The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), is proud to present the 2021 prosecution-focused workshop series “The Forum on Prosecution Innovation.” This virtual series is supported through BJA’s National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program and the Innovative Prosecution Solutions (IPS) program. These programs promote education and knowledge sharing to enhance federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution authorities in enhancing public safety and encourage and support the belief that criminal justice agencies benefit tremendously from sharing their experience and best practices. The PSP Prosecution Community of Practice (PCoP) and IPS encourage outreach and relationship building among all prosecutors and district attorneys throughout their networks and beyond.
Each forum workshop focuses on a particular prosecutorial topic, bringing together prosecutors from PSP’s current and alumni sites, Innovative Prosecution Solution sites, the National District Attorneys Association membership, members of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Major County Prosecutor’s Council, AEquitas, and VERA.
This session describes the core elements of intelligence-driven prosecution models, highlights successful crime strategy units (CSUs), answers how and why to implement crime strategy units, and discusses lessons learned.
Keynote Speaker: Acting Director Kristen Mahoney, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Stakeholder Speaker: David LaBahn, President of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Moderator: Beth McGarry, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
A wide variety of data is available from sources of digital evidence. This session explores the scope of these sources and strategies on how such data can effectively be developed with forensically sound practices. Presenters discuss theories of admission, rules of evidence, and real-life examples to demonstrate how to properly authenticate and introduce digital evidence in court proceedings. This presentation discusses how leadership can support this technology and how leaders can share that knowledge with the community so that effective, important public safety technology can be deployed with developed trust and legitimacy.
Keynote Speaker: Acting Director Kristen Mahoney, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Stakeholder Speaker: Jennifer Long, Chief Executive Officer, AEquitas
Moderator: Beth McGarry, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
Prosecutors face challenges every day that can impact their own well-being. This session discusses these challenges and issues related to their well-being, including a wide range of topics such as secondary trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, and more. The wellness of prosecutors is essential to their effectiveness to administer fair and equable justice.
Keynote Speaker: Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon, U.S. Department of Justice
Stakeholder Speaker: Nelson Bunn, Executive Director, National District Attorneys Association
Moderator: Beth McGarry, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
This session promotes the importance of a justice system based on fairness and equality and the role of prosecutors seeking fair and just prosecutions in order to improve community safety and well-being.
Keynote Speaker: Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, U.S. Department of Justice
Stakeholder Speaker: Ms. Mona Sahaf, Deputy Director, Reshaping Prosecution, Vera Institute of Justice
Moderator: Beth McGarry, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General