Concerns over rising crime in Pima County were the focus of a press conference held by the Tucson Crime Free Coalition on Tuesday, where criticism was largely directed at Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Speakers at the press conference blamed what they called poor leadership for increased crime in the county. However, recent data presents a different perspective.
“Our elected officials want us to believe crime is down, but it is not. It is underreported,” said Josh Jacobsen with the Tucson Crime Free Coalition.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety , overall crime investigated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has decreased by 35% — so far — in 2024, compared to 2023. Violent crime, including homicides , is on track to be the lowest in five years.
Despite this, critics, such as the President of the Pima County Deputy’s Organization, Sergeant Aaron Cross, argue that the department is in disarray.
“The scandals, the lawsuits, investigations, employees arrested, inmate deaths, deputies shot, and scores of deputies leaving for other agencies are but symptoms of a larger problem,” Cross said speaking at the conference. “That problem specifically is Chris Nanos and his handpicked men that occupy senior command.”