Community Collaboration

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. 

This tool provides valuable information about de-escalating techniques and dealing with juveniles.  The tool is adaptable and new communities are being added regularly.  This tool is especially effective, since the information contained within it comes directly from community members who shared preferred approaches and information with employees from the DA’s CARE center, who have been specially trained in trauma informed communication.  Importantly the tool reflects that community’s goals of de-escalation and safety are shared during these interactions.  The “Cultural Awareness Project” App is available to the public on the APP Store.