Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell says she wants higher bond amounts for suspects, following a slew of violent incidents against law enforcement.
Mitchell recently told reporters that within the span of a week there were seven officer-involved shootings across the state.
"In one of those shootings, a DPS trooper was shot and three others were hurt by shrapnel. In two incidents, the suspect either fired a shot or pointed a gun at law enforcement," Mitchell said.
Mitchell says her office asked the court to set bond at $1 million cash for one of those suspects.
"This was an appropriate amount given the gravity of the allegations against her and the threat to the community. Instead, a commissioner set her bond at $25,000 secured," which means only 10% of that amount is needed for release — so, $2,500.
Mitchell says bond amounts should be guided by “common sense,” and her office is working to educate judges.
"We've got to stop this revolving door. We cannot continue to allow dangerous individuals to cycle in and out of custody while awaiting trial, leaving them free to re-offend, tamper with witnesses and victims, flee the jurisdiction, and place the public at risk," Mitchell said.
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