PHOENIX, AZ (December 12, 2012) – Responding to a surge in demand for information, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office handled more than 500 public records requests in 2012, nearly double the number processed the previous year. Requests came from a wide variety of sources, including media outlets, defense attorneys, prosecutors from other jurisdictions, prison inmates, students, businesses and members of the public. The types of records requested ranged from case documents to prosecution statistics and historical data, all of which were reviewed by assigned attorneys and compiled by the MCAO’s Records Custodian.

“These numbers reflect not only the strong and varied interest in the work of the County Attorney’s Office, but our commitment to be as transparent and open as possible about the services our prosecutors provide to the citizens of Maricopa County,” remarked County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Whether it’s information on an individual case or data on criminal justice trends, my office will continue to thoroughly and promptly provide information in accordance with our statutory responsibilities,” he added.

Arizona’s Public Records laws, contained in Title 39 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, allow any person to inspect and be furnished copies of public records of any elected or appointed office or public body. Requesters may be required to pay for individual copies and scanning, however many records are typically furnished on CD-ROMs for a nominal fee. Certain non-public information, such as victim identification information, social security and bank account numbers, are redacted from records prior to their release.

Public records requests to the County Attorney’s Office are handled by two attorneys, office interns, clerical staff and the Records Custodian. Requests can be made by calling the MCAO’s Public Information Officer or by completing and submitting an online form at www.maricopacountyattorney.org.

###