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| Public
Information Office |
718.250.2300
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|
Public Information serves as a point of contact and information to
the general public and the news media regarding criminal cases,
programs and initiatives. The Bureau has a Director, a Deputy
Director and several Communications Specialists who manage the daily
operations as well as press relations, special projects, conferences
and community events. |
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Community
Relations Bureau |
718.250.2805 |
|
Community
Relations serves as a liaison to the diverse residents and
communities of Brooklyn. Under its guidance, several programs such
as ComALERT and F-Tap are
managed. The Bureau
also has Community Specialists who are assigned to specific areas
and neighborhoods of Brooklyn. |
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|
DA's
Action
Center |
718.250.2340 |
The
DA's Action Center is another point of contact with the
residents of Brooklyn. Each
month the Bureau receives and responds to hundreds of inquiries,
including complaints of harassment, bad checks, custodial disputes,
drug activity, child abuse, landlord/tenant matters and others.
Once the complaint is reviewed, it is then forwarded to the
appropriate bureau for further investigation.
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Public
Assistance Crime Unit (PAC)
|
718.250.2420
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The
Public Assistance Crimes Unit or “PAC” Unit was recently borne
from the City’s commitment to cracking down on Welfare, Medicaid,
Food Stamp and other related frauds, which divert funds from the
disadvantaged. Additionally, the PAC Unit jointly investigates,
apprehends and prosecutes individuals engaged in Medicaid-related
black market Prescription Medication trafficking.
The
PAC Unit ADA’s and KCDA Detective Investigators along with members
of the NYC Department of Investigation, NYC Bureau of Frauds, NYC
Police Department, NYS Department of Labor, NYS Bureau of Controlled
Substances, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture jointly investigate and participate in the
prosecution of individuals and/or organizations involved in these
criminal activities.
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Early Case Assessment Bureau
(ECAB) |
718.250.3500 |
|
The
Early Case Assessment Bureau (ECAB) screens all arrests that take place in
Brooklyn. Once
screening is completed, the decision is made to either prosecute the
case or decline prosecution. If the case is prosecuted, early case
assessment determines which bureau within the agency the case will
be directed to.
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Senior
Affairs Bureau |
718.250.2241 |
| The 400,000 seniors who live in Brooklyn represent
the largest block of citizens-at-risk in Kings County.
In 1991, the Senior Affairs Bureau was created to educate and
protect senior citizens against fraud and other criminal acts.
The Bureau works closely with the New
York City Police Department and other agencies and organizations
to protect the elderly.
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Property
Release Unit |
718.250.3553 |
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The
Property Release Unit is responsible for releasing both the victim's
and the defendant's property held as evidence by the Police
Department.
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Domestic
Violence Bureau |
718.250.3300 |
|
The
Domestic Violence Bureau is responsible for investigating and
prosecuting all crimes related to domestic violence including child
and spousal abuse, stalking and sexual assault.
The Bureau administers the AWARE and
Cell Phone Program, and
has a staff of trained social workers and counselors to provide
support services to all victims in felony cases, and to victims in
selected misdemeanor cases. The Bureau also has a special unit
devoted to elder abuse.
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| Elder
Abuse Unit |
718.250.3300 |
|
Arlene M. Markarian,
Bureau Chief
Peg Horan,
Elder Abuse Unit Coordinator
The Elder Abuse Unit of
the Domestic Violence Bureau handles all cases of spousal/intimate
partner abuse and parental abuse [including parents, grandparents,
great grandparents, etc] involving victims age 60 years or older.
The Elder Abuse Unit handles cases of physical abuse. Physical abuse
includes not only assaults, but also threats of violence. Neglect is
another form of abuse handled by the Unit.
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Crimes Against Children Bureau |
718.250.3600 |
| The Crimes Against Children Bureau investigates and
prosecutes cases of child cruelty, including physical and sexual
abuse. To prevent
children from further trauma, the bureau also works closely with Brooklyn
Child Advocacy Center, the Administration
for Children’s Services, the New
York City Police Department and Victim
Services.
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Sex Crimes and Special Victims
Bureau |
718.250.3170 |
| The Sex Crimes and Special Victims Bureau oversees
the investigation and prosecution of felony and misdemeanor sexual
assault cases, involving victims who are eleven years of age and
older. The cases managed by the bureau include serial rapists,
teachers who sexually assault students, crimes of incest and police
officers who commit sexual assault.
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Victim Services Unit |
718.250.3820 |
The Victim Services Unit assists victims and their
families recover from the trauma of violent crimes such as domestic
violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Among the services offered by the social workers and
counselors are: crisis
intervention and short-term counseling; information on court
procedures and other related issues; financial and medical bill
reimbursement; and referrals to outside agencies.
