2020 Virtual Citizen Prosecutor Academy
Via Microsoft Teams Meeting
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Submission Dates:
The deadline for this Fall’s Citizen Prosecutor Academy has now ended.
Background checks are required and class size is limited. If you are chosen, you will be notified by phone call and/or email.
Program Runs:
September 9, 2020 – November 18th, 2020
Class meets virtually every Wednesday evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm via Microsoft Teams
Program Schedule:
- Week 1, September 9th, 2020: Intake/Grand Jury Division
- Week 2, September 16th, 2020: Misdemeanor Division/Gang Unit
- Week 3, September 23rd, 2020: Virtual Jail Tour (tentative)
- Week 4, September 30th, 2020: Animal Cruelty Unit/Family Violence Division
- Week 5, October 7th, 2020: Organized Crime Division/Specialized Crime Division
- Week 6, October 14th, 2020: Restorative Justice Unit/Mental Health Unit
- Week 7, October 21st, 2020: Juvenile Division/Civil Division
- Week 8, October 28th, 2020: Felony Division/Conviction Integrity Unit
- Week 9, November 4th, 2020: Virtual Crime Lab Field Trip (tentative)
- Week 10, November 11th, 2020: Crimes Against Children Division/Sexual Assault Unit
- Week 11, November 18th, 2020: Graduation
Class meets virtually every Wednesday evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm via Microsoft Teams
The Dallas County DA Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CPA) is an exciting program intended for those interested in learning more about the role of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The mission of the Citizen Prosecutor Academy is to create a platform for local residents to be exposed to the numerous procedures within the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The program provides citizens with information regarding the practices and methods of the judicial process, and allow participants the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with prosecutors and other community members. Our goal is to arm citizens with valuable information about the Dallas County Criminal Justice System, so that they can share their experience and knowledge with neighbors, friends, and family in their communities.
Participants will learn how cases are prosecuted as well as how staff works to offer diversion programs to help rehabilitate offenders and reduce the rate of recidivism. Upon completion of the classes and successfully graduating, participants will join a distinguished group of Citizen Prosecutor Academy alumni. During this free, virtual 11-week course, individuals will hear from speakers including veteran prosecutors and investigators from various divisions at the DA's office, as well as other law-enforcement personnel, forensic doctors, scientists, and victim service providers. CPA participants will also go on 1-2 virtual field trips during the academy. CPA graduates will have a better understanding of the criminal prosecution process, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner-workings of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
For more information about this program, please email us at diana.ayala@dallascounty.org.
** Comprehensive criminal background checks will be performed on every CPA Applicant. **
