Number
071332
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALDS. DONOVAN & WADE
Title
Substitute resolution seeking continuation of financial support from the state and federal government for continued implementation of the Milwaukee Community Prosecution program and directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to pursue legislative and administrative support.
Analysis
The Community Prosecution program, begun in 2002 under the leadership of the Milwaukee County District Attorney, was expanded in 2005 and now involves a collaboration of agencies and programs addressing neighborhood crime prevention, restorative justice and nuisance abatement. The collaboration is led by a partnership that includes the City Attorney’s Office together with the Office of the Milwaukee County District Attorney. Three Assistant City Attorneys and 6 Assistant District Attorneys provide complementary enforcement of City ordinances and state law. The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to Community Prosecution are funded largely through federal grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance receives a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the U. S. Bureau of Justice Assistance and distributes these funds to a variety of statewide and local programs including Assistant District Attorneys assigned to Community Prosecution.
The next application for JAG funding must be submitted by January 31, 2008. The funding available for allocation to states in 2008 has been reduced by 67%. The allocation to Wisconsin is expected to be reduced by $4.1 million resulting in significant cutbacks in programs that include victim and witness services, drug and other crime enforcement, and a reduction or complete loss of Assistant District Attorney services in the City’s Community Prosecution program.
This loss of prosecution services is potentially exacerbated by the statewide shortage of pro...
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