Innovations Blog

Authors: PCE and Sarah Solano Geisler

Innovative programs described in these state-level papers funded by the DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs are newly developed initiatives undertaken by an office in keeping with its unique resources and the needs of its community. We seek to highlight those offices that are embracing their new role by working within their capacity to bring effective and proactive programs to their communities.

Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office (Long Beach, CA)

Population: 462,628 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 17 | Contact Information

To address chronic problems related to mental health, homelessness, and recidivism, the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office partnered with Laserfiche, a private company, to develop an app that law enforcement officers can use on patrol to access critical information such as warrants, stay away court orders, probation, or parole or diversion status.

Office of the State Attorney of the Fourth Judicial Circuit (Jacksonville, FL)

Population: 1,265,632 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 110 | Contact Information

The Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (SAO) is using a multifaceted approach to combat increased gang violence. Under an Innovative Prosecution Solutions grant, the SAO is strengthening its Targeted Prosecution Unit to promote evidence-based prosecution and develop a strategic plan to address gang violence through prevention, intervention, and correction.

Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (Hawaii County, HI)

Population: 201,513 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 34 | Contact Information

In order to address the growing problem of witness intimidation and a lack of repeat offender management, the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (OPA) used grant funding from Innovative Prosecution Solutions to create a Coordinated Community Response Task Force (CCR) comprised of criminal justice organizations and intensified support service providers.

Office of the Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney (Flint, MI)

Population: 404,063 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 41 | Contact Information

In order to address deficiencies in timely information sharing regarding local crime drivers, the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO) Crime Strategies Unit (CSU) is investing in NC4 Street Smart technology, which produces crime bulletins to alert officers to issues in the field and allows up-to-date information to be transmitted instantaneously.

Denver District Attorney’s Office (Denver, CO)

Population: 716,490 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 94 | Contact Information

In response to unsolved gang related crime, the Denver District Attorney’s Office is utilizing an Innovative Prosecution Solutions grant to fund a Digital Evidence Task Force (DETF).  The DETF uses cutting-edge technology to extract cell phone data on-scene for immediate use in ongoing investigations.

Office of the Bronx District Attorney (Bronx, NY)

Population: 1,400,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 449 | Contact Information

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is utilizing Innovative Prosecution Solutions (IPS) grant funds and resources to implement evidence-based strategies that help reduce the jurisdiction’s high violent crime rates. The IPS Crime Strategies Bureau (CSB) is the project’s hub for analysis and uses both crime data and social media research to identify high need areas impacted by violence where prevention, engagement, intervention, and mitigation measures should be implemented. 

Cook County State’s Attorney (Chicago, IL)

Population: 5,211,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 900 | Contact Information

In response to violent crime committed by gang members and others in furtherance of the illegal drug trade, The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) is utilizing Innovative Prosecution Solutions resources to diminish the profitability of these crimes. The SAO has hired a dedicated Financial and Cybercrimes Prosecutor, who coordinates law enforcement efforts to target financial enterprises with a nexus to violent crimes.

Cuyahoga County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (Cleveland, OH)

Population: 1,235,072 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 225 | Contact Information

In response to high homicide and robbery rates, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office (CCPO), which handles felony cases for approximately 60 police municipalities has enhanced the capacity of its Crime Strategies Unit.

Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (Long Island, NY)

Population: 1,357,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 231 | Contact Information

Working with Innovation Prosecution Solutions, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office is leading the implementation of a zone-focused prosecution model to combat gang crime in the Village of Hempstead.