FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2018
Contact: Scott Alonso, 925-957-8638
[email protected]
DA Becton Announces Community Academy to Start in September
Martinez, Calif. – District Attorney Diana Becton announces today that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will launch a Community Academy this September. The goal of the academy will be to strengthen community relations and provide residents a better understanding of our criminal justice system.
The academy is free with no cost open to residents who live or work in Contra Costa County. Individuals must complete an application and background check when they apply. Residents can apply for the academy by visiting the DA office’s website or by visiting a participating community based organization for an application. The application period ends on August 20.
“I am proud to increase transparency and accessibility to our office with the start of this Community Academy. This will be the only academy of its kind in Northern California,” said District Attorney Becton. “My hope is that the community will understand more about the work we do here. Additionally, we can also build bridges to community members wanting to get a closer look at our office.” Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is the only other office in California hosting its own academy.
The academy helps underscore the office’s commitment to engaging and educating residents regarding how cases are filed, what type of prosecutions and investigations our office conducts, and the work we do not only prosecuting cases but also the community outreach efforts underway for children, parents and victims.
The Community Academy will be made up of at least 15 residents of Contra Costa County for a ten-week course held at the DA’s Office in downtown Martinez, 900 Ward Street from 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting September 12. The Community Academy is similar to many law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa County that have a Citizens’ Academy.
Presenters for the academy will include deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, support staff, community based organizations and justice partners. The comprehensive overview by our office will allow residents to get an in-depth examination and review of the criminal justice system.
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