FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2022
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has been recognized with three Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo recognized three innovative programs developed by our Office. In the Personnel Management, Employment and Training category, Peer Programs for Prosecutors, in the Information Technology category, STAR:TNG District Attorney Case Management System and STAR:TNG Defense Attorney Portal.
Peer Programs for Prosecutors
While every profession involves stress and challenge, those who work directly with victims of crime and are exposed to secondary violence on a regular basis do, at times, suffer the cumulative effects of trauma. San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office was among the first prosecutorial agencies to establish a successful Peer Support Program which has proven to provide an outlet for that trauma and a bridge to professional support and healing. Since 2019 our office has been teaching the Peer Programs for Prosecutors model and legal training to ensure a prosecutor’s office, or first responder agencies can continue to serve the public with excellence and compassion, while maintaining a healthy and competent environment.
“We forecasted how building a peer support team from a prosecutor’s perspective can be challenging in of itself, along with ensuring legal guidelines and laws that mandate requirements are followed,” said Deputy District Attorney Mary Ashley. “Recognition for our Peer Programs for Prosecutors framework at the national level indicates that we are on the right path in assisting the development of peer support programs for prosecutors, law enforcement and first-responders across the nation.”
STAR:TNG District Attorney Case Management System
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office (SBCDA or DA) deployed a new case management system, STAR:TNG in October 2021. The case management software supports the prosecution of criminal cases from initial submission through appeal. STAR:TNG replaced a 26 year old system while adding significant new functionality, including improved cooperation and coordination among county law & justice partners and for county team members affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response.
STAR:TNG Defense Attorney Portal
In October 2021, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office (SBCDA or DA) a new portal for defense attorneys. This new portal allows public/private defense attorneys to access electronic discovery documents (e.g., police reports, photographs, and any other documentary items – “e-Discovery”) related to the defendants they represent. This portal works in conjunction with the new STAR:TNG Case Management System.
Michael Fermin, Chief Assistant District Attorney led the implementation of the digital upgrade. “The functionality of STAR:TNG far exceeds any case management system the DA’s office has used over the past two decades. It is a multi-platform system that can be used across devices with built-in security.” He emphasizes, ”With ever-changing legislature, caseloads and environments, the STAR:TNG system gives greater flexibility to the individual, based on their function, to more effectively do their job.”
NACo President Larry Johnson said, “All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe and thriving communities.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jacquelyn Rodriguez, Public Affairs Officer