Seeking Justice and Serving Communities.

• Author: West, Billy

"Seeking Justice and Serving Communities" is not only the theme for our 2021 NDAA Summer Summit but also a goal for our organization. During a time when there has never been more attention on the criminal justice system, the voice of America's prosecutors and its over 5,000 members are leading the way. Our prosecutors are developing strategies to address a nationwide rise in violent crime while continuing to advance diversion programs, treatment courts and alternative dispositions. This unique time in the history of our country provides NDAA and its prosecutors many opportunities.

Major American cities saw a 33% increase in homicides last year and 63 of the 66 largest police jurisdictions saw increases in at least one category of violent crime in 2020. Prosecutors seek justice for victims of homicide, sexual assault, robberies, child abuse, domestic violence, property crimes and countless other offenses. New technology such as genetic genealogy is being used to solve cold cases such as sexual assaults and homicides. NDAA members Anne Marie Schubert (Sacramento, CA) and Greg Totten (Ventura, CA) were instrumental in solving and successfully prosecuting the Golden State Killer cases using this technology and are training other prosecutors on this technique.

Prosecutors across the country are partnering with law-enforcement to combat violent crime. Human Trafficking Task Forces, Domestic Violence Units, and satellite-based monitoring for violent criminals on pretrial release or probation are just a few of the many initiatives. NDAA members are also utilizing trauma informed prosecution with programs such as: trauma therapy for children exposed to violence, victim support groups, and service animals to assist victims of violent crime.

America's prosecutors have the ability to fight the rising tide of violent crime while still being leaders in criminal justice reform. NDAA prosecutors from coast to coast are advancing diversion programs, treatment courts, and alternative dispositions. Many prosecutors' offices partner with law enforcement to create pre-charge diversion programs especially for those with substance abuse and mental health issues. In my hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, our LEAD Program (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) allows addicts with low-level drug offenses to seek treatment. Our program was the first in the Southeast and has received national recognition. Across the country, numerous treatment courts such as Drug...