The Smart Prosecution: Innovative Prosecution Solutions (IPS) Program provides state, local, and tribal prosecutors with direct funding and training and technical assistance to develop effective strategies and programs to address and prosecute individuals who commit violent crime. Recognizing that many prosecutors’ offices carry attorney caseloads well above the recommended level, lack critical support staff, and have had to rely on outdated technology, the IPS Program also supports the use of technology, intelligence, and data analytics in innovative ways that enable prosecutors to focus resources on the people and places associated with high concentrations of criminal activity.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) developed and currently administers IPS as part of BJA’s “Smart Suite” of crime fighting programs. The IPS model builds off lessons learned from BJA’s former crime-fighting programs.

One of the intended outcomes for IPS is the development of a rich body of knowledge for use by prosecutors nationally as they seek to work with communities to solve chronic problems and fight violent crime. IPS also encourages the exploration of new solutions to public safety concerns, as well as address internal operations and organizational structure, while employing research partners at the problem definition stage through assessment of strategies and solutions.

Through previous BJA funding, some creative solutions developed by prosecutors around the country centered on:

• Developing ways to identify the most violent repeat offenders.
• Using data to develop zone/geographic prosecution.
• Using crime analysis tools through strategies like GunStat to track gun violence.
• Developing policies to prosecute witness intimidation cases.
• Working jointly with parole and probation departments on violations of probation.
• Enhancing the prosecutor’s role in investigations of homicide cases and cybercrime strategies to improve public safety.