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Medical and Legal Unit |
718.250.2796 |
| The Medical/Legal Unit is available to work with
every bureau in all phases of prosecution. The unit deciphers,
evaluates and explains the medical evidence as it pertains to the
individual case. Diagrams
for trial and advice on medical/legal issues are provided.
The unit also acts as liaison between the medical community
and the District Attorney's Office. The unit chief is an assistant
district attorney and a registered nurse.
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Alternative Sentencing Bureau |
718.250.3995 |
|
Alternative sentencing is a court ordered judgment other
than incarceration and the Alternative Sentencing Bureau was created
to facilitate the "alternative" sentencing for qualifying
offenders. Several
alternative sentencing programs operate under the direction and
supervision of the Bureau to help Brooklyn communities as well as
offer defendants who make a serious commitment to turn their life
around the opportunity to do so.
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Trial Zones - Blue, Green, Orange,
Red, Gray |
Click here for Trial Zone Map |
| Brooklyn is divided into 23 police precincts, each
with its own commanders and community precinct councils. To better
serve these diverse communities, the District Attorney created five
trial zones, each comprising four or five police precincts. Each
“Zone” is within a specified geographic area and is
distinguishable by a color-coded designation.
This approach allows Bureau Chiefs to establish ongoing
communications with precinct commanders and community leaders, as
well as establishing priorities for reducing criminal activity in
specific areas.
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|
Red
Blue
Gray
Green
Orange |
718.250.2060
718.250.2100
718.250.3020
718.250.2950
718.250.3130 |
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Homicide Bureau |
718.250.2400 |
|
All
homicides that take place in Brooklyn are first presented to the
Homicide Bureau for review. The
Bureau serves as a screening mechanism to determine which bureau
within the agency will investigate, manage and if necessary, try a
homicide case. In some
instances the Homicide Bureau will try a case jointly with another
Bureau (e.g., Domestic Violence or Crimes Against Children Bureaus).
The Bureau also serves as legal advisor to police, and is
responsible for trying the most complex and high profile homicide
cases
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Major
Narcotics Investigation Bureau,
Suzanne Corhan in charge |
718.250.2800
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|
The Major Narcotics Investigation Bureau investigates and prosecutes
individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking of large
quantities of drugs in Brooklyn. The bureau develops long-term
investigations into suspected criminal narcotics organizations and
investigates organized drug activity in specific communities.
Assistant District Attorneys work closely with the New York City
Police Department, federal agencies, Detective Investigators
assigned to this office, as well as community groups and religious
and business leaders, to combat drug distribution and related
violence in the borough.
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Appeals Bureau |
718.250.2500 |
|
The
Appeals Bureau is responsible for litigation of the Office’s cases
after conviction. That litigation includes responding to appeals by
defendants to the Appellate Division, which is New York’s
intermediate appellate court, and to the New York Court of Appeals,
the State’s highest court. The Appeals Bureau also responds to
defendants’ habeas corpus petitions in federal district court and
litigates appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit. In addition, the Appeals Bureau prosecutes appeals
by the District Attorney from adverse rulings by trial judges.
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|
Investigations Bureau |
718.250.2420
|
| The primary responsibility of the Investigations
Bureau is to staff the agency’s “Riding Program.” The program
is designed to assist in the investigation of serious, high profile
and violent crimes. When
a call comes into the precinct reporting a crime, an Assistant
District Attorney travels with police to the location, and is
expected to review paperwork, brief investigating officers,
interview civilian witnesses and provide legal counsel to ensure a
thorough review and preparation of the evidence.
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Juvenile Crimes Bureau |
718.250.3804 |
| The Juvenile Crimes Bureau prosecutes juveniles under
the age of 16 in Family Court.
Typically, these juveniles were originally charged as adults
in Criminal Court, but their cases were transferred to the Family
Court because prosecution as a juvenile was considered more
appropriate.
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Crime
Prevention Division
718.250.2221 |
|
The
Crime Prevention Division was founded on the District Attorney’s
philosophy that in addition to tough prosecution there has to be a
steadfast commitment to crime prevention and intervention.
The School Advocacy Bureau, the Truancy Bureau and the Legal
Lives Bureau all operate within this division.
The Division continues to explore, develop and implement
other programs consistent with the District Attorney’s emphasis on
prevention and intervention.
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School Advocacy Bureau |
718.250.2215
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|
The
School Advocacy Bureau is responsible for the investigation and
prosecution of crimes committed on school property.
