Community Outreach
Community Prosecutors work with County, City, and law enforcement agencies to assist residents in identifying houses, businesses, and other activities that make their neighborhood a less desirable place to live and that increase community risk factors. They walk the streets to identify trouble spots, buildings with possible code violations, vacant lots being used for dumping trash, and graffiti-related offenses.
The Unit partners with law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to run programs like the annual Gun Buy Back, cell phone collection for domestic violence victims, and targeted traffic safety programs. Community Prosecutors offer trainings on criminal activity such as Notario Fraud, human tracking and illicit massage parlors; and issues affecting the youth, such as bullying prevention. The Unit is also an active partner in the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force.
The Community Prosecution Unit also runs the Law Related Education Program, in partnership with SJPD. Fifteen schools and approximately 1,100 students participate in the Law Related Education Program every year. Deputy District Attorneys visit schools and teach students about the criminal justice system. Students then take a field trip during which they tour the San Jose Police Department and the Hall of Justice, where they are able to watch criminal justice in practice. Through education, students gain a better understanding and respect of the criminal justice system.
For more information, please contact:
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
Community Prosecution Unit
70 West Hedding Street, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-7400
Email: Community Prosecution Directory