Deputy County Attorney John Erickson
Deputy County Attorney John Erickson Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council.
Deputy Yavapai County Attorney John Erickson was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, August 7, by the State Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council in Tucson. Erickson was honored for his lifetime commitment to public service and for the significant contributions he has made as a prosecutor. Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk stated: “John is very deserving of this award. He has dedicated the last 23 years to prosecution of crime in Yavapai County and to victims of crime. We are all very proud of him.”
Erickson, a native of Prescott, graduated from ASU College of Law, and returned to Prescott where he first entered public service as a prosecutor for the City of Prescott. Three years later, in 1988, John joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office where he practices law today.
During his twenty years with this office, John has worn many hats, from justice court prosecutor, to heavy-hitting trial attorney, and supervising attorney. Polk notes: “Among John’s contributions are his innovative ideas that improve the administration of justice. John is the behind-the-scenes architect of Yavapai County’s Early Disposition Court which was awarded the 2004 Arizona Supreme Court Justice for Better Arizona Award.”
Faced with a crisis created by heavy caseloads, delayed case resolution and an overpopulated jail, the county looked for new ways to efficiently process criminal cases. Erickson sat down at the drawing board and outlined a new process which eventually and officially became Early Disposition Court. This radically different way of doing business has resulted in a significant drop in prosecutor’s caseloads (from 80 - 100 down to 30 – 50), an increase in case disposition rate, and a manageable jail inmate population. “John’s initiative and ability to analyze a problem and create new solutions has made a significant impact on this office over the years and on our criminal justice system in Yavapai County,” stated Polk.
When John joined the office in 1988, the Yavapai County Attorney had nine deputy county attorneys and eleven support staff positions; today, there are thirty deputies and a total office staff of 103 employees. Former Yavapai County Attorney Chick Hastings, who hired Erickson in 1988, states, “John has consistently carried out his duties with diligence, professionalism, and compassion for others, the consummate gentleman who always treats everyone with dignity and respect.”
Co-workers appreciate Erickson’s cheerful disposition. “John is always personally delightful and a pleasure to work with. He has a wonderful sense of humor and dry wit that helps lessen a stressful situation,” states Nancy Janik, lead secretary in the County Attorney’s Office.
In receiving the award, John thanked his co-workers and colleagues. ““It has been an honor to serve in the County Attorney’s Office the last 20 years. I am humbled when I think of
all the talented and dedicated people I have worked with over the years. I have learned from them all and hope that I have been able to pass on what I have learned. Prescott has been my home for 54 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Yavapai County. I thank everyone for this award.”
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