05 Jun DA’s Academy Teaches Public How Criminal Justice System Works

(Image courtesy of Contra Costa County via Bay City News)

By Tony Hicks
Bay City News

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is inviting residents to learn how her office works this fall in the 2023 Fall Community Academy.

The free, 9-week course will be held at the DA’s office in downtown Martinez, from 6-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning Sept. 6.

“One of my goals as district attorney is to be more transparent with the community about what our office does in the criminal justice system,” Becton said in a statement. “The community academy is an integral program that strengthens our community through education, information, and understanding.”

Participants will get an in-depth view of the criminal justice system by hearing from deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, support staff, community-based organizations, and justice partners.

People will learn firsthand how the District Attorney’s Office files cases, will meet with a Superior Court judge during a court tour, gain knowledge about prosecutions and investigations, visit the Martinez Detention Facility, and understand the office’s outreach efforts for children, parents and victims.

The academy is open to residents 18 and older who live or work in Contra Costa County. To apply, go to contracostada.org to find an application, and email it to DA-CommunityAcademy@contracostada.org by June 30.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.