The Bureau works with school officials, the police, parents,
teachers and students to simplify the criminal process for witnesses
who have been victimized in an environment where learning should be
their primary concern.
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Truancy Bureau |
718.250.4799
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|
Truancy
is often the first indicator that a young person is giving up or
losing his way in life. The
Truancy Bureau manages the District Attorney's program TRACK
(Truancy Reduction Alliance to Contact Kids), and works closely with
the New York City Police Department, the New York City Board of
Education, as well as other agencies.
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|
Legal
Lives Bureau |
718.250.2320
|
| Since 1990 the Legal Lives Bureau has brought the
criminal justice system to Brooklyn’s elementary classrooms to
teach fifth grade Brooklyn students about the law and its role in
their lives. The
structured curriculum reaches more than 10,000 students and is
considered a mandatory career component of attorneys with the
office.
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|
Radio
Show |
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Neighborhood
Offices |
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|
The Neighborhood Office is an extension of the District Attorney
office’s Citizen Action Center. The Citizen Action Center meets
with over 100 visitors per month in addition to fielding over 1,000
phone calls, e-mails and letters from residents with a diverse array
of problems.
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Partners
in Prosecution |
718-250-3480 |
Partners in Prosecution is an externship
program for associates from some of New York City’s leading law
firms. The associates spend five to six months at the District
Attorney’s office and during that time try several misdemeanor or
felony cases. The program was founded in 2003 and now has nine law
firms participating in it.
For more information, contact Executive A.D.A. Virginia Modest at
718-250-3480, or
E-mail her at
modestv@brooklynda.org.
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Drew
House |
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|
District Attorney Charles J. Hynes is currently spearheading the
development of a community-based, residential alternative-to-prison
program for defendant mothers and their children known as the Regina
Drew House.
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Internships |
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College and law school
internships are offered at the D.A.'s Office.
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Rackets
Division
718.250.2600 |
|
Michael F. Vecchione, Chief
Joseph
Petrosino, Deputy District Attorney
The
Rackets Division consists of multiple bureaus that share resources
and information in order to successfully investigate and prosecute
serious and complex crimes in the areas of organized crime, criminal
misconduct by public officials and police officers, gang-related
activity, major frauds, arson, narcotics and tax revenue crimes.
The
bureaus in the Rackets Division are: Civil Rights and Police
Integrity Bureau, Gang Bureau, Major Frauds and Arson Bureau, Major
Narcotics Investigation Bureau, Money Laundering and Revenue Crimes
Bureau, Organized Crime Bureau and Political Corruption
Investigation Bureau.
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Money
Laundering and Revenue
Crimes, Joseph McCarthy in charge |
718.250.3080 |
|
This bureau initiates forfeiture proceedings that
result in the seizure of illegal proceeds and criminal
instrumentalities – such as cash, bank accounts, homes and vehicles
– from criminals who engage in and profit from illegal activities.
The bureau also investigates and prosecutes individuals and
corporations who fail to pay State and City taxes, imposing criminal
liability and forcing them to make restitution to the taxing
authorities. The bureau’s “narcotics eviction” program evicts
tenants who use their apartments to manufacture, store and/or sell
drugs.
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Civil Rights and Police Integrity
Bureau, Charles Guria in charge |
718.250.3000
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|
The Civil Rights and Police Integrity Bureau
investigates and prosecutes hate crimes (e.g., assault, harassment,
racist graffiti and other property damage) motivated by a victim's
race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation,
including those committed against undocumented immigrants. This
bureau also investigates and prosecutes crimes committed by members
of the law enforcement community.
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Major Frauds and Arson Bureau,
Anne Seely in charge |
718.250.2600
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| The Bureau investigates and prosecutes economic
fraud, such as counterfeit criminal activity and insurance fraud, as
well as serious arson cases.
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Corruption Bureau |
718.250.2600 |
| The Bureau investigates and prosecutes crimes
committed by public servants and police officers.
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Gang
Bureau,
Deanna Rodriguez in charge |
718.2503910 |
|
In response to growing gang activity, this bureau
was created to place special emphasis on the investigation and
prosecution of known street gang members who have committed serious
crimes, including firearm sales and possession, narcotic sales, and
other violent crimes. In addition, the bureau does gang awareness
training, working with community groups and educational agencies
throughout Kings County.
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Organized
Crime Bureau,
Christopher Blank in charge |
718.250.2600
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|
This bureau investigates and prosecutes members
and associates of organized crime, who are involved in criminal
activity including murder, extortion, loan sharking, illegal sports
betting and automobile theft. In order to deprive criminal groups
involved in these activities of illegal proceeds, the bureau often
prosecutes defendants under the state's Organized Crime Control Act
(O.C.C.A), which authorizes forfeiture actions to recover illegally
gained money and property.
