Backlogs and Trials During the Pandemic

Prosecutors are facing a growing backlog at every stage of a prosecution, including in forensic laboratories. Reducing the backlog will require new thinking and new approaches. The backlog has also increased the pressure to try cases during the pandemic.

With input from prosecutors around the country, PCE has collected suggestions for addressing the backlog and trying cases during the pandemic.

Authors: Aequitas, RTI International, and PCE

In November 2020, the National Black Prosecutors Association in collaboration with PCE and other partners hosted a four-hour training that examined biases in the criminal justice system, using scientific data and case studies. Approximately 300 participants were provided with actionable strategies to bring about a more equitable justice system and to maintain the integrity of the legal system.

The role of the prosecutor has evolved dramatically over the last 40 years. PCE highlights a sampling of prosecutor innovations in this new report that dives into 221 programs from 150 prosecutor offices from across the country. 

Interactive Map: Find prosecutor innovations by state, office, or program category with our new interactive map, which illustrates the breadth of innovation in the U.S. by highlighting 250+ programs in 150+ offices.

Authors: PCE and Aequitas

Authors: PCE, DANY, Bronx District Attorney’s Office, and Aequitas

Presentation moderator Kristine Hamann of PCE discusses reducing the criminal justice footprint with Assistant DA Nicole Ortsman-Dauer (New York County, NY) and DA Beth McCann (Denver, CO) at the October Best Practices Conference, “The Modern Prosecutor As Problem Solver – Looking to Data and Collaboration for Solutions”.

Summit County District Attorney’s Office (Akron, OH) 

Population: 541,013 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 63 | Contact Information

As a new office strategy, grand jurors and trial jurors are asked to survey the performance of prosecutors and other justice partners to identify training needs and promote better case preparation. The use of surveys has also been expanded to address staff concerns about working conditions, such as office safety protocols in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (San Diego, CA)

Population: 3,343,360 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 324 | Contact Information

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (SDCDA) is using specialized software to notify domestic violence victims of case updates through a series of texts that provide the name and telephone number of the assigned deputy district attorney; the decision on whether to proceed with the case; a variety of ways to obtain victim services; and, links to a supporting website with FAQs and local resources. Funded by an original grant from Innovative Prosecution Solutions, the software sent text message warnings to domestic violence suspects in cases when charges could not be filed.

Monroe County District Attorney’s Office (Rochester, NY)

Population: 741,770 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 85 | Contact Information

The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office is asking jurors to survey the grand jury process and the performance of prosecutors and other justice partners during their service. While juror concerns are used to inform prosecutor training needs, positive comments are also shared with the office as part of a popular employee recognition program. This recognition is highly desired by prosecutors.