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Commonwealth's Attorney outlines expansion of conviction integrity, diversion and staffing needs
Summary
The Commonwealth's Attorney described efforts to expand conviction integrity reviews, restorative justice and diversion programs, and asked the board for funding for senior prosecutors, investigators and community-engagement staff to handle a shifting caseload and federal policy changes.
The Commonwealth's Attorney described a portfolio of work that goes beyond courtroom prosecutions and urged the County Board to consider budget support for staff to meet expanding duties.
"We strive to support the public safety of the community through a holistic approach to justice," the Commonwealth's Attorney said, framing the office's mix of prosecution, diversion and victim services.
Nut graf: The office noted several priorities that require sustained staffing: a permanent Conviction Integrity Director (now established), an expanded restorative-justice and diversion program funded in part by a Department of Justice grant, and requests for senior prosecutors, dedicated investigators and a community engagement/comms position to build public trust and manage high-profile, complex cases.
Highlights: The Commonwealth's Attorney said the office secured the first exoneration under the current administration and has increased expungement clinics. The office described a $1 million Department of Justice grant to expand an OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration) diversion program that serves high-system utilizers and connects them to housing, crisis intervention and vocational services. The prosecutor warned that national policy changes could shift complex prosecutions (money-laundering, large trafficking, election cases) to local offices and said the county will likely face higher legal complexity and caseloads.
Budget ask and priorities: The office presented five requests, including ongoing FTEs for senior attorneys and investigators and a communications/community engagement position. The Commonwealth's Attorney characterized some needs as one-time infrastructure and others as ongoing staff commitments that would be required to preserve prosecutorial capacity and increase transparency.
Ending: Board members asked about prioritization and whether some items could be one-time investments; the Commonwealth's Attorney said the staffing elements are long-term needs while some data and IT work could be handled with one-time funds.
