NCJ Number
198119
Date Published
2002
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This document describes an evaluation of the Neighborhood District Attorney (DA) Program.
Abstract
The Neighborhood DA Program was designed to provide an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) and a half-time Paralegal Assistant to collaborate with area councils and committees to define problems and needs, identify priority solutions, develop strategic plans, provide legal expertise, implement solutions, provide outside evaluation of efforts, and facilitate ongoing community and partner input to the District Attorney’s office. The evaluation methodology consisted of a process evaluation, an outcome evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative data collection. The outcome of a sample of the services developed and delivered with the aid of the Neighborhood DA Program included rejuvenated blighted areas in all target communities, reduced public nuisances, and reduced low-level crime. The evaluation concludes that the Neighborhood DA Program functioned effectively and appears to be successful in two of the three goal areas. Reported crime was reduced in most goal areas at the programs conclusion when compared to the statistics from the period preceding the program. The goal areas of increasing quality of life and increasing public safety and reducing crime were successfully achieved. The goal of sustaining and enhancing the Neighborhood DA Program was not successful, as funding was not allocated to allow for the continuation of the program. Surveys conducted at the beginning of the program indicate the community is supportive of this program and appreciates the project. The program was effective because it worked with the communities in a pro-active manner to develop creative alternatives to solve and control community problems. 15 appendices