The interim Maricopa County attorney is forecasting a significant reduction in the number of unfilled prosecutor jobs.

Rachel Mitchell launched a hiring campaign after taking over the office in April with a roughly 20% vacancy across the agency.

While accepting endorsements from police unions on Thursday, Mitchell said she expects to fill half of the open prosecutor positions by the end of the year. 

“Crime will decline when criminals know they will not be able to get away with misdemeanors or low-level offenses anymore,” she said.

The Republican Mitchell will face Democrat Julie Gunnigle in November for the chance to serve as Maricopa County attorney through 2024.