Specialized Team Focuses on Enforcing Red Flag Laws to Prevent Violence (2022)

San Diego Office of the City Attorney (San Diego, CA)

Population: 1,380,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 183 | Contact Information

The San Diego City Attorney’s Office (SDCA) is using California’s Red Flag Laws to prevent gun violence, before it happens, using a state law that allows law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals who have been proved a danger to themselves or others.  Since 2018, SDCA has partnered with law enforcement to file and enforce over 1.000 gun violence restraining orders (GVRO).

Office of the Florida State Attorney, 8th Judicial District (Gainesville, FL)

Population: 415,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 45 | Contact Information

The Office of the Florida State’s Attorney for the 8^th Judicial Circuit (SAO8th)  has partnered with Technologies for Justice to harness sentencing data from the Florida Department of Corrections in order to provide prosecutors with information about average sentences imposed for similarly situated offenders.  Access to this data is given to prosecutors prior to making a plea offer, reducing unsubstantiated deviations.  By using a neutral starting point and sharing it with defense counsel, it is hoped that disparities based on unexamined or intentional bias will be reduced in favor of more equitable plea bargains.        

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

Population: 3,343,360 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information

The San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA)  has partnered with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) to provide a webpage and live chat link feature that gives victims immediate access to ITRC’s experts in preventing and recovering from identity theft.  This tool allows the office to refer victims to necessary resources, even when a case cannot be prosecuted.

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.