Strengthening Justice: Strategies for Effective Prosecutor–Police Partnerships

Author: PERF

This report explores DA-driven initiatives that have the support of law enforcement members in their jurisdictions—programs that go beyond DAs merely reviewing cases presented by police and then offering plea bargains or prosecuting those cases in court.

This project was conceived by PERF Deputy Director Jennifer Sommers, a former longtime state and county prosecutor in New York. She has long believed that “effective collaboration between police and prosecutors is the key to moving from good to great,” and partnered with Kristine Hamann to showcase how jurisdictions across the country are putting that principle into practice. Together, they identified examples of innovative, prosecution-led partnerships from around the country that are strengthening public safety and advancing justice.

Authors: Elaine Borakove, Kristine Hamann, Antonia Merzon

PCE, PCE’s National Best Practices Committee, and the Salt Lake County DA’s Office hosted the 4th National Prosecution Best Practices Conference in Salt Lake City on October 7th and 8th, 2024. Prosecutors from across the country attended the two-day conference to learn from subject matter experts and participate in breakout room discussions. For more information, visit the conference website.

Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (Miami-Dade County, FL)

With increasing tourism, increasing population, and increasing commerce came increasing employment opportunities for attorneys in Miami-Dade County.

Author: PCE’s National Best Practices Committee (NBP)

The traditional role of the prosecutor is as a minister of justice who enforces the law and seeks justice. Modern prosecutors are viewing their roles more expansively to include crime prevention, problem solving and innovation. This publication explores the new roles of a modern prosecutor.

Author: PCE’s National Best Practices Committee (NBP)

This paper details the jobs and tasks that may not have existed in the prosecution office of the past. These positions might be added in an individual office, shared by a group of offices through mutual agreement, or be attached to a state prosecution association. In some offices one person may handle one or more of the responsibilities listed. 

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (San Diego, CA)

The SDCDA  has developed an app that can be used from any computer or mobile device to access cultural information about various communities in San Diego County. 

Clark County District Attorney’s Office (Las Vegas, NV)

The Clark County District Attorney’s Office (CCDA) has enhanced recruiting using a variety of tools to expose local students to prosecution work and engage interns in meaningful mentorships with experienced attorneys.

Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office (Syracuse, NY)

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)

The SCPO has improved office culture using a variety of anonymous and attributed surveys that contribute to better interpersonal relationships, morale, and productivity.