Office-Wide Reform Strategies

Office of the District Attorney, Eighth Judicial District (Larimer & Jackson County, CO)

Population: 225,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors:42 | Contact Information

The Office of the District Attorney for Colorado’s 8^th Judicial District (CDA 8th)  has developed a pre-plea diversion program that has been dramatically expanded so that every incoming misdemeanor is screened by a dedicated team that proactively looks for good candidates who can participate in appropriate services or restorative justice processes.

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.

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.