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District Attorney seeks added staff for collaborative courts, addresses AI and forensics work
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Summary
The District Attorney outlined a $8.7M budget request focused on staffing for collaborative courts, expanding the Family Justice Center (including bringing forensic exams in‑house), and building regional high‑tech forensics capacity. The DA also acknowledged prior problems with filings tied to AI and said the office has initiated internal audits and training.
The District Attorney presented the office’s FY 2026–27 budget and priorities, emphasizing public‑safety and victim‑service improvements alongside modest staffing requests.
Office structure and accomplishments: The DA described four core units — prosecution (11 full‑time attorneys), an investigative unit with sworn investigators, a three‑person victim‑advocacy unit serving roughly 100,000 residents, and administrative support. The office highlighted recent work including a Family Justice Center, a domestic‑violence vertical prosecution unit funded through California Office of Emergency Services grants, expansion of Truckee services and a regional cybercrime/digital‑forensics task force with multiple law‑enforcement partners.
Staffing request: To handle expanding collaborative courts and diversion programs, the DA asked the board to fund a full‑time deputy district attorney assigned to collaborative courts (the presentation cited a roughly $60,000 additional cost for converting part‑time hours into a stable full‑time position). The DA said grant funding and a community corrections partnership contribution reduced the net local cost modestly.
Family Justice Center and victim services: The DA said bringing forensic sexual‑assault exams in‑house at the Family Justice Center is a priority to reduce victim retraumatization and avoid off‑site exams in Auburn or Sacramento. The office will partner with Western Sierra Medical and expand domestic‑violence response teams.
Forensics and AI issues: The DA acknowledged a prior internal issue where some court filings relied on AI or insufficient vetting. The office “accepted responsibility,” initiated internal auditing of prior cases, implemented corrective filings where required, created an AI‑focused internal committee and delivered training to staff. The DA said related litigation is ongoing but emphasized steps taken to improve vetting and accuracy.
Budget pressures: Revenue sources include general fund (74%), grant funds (12.5%), and Prop 172 realignment (12%); the DA noted reliance on asset‑forfeiture funds in recent years and rising contract costs (case management system, toxicology). He described the funding picture as constrained and flagged sustainability of some allocations.
Next steps: The board asked clarifying questions about the contingent deputy DA position and VOCA victim‑services funding; the DA said the office will return with any specific requests and continue seeking grant streams to stabilize victim services.
