Tucson Standard

Citing "personal reasons," Pima County Precinct 10 Constable Michael Stevenson has sent a letter of resignation to the Pima County Supervisors.

According to a story by KVOA, Stevenson's resignation comes on the heels of the death of Constable Deborah Martinez Garibay, who was shot while serving an eviction notice in August. Since then, three other constables are on medical leave, and Esther Gonzalez, a good friend of Martinez Garibay, has stopped going to work. There are now only three constables operating in Pima County, the story stated. The supervisors plan to address the issue at their next meeting, but they agree that finding more constables will be difficult.

"And I would not fault them at all for that because it's a risk," Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz said.

Heinz also said the Constables' Office needs to be overhauled.

"Do we need eight or nine or ten constables? Or do we need a Pima County Constable that we all elect, just one like a Sheriff or County Recorder, (and) then a professional staff?" Heinz asked.

Supervisor Steve Christy disagreed, saying the constables should remain the way they are, and Christy said the supervisors should increase funding for the Constables' Office, and should also take more steps to make the constables' jobs safer.

"They are really the unsung heroes in our community and instead of being threatened with termination and elimination they should be reassured and supported," Christy said.