FY2023 Innovative Prosecution Solutions Training and Technical Assistance

As the gatekeepers of the criminal justice system, prosecutors shape their jurisdictions’ responses to violent crime. Law enforcement is often guided by prosecutorial priorities and charging decisions, while criminal courts are empowered to act only on matters brought before them by prosecutors acting within their discretion. Prosecutors are critical leaders who achieve justice and keep communities safe. Critically, prosecutors advance work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increase access to justice, support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthen community safety, and protect the public from crime and evolving threats, and build trust between law enforcement and the community. Forward-thinking prosecutors are eager to implement innovative tools and strategies that have arisen from advancements in technology as well as in forensic and social sciences. These strategies are often time- and resource-intensive, however, which impedes access to their benefits.
AEquitas (AE) and its partners, RTI International and B. McGarry & Associates, are requesting $500,000 in funding to implement a project that will enhance community safety by identifying and sustaining innovative, data-driven practices; providing prompt, practical, site-specific, technical assistance; and ensuring multidisciplinary partners and systems work collaboratively. AE will: (1) assess grantees’ needs and readiness for project implementation through virtual assessments; (2) develop TTA plans and deliver TTA; (3) assist sites with developing information-sharing plans; (4) maintain an existing expert database and recruit new subject matter experts to augment TTA delivery; (5) host educational sessions, workshops, and convenings, including six web-based educational sessions; (6) update and enhance its IPS website and other online engagement; (7) establish a production plan to publish resources that will be adaptable to the needs of IPS grantees and non-grantees alike; and (8) showcase site accomplishments through site-specific project summaries, a bi-monthly newsletter, and written reports on lessons learned through the IPS community of practice. AE will also routinely evaluate its provision of TTA, as well as collect and share performance metrics data.