Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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I am pleased to announce the creation of a new Bureau to perfect and expand our restorative justice programs and units, which include:
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The Diversion and Alternative Sentencing Unit, dedicated to ensuring that, when appropriate, individuals who have been arrested are offered alternatives to incarceration - including rehabilitative services. Additionally, within the Unit, the Second Chance Community Justice Program is a diversion program that allows community members/leaders to hear cases referred to them, and offers low-level offenders the opportunity to repair and restore their relationships with their communities.
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The Crime Victims Advocate Program, providing support to crime victims including counseling services, assistance navigating the court system and help obtaining reimbursement for crime-related expenses and referrals to a wide number of support services.
The Rehabilitation Programs and Restorative Services Bureau is led by a stellar prosecutor, Aisha Greene, who most recently worked as Chief of the Alternatives to Incarceration Bureau at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. She previously served as Director of Brooklyn Justice Initiatives and Associate Director of Research/Practice Strategies at the Center for Court Innovation.
I have no doubt that, under her leadership, the Bureau will safeguard efforts to ensure that justice is administered equitably and with compassion in our borough.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Septuagenarian woman charged with attempted assault for repeated poisoning of husband
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Queens man charged with murder in stabbing death of his 72-year-old father
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Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. |
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It was an honor to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this week: |
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I had the pleasure of attending a commemorative policy forum hosted by the National Action Network (NAN) and speak about MLK's lasting affect on generations that followed. |
I was also proud to host our very first Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in the Queens District Attorney's office. The event took place alongside faith-based leaders who spoke about MLK's impact on peace, unity, and equal rights.
If you missed it, you may watch the virtual celebration on our Facebook page by clicking here.
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As part of Peace Week in the City of New York, this office reaffirms our commitment to peaceful resolutions and impactful discussions in order to steer our young people away from paths of violence.
I commend our violence interrupters such as LifeCamp Inc. and Executive Director Erica Ford for their continued efforts to de-escalate, resolve, and unite our communities.
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This month marked the somber 31 year anniversary since the death of Ian Welch, who was found shot and killed while sitting inside his vehicle in Jamaica, Queens.
As part of our weekly call for help, I am asking for any information regarding his untimely death. Help us bring his killer to justice by contacting NYPD Crimestoppers with any information - no matter how insignificant the details may seem.
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The Queens District Attorney's Legal Explorers program, which is active during the school year, introduces over 80 high school students to prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, police officers and others to discuss how each party plays a vital role in the criminal justice process.
This week's meeting was dedicated to Peace Week and I joined the program to speak about my administration, this office's commitment to equity within the criminal justice system, as well as resources to consider as they start thinking about higher education choices.
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Discussing Community Concerns |
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Although COVID-19 continues to keep us physically apart, I was glad for the opportunity to speak to members of Community Board 12 earlier this week.
CB12 encompasses the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, South Ozone Park and Springfield Gardens. It was a pleasure catching up with old friends and meeting new faces, including the newly elected Chairperson, Reverend Carlene Thorbs.
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New Yorkers are, unfortunately, experiencing a vaccine shortage as appointments for the shot are being canceled or rescheduled due to shortage of supplies.
Mayor de Blasio announced that the City is expecting the next shipment of vaccines by middle of next week, which should help alleviate some of the backlog. To find a COVID-19 vaccine site near you, please click here.
In the meantime, please continue to wear your face covering, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings.
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