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Political
Corruption Bureau,
Kevin Richardson in charge |
718.250.2600
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This bureau investigates and prosecutes crimes
committed by elected officials, judges and politicians. This
includes misconduct in the elective process.
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Programs and Initiatives |
|
Although
investigating and prosecuting crime is the primary responsibility of
the KCDAO, the District Attorney is committed to his philosophy of
intervention, prevention, rehabilitation and community outreach.
Under District Attorney Hynes' leadership, several programs
and initiatives have been created to enhance the agency's objectives
in law enforcement as well as assist victims and in some instances
provide alternatives for defendants.
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Juvenile
Crimes
Bureau
718.250.3800 |
|
· YCP
(Youth and Congregations in Partnership) YCP is an intervention
program for court involved youth which includes a collaboration
between the agency and the Brooklyn faith communities.
An eligible youth must be 17 years of age or younger, have no
pattern of violent felony offenses, no major psychiatric disturbance
or illness, and no addiction to drugs or alcohol.
·
Trauma
Troopers II
Trauma
Troopers II is an intensive mentoring and jobs skills program for
eligible youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age. The
program addresses issues of widespread concern to at risk juveniles,
including gangs, violence, drugs, AIDS and pregnancy prevention.
Participants meet three times per week for six months at the Bedford
Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The program provides eight hours of basic training in emergency medical
care and procedures through Medic
First Aid/CPR, which teaches the same priorities of patient care
used by professionals. After
completion of basic emergency care, Troopers are integrated into the
business and routines of the Ambulance Corps, which includes
workshops, lectures and field trips.
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ComALERT
(Community And Law Enforcement Resources Together)
The District Attorney implemented this program after being inspired
by the success of the "Boston Plan" which reduced the
number of firearm homicides in Boston, Massachusetts.
ComALERT
is an initiative that focuses on areas of Brooklyn that are
experiencing increases in crime and assists individuals on parole or
probation reenter their community.
The District Attorney's Office forms partnerships with
community-based organizations that specialize in job training and
placement, education and substance abuse.
Collectively, these organizations along with federal, state
and local law enforcement agencies provide their respective area of
expertise.
·
F-TAP
(Formal Trespass Affidavit Programs)
F-TAP
is a partnership between the District Attorney's Office, tenants,
owners of buildings and the New York City Police Department. The
program was created in response to citizen complaints of drug
trafficking and other criminal activity in multi-family apartment
buildings. Prior to this program, police were not permitted to enter
these buildings unless a crime had been reported.
Under this program an owner or a police precinct identifies a
building where criminal activity is taking place.
The owner agrees to post “Tenants and Their Guest Only”
signs, and to provide the police with keys to common areas as well
as current tenant listings.
·
The
Peoples Law School
The Peoples Law School is a legal education initiative for adults.
It features discussions led by Assistant District Attorneys
and other professionals with expertise on various legal subjects.
Among the legal topics covered are the Criminal Justice
System, Victim and Witness Rights, Bias Crimes and Immigrants'
Rights, Parents and Children's Responsibilities, Juvenile and Family
Court and "Megan's Law."
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Crimes
Against Children |
718.250.3600
|
Chief: Ama Dwimoh
The Crimes Against Children Bureau was created by District Attorney
Charles J. Hynes in 1997 in recognition that child victims of
violent crimes are a vulnerable population with unique needs that
must be addressed with great care. The mission of the Crimes Against
Children Bureau is to investigate and prosecute cases of child
abuse. The Bureau’s focus is on cases that involve the sexual abuse
of children under the age of eleven, the physical abuse of children
under the age of eleven where the perpetrator is a parent or
guardian, as well as child homicides. The philosophy of the Bureau
is twofold: to vigorously prosecute these serious cases and to
protect the child victim from further traumatization within the
criminal justice system. The Crimes Against Children Bureau works in
close partnership with the Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center, a
multi-disciplinary partnership which includes representatives of the
Administration for Children Services, the New York City Police
Department and Safe Horizon. Child victims are interviewed by
experienced professionals from each discipline- prosecution, social
services, law enforcement and mental health – all of whom are
specifically trained to work with the needs of young children.
The Crimes Against Children Bureau also works closely to help
educate the community about the dynamics of child abuse and to
address the concerns of parents, educators, and community leaders.
The Bureau is closely connected to programs that help heal the child
victim as well as those that help prevent abuse before it occurs.
Through close collaboration with the child protective and mental
health disciplines, the Crimes Against Children Bureau is dedicated
to helping child victims receive true justice and healing in the
aftermath of abuse.
