Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

07/22/2025

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Welcomes New Members

Phoenix, AZ, Monday, July 21, 2025 — The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) proudly announces the appointment of seven new members to its governing body, expanding representation and strengthening statewide collaboration across the criminal justice system. These appointments were made by Governor Katie Hobbs and her administration.
Newly appointed Commissioners include:
• Ammon D. Barker, Coconino County Attorney
• Chief Sean P. Connolly, Flagstaff Police Department
• Chief Brian J. Issitt, Goodyear Police Department
• Megan Page, Public Defender
• Roxanne Pergeson, Navajo County Victim Advocate
• Sheriff David Rhodes, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
• Mayor Corey D. Woods, City of Tempe

“We are grateful to Governor Hobbs and her team for their thoughtful appointments, which bring both continuity and fresh perspectives to the Commission,” said Chief Steve Stahl, ACJC Chairman. “The diversity of roles and regions represented by our new members will strengthen our efforts to advance a fair, effective, and collaborative justice system throughout Arizona.”
Executive Director Anthony Vidale added, “We are excited to welcome these new members, each of whom brings vital experience and a deep commitment to public service. Their perspectives will help guide the Commission as we continue our work on data-driven policies, victim services, grant administration, and public safety priorities that impact communities statewide.”
The Commission extends its deepest gratitude to Brad Carlyon, Navajo County Attorney, and Chief Lance Spivey of the St. Johns Police Department, for their steadfast leadership, unwavering support, and dedicated service during their time on the Commission. Both members played an instrumental role in guiding ACJC through the challenges of the recent sunset review, offering wisdom, stability, and a genuine commitment to public safety that will leave a lasting impact on the agency and the communities we serve.

The Commission is composed of criminal justice leaders from across Arizona, appointed to ensure balanced representation of law enforcement, prosecution, defense, victims’ rights, local government, and the judiciary.
For more information about ACJC and its mission, visit www.azcjc.gov.

07/18/2025

Anthony Vidale Appointed Permanent Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

Phoenix, AZ, Friday, July 17, 2025 — The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Vidale as its permanent Executive Director, following a unanimous vote by Commission members during the regular meeting held on July 16, 2025.

Mr. Vidale brings more than 25 years of public service with the State of Arizona and has served in multiple leadership roles within ACJC, including Deputy Director and Interim Executive Director. Since stepping into the interim role in February 2025, Vidale has led the agency through a time of transition with steady leadership and a strong focus on operational stability, internal communication, and long-term vision.

“Tony’s leadership, integrity, and long-standing service to the State of Arizona made him the clear and unanimous choice to lead the Commission forward,” said Chief Steve Stahl, Chair of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. “His ability to build coalitions, strengthen agency operations, and elevate the voices of our criminal justice partners across the state is invaluable. We look forward to continuing the Commission’s work under his steady guidance.”

“Titles and legislation are important, but they mean little without the people who bring them to life every day,” said Executive Director Anthony Vidale. “While I’ve been credited with helping stabilize the agency, the truth is that our dedicated staff are the ones who keep this agency moving forward. Their talent, integrity, and commitment to public service are what make ACJC strong. It’s an honor to serve as Executive Director—and an even greater honor to work alongside such an exceptional team as we enter a new chapter focused on accountability, innovation, and collaboration.”

Anthony Vidale brings over 25 years of public service in Arizona with a deep expertise in criminal justice policy, public finance, and agency leadership. He has held key roles at ACJC, including Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Interim Executive Director, and is widely respected for his leadership during the agency’s recent sunset review and reorganization. Tony is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and holds advanced degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also teaches criminal justice and public administration courses at several Arizona universities.

For more information about the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission and its initiatives, please visit www.azcjc.gov.

05/15/2025

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission proudly congratulates Dorinda Johns, Victim Services Program Manager, on 30 years of dedicated service to the State of Arizona.

“On behalf of the entire Commission, the ACJC team, and the countless individuals you’ve served across the state—thank you, Dorinda, for your decades of commitment, the meaningful impact you’ve made, and the inspiration you continue to provide every day.”

Pictured: Chairman Chief Steve Stahl, Dorinda Johns, and Executive Director Tony Vidale.

04/11/2025

04/10/2025

04/09/2025

04/08/2025

ACJC would like to congratulate Roxanne Pergeson for receiving the 2025 Victims' Rights Week Victim Compensation "Strength through Service" award. Executive Director Tony Vidale presented Ms. Pergeson the award at the Governors Victims Rights Week event on April 7, 2025.

With 15 years of experience in criminal justice, including 13 years dedicated to victim advocacy, management, and compensation coordination, Roxanne has become a vital force in the support and empowerment of individuals affected by crime. As the Victim Services Director and Compensation Coordinator for the Navajo County Attorney's Office, she leads a dedicated team committed to providing services for victims of crime. Her department offers courtroom advocacy, crisis response, and critical support for victims of sexual assault, both adults and children. Roxanne's work with victim compensation extends well beyond Navajo County. She regularly collaborates with other county victim compensation programs, ensuring positive outcomes for victims statewide. Her commitment to outreach helps connect individuals affected by crime to the support they need, ensuring that they are not only heard but also empowered and assisted in meaningful ways. In a field where the challenges of dealing with traumatic situations can overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals, Roxanne remains grounded. She recognizes that maintaining a healthy perspective is crucial in such a demanding environment, and humor has proven to be an invaluable tool for self-care. Through her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach, Roxanne continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those she serves.

Congratulations Roxanne! hashtag

04/08/2025

🏅 Award Announcement

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is honored to present the Victim Compensation Strength Through Service Award to Roxanne Pergeson.

With 15 years of experience in the criminal justice system—including 13 years dedicated to victim advocacy, management, and compensation coordination—Roxanne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting victims of crime with compassion and professionalism.

As the Victim Services Director and Compensation Coordinator for the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, she leads a team focused on providing critical services, including courtroom advocacy, crisis response, and specialized support for victims of sexual assault, both adults and children.

Roxanne's influence extends well beyond Navajo County. She consistently collaborates with victim compensation programs across Arizona, working to ensure victims statewide receive timely and meaningful assistance. Her dedication to outreach ensures that those affected by crime are not only informed of their rights, but also connected to vital resources that support healing and justice.

Her leadership and deep commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact on countless lives. Roxanne exemplifies the values of service, integrity, and resilience that this award represents.

Please join us in recognizing Roxanne Pergeson for her outstanding contributions to victim services in Arizona.

04/07/2025

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) extends its sincere gratitude to Governor Katie Hobbs for issuing the proclamation recognizing Arizona Victims' Rights Week, April 6–12, 2025. This proclamation underscores the state's commitment to upholding and advancing the rights of crime victims throughout Arizona.

04/07/2025

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is an annual observance to raise awareness about victims’ rights and services. NCVRW is an opportunity to recognize organizations that have been promote victims’ rights for decades and to form partnerships to serve and support victims of crime.

Check out the Official Resource Guide here:

Discover tools and sample materials to help you raise awareness about crime victims' rights and services.

04/06/2025

Every year ACJC recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and with the help of our Governor, we proclaim the week Arizona Crime Victims' Rights Week too!
This year's theme KINSHIP is a call to action:

1. to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime.

2. KINSHIP is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections and increases access to services, rights, and healing.

3. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins.

On April 7th at 10:30 AM, the State will host its annual recognition event.