Project abstract program goals: incentivize prosecutors and public defenders to choose or remain in public service by lessening the burden of educational debt obligations

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $101,941 under the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act (CFDA 16.816) Formula Grant program to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. The grant will incentivize prosecutors and public defenders to choose or remain in public service positions by lessening the burden of educational debt obligations through substantial and meaningful loan repayment awards. The Commission will conduct an outreach campaign to ensure eligible applicants are aware of the grant and application process. Awards will be made based on applicants' ability to pay while balancing geographic and demographic diversity, with equal amounts allocated between prosecutor and public defender recipient groups. Data collection and surveys will comply with federal reporting requirements. The grant period is October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024.

Provide substantial and meaningful awards to successful applicants while maximizing the number of awards available. Adhere to the statutory mandate by making awards based on the applicant's ability to pay while balancing geographic and demographic diversity. Ensure equal amounts allocated to prosecutor and public defender groups and attempt to provide equal awards to prosecutors and public defenders individually. Strategy: partner with arizona criminal justice associations and agencies to conduct a widespread outreach campaign ensuring eligible applicants are aware of the grant and informed of the application process. Utilize a fair and understandable method for calculating "ability to pay." divide the state into geographic sectors representing various population densities. Collect data and conduct surveys to comply with reporting requirements. Number of employed prosecutors, public defenders and federal public defenders: FY10 (1ST year of JRJ fund availability) FY16 FY20 FY21 FY22 prosecutors 798 (as of 11/2010) 800 (as of 12/2015) 912 (as of 7/2019) 893 (as of 2/2021) 901 (as of 7/2021) public defenders 588 (as of 7/2010)