In addition to prosecution, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office plays many other roles and responsibilities within the criminal justice system. One many don't know about involves the office's own specialized sworn law enforcement officers. There are times when a case is submitted to our office, and more information is needed to move the case forward. That's where our detectives come in. As part of MCAO's Investigations Division, detectives provide additional staffing and investigative support to prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies to bring cases to justice.
Detective Gina Garcia is one of these employees. After retiring from the Phoenix Police Department, where she worked as a Violent Crimes Bureau detective, Detective Garcia wanted to continue helping victims of violent crimes. "I started working at the County Attorney's Office because I wanted to continue working within the justice system and helping citizens."
During her time with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Detective Garcia has worked in the Criminal and Specialized Prosecution Bureau, the Strategic Investigations Bureau, and now in the Special Prosecution 1 Division with the Capital Litigation Bureau. While working with these bureaus, Detective Garcia conducted case-related interviews, served victims and witnesses with testimony subpoenas, and assisted with technical surveillance.
As part of the Capital Litigation Bureau, her day-to-day work now focuses on interviewing family members as part of homicide and murder cases, reviewing and researching case information, locating witnesses, collaborating with detectives from local and out of state police agencies to reference information, and providing reports of her participation and involvement in cases. But, for Detective Garcia, the best part of her job is the people she gets to work with and the people she can help. "It is rewarding that citizens can trust me and know that I am here to help them."
Detective Garcia values her work and believes it plays an essential role in the County Attorney's Office's partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. "We all work together to get justice for citizens of Maricopa County and its communities. The goal is to make communities safe for everyone."
According to her co-workers, Detective Garcia is a valued team member. She not only adapts to rapidly changing situations but faces challenges and tough assignments with a positive and confident attitude. Lieutenant Kenneth Silvia shares that "she is never one to shy away from a new aspect of an investigation. She embraces the challenge and learns quickly."
In addition to her positive attitude, Detective Garcia is a skillful interviewer. She has exceptional listening skills, remains focused, and is very patient and empathetic with every witness, making them feel heard and valued. These skills and her inquisitive persona help her obtain key information from witnesses to contribute to cases.
Even with these skills and experience, Detective Garcia constantly seeks training opportunities to advance her knowledge further. Her team considers her reliable and knowledgeable and is motivated by the effort she dedicates to her work.
Detective Garcia encourages any woman interested in a career in law enforcement to pursue it. She shares that for her, "it's one of the best jobs out there. Every day is different, from a patrol response call to an investigation call to assisting the attorneys with prosecuting the cases. This job is demanding but very rewarding." She shares that there will be challenges, as there are in any profession but that "with determination and commitment, anything can be accomplished."