COMMUNITY AND PROSECUTORS
RESPONDING TO CHILD ABUSE
District Attorney, Charles J. Hynes, has created a new initiative in
response to child abuse: Community and Prosecutors Responding to
Child Abuse (C.P.R.). C.P.R. provides members of the clergy,
community leaders and the community at large with information and
assistance to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Through
awareness and education we are cultivating a community response to
the epidemic of child abuse and neglect in Brooklyn. This grassroots
approach will safeguard the lives of children, our most valuable and
precious resource, at the time in their lives when they are most
vulnerable and in need of our intervention to protect them.
BABY SAFE
HAVEN
Baby Safe Haven was created by the District Attorney to protect the
health and safety of newborns who are at risk of being abandoned and
killed. Mothers of unwanted infants are given the opportunity to
leave the baby at a participating hospital or fire house with
anonymity, protecting the child’s life while safeguarding the
mother’s privacy. Mothers of unharmed infants entrusted to Baby Safe
Haven will not be prosecuted. This program provides a safe
alternative for troubled women in a desperate situation. Baby Safe
Haven safeguards the lives of children.
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· AWARE
(Abused Women’s Active Response Emergency)
In a collaborative effort with ADT
Security Services, Victim
Services and the New York City Police Department, complainants
in domestic violence cases receive an emergency necklace pendant and
an electronic security system.
Victims who feel in danger, may press either the pendant or
the emergency button on the security system panel, which will send a
silent alarm to ADT’s customer monitor center. An ADT dispatcher
will then call 911 police emergency, which initiates a high priority
response.
·
Cell
Phone Program
To enhance the A.W.A.R.E. initiative the agency has a cell phone
program, with equipment donated by AT&T,
Bell Atlantic and private citizens. Victims of domestic violence are
provided with cellular telephones free of charge that are programmed
to call 911 if there is an emergency.
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Alternative Sentencing Bureau |
718.250.3995 |
|
|
·
DTAP
(Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison)
DTAP is the first prosecution-operated substance abuse program for
prison-bound, non-violent drug offenders.
As opposed to prison, offenders who meet eligibility
requirements spend two years in a residential drug treatment
program. When the
defendant successfully completes the residential program, his or her
plea is withdrawn and the underlying case is dismissed.
If the defendant fails,
he or she is returned by our warrant team to face sentencing
on the original plea of guilt.
·
TADD
(Treatment Alternatives for Dually Diagnosed Defendants)
Based on the success of the DTAP model, TADD was created to address
the unique needs of mentally ill substance abuser.
TADD defendants are identified by the District Attorney's
staff and carefully screened by a senior Assistant District
Attorney. Once a
defendant is examined and considered an appropriate candidate for
treatment, a background check is then conducted.
Once the defendant is approved, a suitable location for
treatment is determined.
Depending on the criminal charges (e.g., misdemeanor or
felony, criminal record, and psychiatric diagnosis), the defendant
enters a facility for treatment specializing in substance abuse and
mental illness.
·
ASU
(Alternative Sentencing Unit)
ASU is a unit within the District Attorney's office that administers
community service sentences as well as sentences to the Alcohol
Abuse, Treatment Readiness
and Reckless Driving
Programs. Defendants
with any of these conditions of sentence are required to report to
our office on the second floor of criminal court for a site
assignment. During
their sentence, compliance with the conditions of sentence (e.g.
performance of community service or attendance at the open AA
meetings) is monitored by ASU.
If the defendant does not comply, ASU prepares violation
papers for the court, the case is scheduled and the judge determines
the consequences of non-compliance.
Our staff develops community service sites and makes periodic
visits to ensure that they continue to be appropriate.
Bureau Chief: Gerianne Abriano
The Red Hook Community Justice Center is a community court, which
was created to address the unique social and judicial needs of the
neighborhood. The Court is a collaborative effort including the
KCDAO, the Center for Court Innovation, and OCA. The RHCJC
prosecutes 4,000 misdemeanors annually. As a problem-solving court,
we seek to resolve our cases in ways that recompense the community,
address the needs of the victim and sometimes effectively change the
defendant's behavior. Some cases are adjudicated in a traditional
prosecutorial manner and traditional sentencing is employed, but
most cases result in sentences that incorporate one or more of the
myriad programs and/or services available to us. Sentences
frequently include intensive drug or alcohol treatment, mediation,
batterer's programs, anger management classes, GED classes, youth
groups, vehicular programs, "John School" and more. Additionally,
the prosecutors are active in the community and they frequently
attend community meetings and participate in community events. The
RHCJC serves the 72, 76, and 78 precincts.
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