NCJ Number
194167
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2002 Pages: 35-36,46
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article is an overview of the implementation, growth, and benefits of the Cook County State's Attorney Community Prosecution Program
Abstract
Although prosecutors have traditionally employed "community outreach" programs focusing on community education, starting in 1996 the Cook County prosecutor's office sought to expand its community interaction. Its chosen methodology included opening a series of field offices located in targeted neighborhoods. The prosecutors assigned to these offices worked with community leaders and the police to identify potential crime and "quality-of-life" issues affecting the office's targeted neighborhood. In 1999, the community prosecution program's staff was tripled in size and given the responsibility for the prosecution of all hate crimes within the Cook County system. The program has resulted in increased awareness by prosecutors of emerging community issues, an increased community awareness of prosecutions, and an increased courthouse presence among interested citizens during trials that relate to their community.