DA Develops Cultural Awareness Application for Law Enforcement (2022)

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

Population: 3,298,634 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information

The San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA)  has developed a web based application that can be used from any computer or mobile device to access cultural information about various communities in San Diego County.  The Cultural Awareness Project originated with input from SDCDA’s Faith Leader’s Advisory Board and multiple focus groups with representative members of each community, the application provides valuable information about common beliefs, traditions, and historical perspective on law enforcement interactions. 

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

Population: 3,343,340 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information

After evaluating calls for service, crime data, and multiple community focus groups, the San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA)  launched a Community Action and Resource Center located in the heart of its highest need neighborhood.  The District Attorney’s CARE center partners with community based organization to direct people to appropriate resources using motivational interviewing and an evidence based assessment tool developed in conjunction with a local university.

Clark County District Attorney’s Office (Las Vegas, NV)

Population: 2,292,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 177 | Contact Information

The Clark County District Attorney’s Office (CCDA) has enhanced recruiting using a variety of tools to expose local students to prosecution work and engage interns in meaningful mentorships with experienced attorneys. To do this, CCDA has a designated attorney that recruits new lawyers to the office.  CCDA has a special recruiting email address, which is monitored by the recruiting attorney who personally responds to messages.  The recruiting attorney and other experienced prosecutors visit local schools, coach and judge mock trial teams, and work as adjuncts in local law schools in order to connect students to the work, who may not otherwise have exposure to prosecution work. 

Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office (Syracuse, NY)

Population: 473,200 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 48 | Contact Information

The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) Chief Administrative Officer serves as a Special Advisor to the Office of Career Services at Syracuse University College of Law which allows for a unique partnership that drives interest in prosecution work. 

Summit County Prosecutor’s Office (Akron, OH)

Population: 537,600 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 60 | Contact Information

The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office (SCPO) has improved office culture using a variety of anonymous and attributed surveys that contribute to better interpersonal relationships, morale, and productivity.  Through anonymous and attributed surveys, recognition programs, and meaningful team building activities, the office culture at SCPO promotes wellness, recruitment, and retention.

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

Population: 3,298,634 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information

The San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA) has developed a week-long program for first year law students who may not have a pre-existing interest in prosecution work, by giving them access to experienced lawyers through a week full of interesting presentations and experiences. 

Yavapai County Attorney’s Office (Prescott, AZ)

Population: 242,253 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 41 | Contact Information

The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office (YCAO) has developed robust work from home policies for all of their attorneys and staff. This has enabled them to supervise remote work and maintain accountability, while affording employees more flexible work environment options. The program was devised in response to the Covid -19 pandemic but has become a popular benefit and effective recruitment tool. 

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (St. Louis, MO)

Population: 996,179 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 66 | Contact Information

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (SLCPA) partnered with the Court, Public Defender, and the County Library to create a “Tap In Center” where community members can get legal help in order to clear warrants and take care of issues in criminal cases that would normally require a court appearance.  The program was launched in order to provide better access to services in a non-threatening environment, that caters to people who work or have childcare obligations during normal court hours.

Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office (San Jose, CA)

Population: 1,924,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 190 | Contact Information

The Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office (SCDA) has developed a way to automate the expungement of criminal records by partnering with the Court and Public Defender to streamline the process and leverage data contained in their case management system to identify those eligible for relief.  The program was devised after Santa Clara used a similar method to expunge records for those convicted of Marijuana offenses after California passed legislation decriminalizing its possession.