Community Programs

One of the many benefits of being part of the Best Practices network is the ability to share information with prosecutors across the country about promising programs and how to implement them. Prosecutors’ Center for Excellence (PCE) held a two-day conference in Boston on July 19 and 20, 2016 with prosecutors from 17 states in attendance. One topic was how to create community programs on a shoe string.

Here is a sampling of the varied – and excellent – programs highlighted during the meeting:

California – Los Angeles County:  Project LEAD – A school program with a 20-week curriculum designed to teach 5th graders how decisions today may affect their futures and includes DA mentors. The program concludes with students performing a scripted mock trial, putting into practice what they have learned about the criminal justice system. Read

Colorado – Adams County:  District Attorney Citizens Academy – A free, eight-week course held in evenings at the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office that covers the work of the county’s prosecutors and law enforcement and the operations of the criminal justice system. Read

Illinois – Kane County:  Cyberbullying  – A PowerPoint presentation to educate students on how cyberbullying occurs and its consequences, including real-life examples and the array of possible criminal charges. Read

Louisiana – East Baton Rouge Parish:  BRAVE (Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination Project) A joint project with the East Baton Rouge DA’s Office, the mayor’s office, the police and sheriff, school superintendent and Louisiana State University designed to reduce gang violence and violent crime in general through increased presence in the community. Read

Minnesota – Dakota County:  S.A.F.E. Elders (Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation of Elders) –A collaborative effort with the Dakota County Attorney’s Office and other local agencies to address abuse and exploitation against the senior population and includes resources and videos on elder abuse. About and Read

Minnesota – Stearns County:  Domestic Violence Partnership – a collaboration of the Stearns County District Attorney and local law enforcement, courts, defense and social service agencies to create a felony domestic violence court and provide intensive supervision and multi-faceted programming and support for victims and offenders. About and Read

Missouri:  Victim Advocate Funding – The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys secured grant funding so that every prosecutor’s office in the state will have access to a victim advocate, a first for Missouri.  They will also provide uniform training and implement statewide data collection to greatly enhance victim services. Read

New York – Rockland County: Partnership for Safe Youth – The Rockland County District Attorney partnered with county leaders to open a one-stop location for school, mental health and social services assistance for struggling youth. About and Read

Tennessee: Meth Destroys, What’s the Rush and Deceptive Danger – The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference produced videos and materials to educate youth and families statewide on some of the most serious issues facing the community – methamphetamine use, teen pregnancy and synthetic drugs. Read

PCE: The Prosecutor’s Evolving Role – Seeking Justice Through Community Partnerships and Innovation. This PCE article provides a broad overview of many additional programs sponsored by prosecutors. Read