation are held accountable while also receiving the structured support necessary for long-term rehabilitation.”

The Diversion and Probation Compliance Officer Program will:

• Monitor compliance with diversion and probation terms, including counseling, treatment, community service, restitution, drug testing and victim-related conditions
• Conduct check-ins when legally authorized and maintain accurate case files and progress documentation
• Improve data collection to support policy evaluation and resource planning

The City Attorney’s Office plans to add one compliance officer position within the Prosecution Division. The role will require experience in criminal justice, social work or a related field, with a focus on communication, case management and public-facing professionalism.

The program is expected to deliver several benefits, including:

• Strengthened accountability and reduced recidivism
• Greater transparency and reporting for courts and prosecutors
• Consistent communication and expectations for offenders
• Increased confidence for victims and the broader community
• More reliable data to inform long-term planning and improvements

“As chairwoman, I’m proud that the Council Community Safety Committee worked as a team to have a direct impact on results for our residents,” said Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas. “This program is a strong example of how collaboration can lead to meaningful improvements in accountability and public safety.”

The proposed position will be considered as part of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process. If approved, recruitment will begin immediately, followed by program implementation.