COM 0521.009 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Presently, forfeitures are done part-time by one attorney, a legal assistant and a secretary. They manage all forfeiture cases and network with local police, the Attorney General's Office, Federal drug enforcement agencies, and the Federal Postal Forfeiture Unit. Our office has networked with State law enforcement agencies on the mainland when defendants have been active in illegal drug activities both here and in other states. We have initiated and participated in a joint effort with the Federal DEA on seizures from major drug dealers. Statistics reflect that this effort has also brought thousands of dollars to the County of Hawaii from forfeited assets giving the County of Hawaii additional funds for law enforcement purposes. Domestic Violence Unit Two attorneys, one each in Hilo and Kona, are specially assigned to prosecute domestic violence cases in District Family Court. These cases principally involve abuse of family or household member and violation of an order for protection charges. Another attorney is also specially assigned to handle domestic violence cases in Circuit Family Court. The primary benefits to specially assigning deputies to these cases are: 1) prompt intervention by our office; 2) deputies knowledge of the background of repeat offenders and victims; 3) consistency in the prosecution of the cases; and 4) familiarity of the DPA with people and agencies that are involved in the area of domestic violence. Violence Against Children Unit (VACI One deputy prosecuting attorney, an investigator, a victim assistance counselor and a legal clerk are specially trained to handle child victims of physical and sexual abuse. This unit extends to concepts of protection for the community by better protecting children and holding offenders accountable by improved interagency response. Community Oriented Prosecution Proiect (COPT The Community Oriented Prosecution project seeks to improve the quality of life in Hawaii County by creating and fostering partnerships between the community and other agencies in order to reduce crime. Community Oriented Prosecution offers a major link between the police, prosecutors and the judicial branch of government, giving citizens a better sense of community. It encourages cooperation between all people on the Big Island and fosters an atmosphere of community empowerment. One deputy in Hilo and one in Kona are assigned as the Community Oriented Prosecutors who work closely with Community Police officers in educating and empowering communities to unify against crime. Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant funding was obtained for a third year to 9