NCJ Number
182871
Date Published
May 2000
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This is a collection of white papers that profile outstanding community prosecution programs throughout the United States.
Abstract
Around the country, many prosecutors are taking on new responsibilities beyond traditional case processing. They are opening neighborhood offices, getting to know local residents and adding a new measure of achievement, one that tallies success not just by the rate of conviction or the number of hardened criminals put behind bars but also by the positive impact of their actions on the community. This shift in philosophy and approach is what community prosecution is all about. Prosecutors are finding that partnering with the community can improve public safety, boost confidence in the justice system and make communities stronger and more effective. Programs in Austin, Denver, Indianapolis, and Portland offer unique perspectives on the issues and practice of community prosecution today. The profiles in this collection focus on developing new community justice tools (Austin), engaging the community (Denver), building partnerships (Indianapolis) and the dynamics of problem-solving (Portland).