Implicit Bias/Racial and Ethnic Inequity

New York County District Attorney’s Office (New York, NY)

Population: 1,630,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 525

In Manhattan, the District Attorney’s Office of New York, brought in expert instructors  to train investigators and prosecutors in Science Based Interview (SBI) techniques derived from research conducted by members of U.S. Intelligence Agencies in support of the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group. The methods of interviewing are based on scientific research and designed to improve communication with suspects, victims and witnesses.

El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office (El Dorado County, CA)

Population: 193,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors:25 | Contact Information

The District Attorney’s Office in El Dorado County, California (DAED) is spearheading a national effort to train law enforcement and prosecutors in Science Based Interview (SBI) techniques derived from research conducted by members of U.S. Intelligence Agencies in support of the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group.  The methods of interviewing are based on scientific research and designed to improve communication with suspects, victims and witnesses.

Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County (Ellicott City, MD)

Population: 330,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 45 | Contact Information

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County Maryland (OSAHC) has partnered with local law enforcement, the Public Defender’s Office and County and State authorities to  develop a post arrest, pre-charging Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (LEAD) that addresses a variety of criminogenic needs in an effort to reduce convictions for low level offenders.

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: 3,298,634 | 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.

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.

Yolo County District Attorney’s Office (Woodland, CA)

Population: 220,410 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 42 | Contact Information

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office (YCDA) has partnered with For the People, a non-profit group focused on sentencing equity, and the law school at University of California, Davis to create a clinic that engages students in reviewing convictions to determine if resentencing would serve the interests of justice.  In California, prosecutors were recently given the ability to petition the court to resentence individuals, even after all appeals are final.  This new law allows prosecutors to request shorter sentences in appropriate cases.