Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale is moving forward with a new Diversion and Probation Compliance Officer Program within the City Attorney’s Office aimed at improving oversight of diversion and probation cases.
The program follows direction from the Scottsdale City Council’s Community Safety Committee, which identified a lack of compliance monitoring as a gap in the city’s criminal justice system, according to a press release.
During the committee’s March 26 meeting, Interim City Attorney Luis Santaella outlined how the program is expected to improve tracking, reporting and outcomes for individuals placed on diversion or probation. While diversion programs and limited misdemeanor probation offer alternatives to incarceration, the city currently lacks dedicated staff to monitor compliance, which has created challenges for courts, prosecutors, victims and service providers.
“This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to thoughtful, innovative public safety improvements,” Interim City Attorney Luis 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 is designed to oversee compliance with court‑ordered terms, including counseling, treatment programs, community service, restitution, drug testing and victim‑related conditions. The compliance officer will also conduct authorized check‑ins, maintain case files and improve data collection for policy evaluation and resource planning.
The City Attorney’s Office plans to add one compliance officer position within its Prosecution Division. The role will require experience in criminal justice, social work or a related field, with an emphasis on case management, communication and work with the public.
City officials said the program is expected to strengthen accountability, improve transparency for courts and prosecutors, provide clearer expectations for offenders and generate more reliable data to support long‑term planning and public safety efforts.
