Celebrate Black History Month: Meet Detective John Byrd
 In honor of Black History Month, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office would like to highlight an employee that goes above and beyond in their contributions to the criminal justice system and the community. Detective John Byrd started working with MCAO seven years ago. He currently works for MCAO's Investigations Division in the Family Violence and Trial West Bureaus.
Maricopa County Career Fair
 MCAO staff participated in the first ever Maricopa County Career Fair and Community Expo. Over 2,200 community members attended the event at Chase Field, 70 of whom even got married at the ballpark! Countless other participants applied for jobs and participated in on-site interviews. MCAO received 77 applications, 57 job interest inquiries, 29 resumes, conducted 12 onsite interviews, and even extended 9 job offers that same day! Since the career fair, the office's weekly average number of applications increased from 108 to 145 applications per week. Overall, it was a home run!
  Scammers Give Love a Bad Name
Valentine's Day may be over, but romance scams happen all year long. According to the FTC, over 70,000 people fell victim to romance scams last year resulting in a loss of $1.3 billion with the average person losing $4,400!
Scammers use dating apps and social media to research and then target people looking for love. Approximately 40% of people who lost money to a romance scam said the interaction started on social media with a private message. After a while, the scammers ask for help, offer investment opportunities, or manipulate you into sharing personal or financial information (see the chart below).
 The best way to avoid a scam is to pay attention to the red flags:
- Pressure you to act immediately
- Ask you to send money using a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Demand you share your personal or financial information with them
If you come across a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Learn about romance scams and other schemes on our website.
Catalytic Converter Etching Events
 MCAO has partnered with Midas and local law enforcement agencies to host catalytic converter etching events throughout the valley. So far, we've helped over 1,000 Maricopa County residents get their vehicle's catalytic converter etched. And we're not done yet....
 Join MCAO and the Scottsdale Police Department for another catalytic converter etching event on Sunday, March 19 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Midas in Scottsdale. Don't wait, register today!
Tempe Community Forum on Fentanyl
 The U.S. overdose crisis has reached a devastating level. According to the CDC, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses last year. The prevalence of counterfeit fentanyl pills is also devastating our youth, causing a rise in poisoning deaths among teens and young adults.
Unfortunately, only 36% of teens are aware that fentanyl is used to create counterfeit pills. Education and awareness are key to saving lives. That's why MCAO is joining the Tempe Police Department, the Tempe Union High School District, and Tempe Coalition to host a community forum on fentanyl. Join us on Tuesday, March 21 at 6:00 pm at McClintock High School and learn how to keep your family safe.
 Future of Justice Mentorship Program
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Our high school mentorship program continued this month at Desert Vista High School with presentations from Public Safety Liaison Tom Van Dorn. Tom spoke about officer involved shootings and explained the review process the office utilizes to make decisions on these cases. |
Beyond the Courtroom
 This month, our community affairs staff provided 14 safety presentations to organizations throughout the valley. Our staff also participated in Transportation Day in Ahwatukee and the Coronado Street Fair in Phoenix where they spoke to over 400 people!
Want to learn more about how to improve your personal safety? Schedule an educational presentation with our community affairs team! It's quick, easy, and can help you stay safe.
 
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