Community Safety and Outreach Unit

Goal of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit

The goal of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit is to create a safer environment for all citizens in Hampden County by establishing various educational and prevention programs, often in collaboration with community partners.

Programs

Stop the Swerve

Addresses the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, and includes:

  • A 19-minute documentary that tells the story of two local tragedies that were a result of driving under the influence.
  • An Assistant District Attorney who specializes in vehicular homicide cases.

Target Audience: Students of driving age

Just Once

A presentation that addresses the dangers of experimenting with drugs and the risk of taking prescription medications, that includes:

  • A 24-minute documentary that tells the story of drug addiction and recovery through former students that attended local high schools, their parents, and experts in the
  • A guest speaker who shares their personal story of their battle with addiction.

Target Audience: Grades 8-12

1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence

A presentation that addresses the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, that includes:

  • A 30-minute documentary created in memory of Kathryn Mauke, a Springfield teen who was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2015.
  • Prosecutors and Advocates assigned to the District Attorney’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Unit discuss the issue of dating violence and will present resources available in our area.

Target Audience: High school and college aged youth

Navigating Social Media

A presentation that includes a 24-minute documentary that sheds light on the challenges and obstacles associated with social media use from the perspective of local middle school students. The documentary includes advice from youth and highlights the consequences of engaging in certain behaviors online.

Target Audience (Adult version): Adults who would like to understand the challenges and obstacles associated with social media use at the middle school level

Target Audience (Student version): Grades 6-8

Internet Safety Presentation

A presentation that addresses the following topics:

  • School
  • Sharing inappropriate
  • The consequences of engaging in certain behaviors online.

Target Audience: Grades 9-12

Social Media Applications: Safe & Risky Use

A presentation that includes:

  • An overview of the popular social media applications used by youth.
  • Safe and risky use of those
  • How predators can present themselves
  • How parents can manage/monitor social media activity and encourage safe use.

The District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board will serve as panelists, answering questions and offering their experience and perspective

Target Audience: Adults who are interested in encouraging safe social media use amongst high school aged children

NetSmartz

An interactive presentation that consists of internet and real-world safety concepts. In groups of 3-5, the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board collectively presents NetSmartz, while encouraging students to participate through helpful hints and discussion questions.

Target Audience: Grades 2 and 3

Social Media & Gaming Safety

An interactive presentation that highlights important safety rules when connecting on social media and playing games online. In groups of 3-5, the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory board facilitates this presentation and encourages students to participate through helpful hints and discussion questions.

Target Audience: Grades 4 and 5

Youth Advisory Board

Consists of student representatives from high schools across Hampden County who identify issues facing youth today and provide recommendations on how best to address them. Their work throughout the year culminates in a conference hosted by the District Attorney, which gives students a platform to present their projects and provide their recommendations to representatives from school, law enforcement, and community groups.

To learn more or schedule any of the programs above, contact Gina.Anselmo@mass.gov

Court Tours

During Court Tours, students spend half a day touring the Hampden County Hall of Justice as invited guests of the District Attorney. Tours are meant to expose students to the various job opportunities within the Criminal Justice System. Victim witness advocates, judges, court officers, and/or other court personnel (if available) speak with students regarding their careers in the criminal justice system.

Program welcomes students in grades 6-12

Adopt a Class

Each year the Hampden District Attorney’s Office adopts an 8th grade class from three selected schools. The program includes:

  • An initial visit from DA Gulluni in which he addresses the entire class.
  • A return visit to discuss civics and gain more knowledge on the Bill of Rights, supporting what the students are currently learning in their social studies
  • A final visit to guide students through an interactive trial

The program concludes with selected classes spending half a day touring the Hampden County Hall of Justice as invited guests of the District Attorney

Program geared toward 8th grade students

Hoop Up Springfield

An annual event at American International College’s Butova Gymnasium for youth ages 11-18. Youth can get a summer job, tour the AIC Sports Complex, participate in skills n’ drills, and compete in the 3×3 basketball tournament.

Future Lawyers of Springfield (FLOS)

The purpose of FLOS to identify young students who aspire to be lawyers.  With our partner, Western New England University School of Law, we will guide members through college, law school, and into a successful career in the legal system. FLOS’s mission is to foster direct and sustained mentorship while providing opportunities to explore the judicial system and the practice of law in Western Massachusetts.

To learn more, contact Zeno.Temple@mass.gov

The Hampden County Addiction Taskforce (HCAT)

A collaboration of community resources, law enforcement (local and state), health care institutions, service providers, schools and community coalitions, individuals, and families whose goal is to focus on a county wide approach to address drug addiction, overdose, and prevention.

To learn more or join the HCAT mailing list, contact Tony.Simmons@mass.gov

Exculpatory Material Policy

In order to meet the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office’s constitutional, procedural rule, and ethical obligations in this regard, the Office has created a policy for the disclosure of exculpatory and impeachment material concerning law enforcement agency employees. The relevance of the disclosedinformation may still be litigated if appropriate, but it is Hampden District Attorney’s […]

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Young adults facing prison get a second chance through first-in-the-nation court program

Christine Judd, director of ROCA Springfield and Holyoke

Young adults facing prison get a second chance through first-in-the-nation court programAfter a high-speed car chase landed Joel in jail awaiting trial on an extensive list of charges – including carrying a loaded firearm without a license – the 22-year-old is working toward a new life. By Sarah Betancourt November 16, 2021 After a high-speed car […]

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District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s SAFE Unit Dismantles Knox Street Posse

Shakespeare-Tyre

District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s SAFE Unit Dismantles Knox Street PosseEarlier this year, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni formed the Strategic Action and Focused Enforcement Team, which operates out of his office. T… By: Jim Leydon June 29, 2021 -Springfield-  Earlier this year, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni formed the Strategic Action and […]

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Springfield Fire Department makes first Narcan pickup as part of countywide initiative

Narcan Pick up

Springfield Fire Department makes first Narcan pickup as part of countywide initiativeSPRINGFIELD – Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi went to Baystate Medical Center Friday to make the first Narcan pickup as part of a countywide initiative that provides the anti-overdose drug free of charge to first responders. The Hampden County Municipal First Responder Narcan Initiative […]

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Hampden DA’s basketball tournament and job fair draws hundreds to AIC

Hampden DA's basketball tournament and job fair draws hundreds to AIC

By Buffy Spencer, The Republican on April 17, 2017 at 1:33 PM SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds of young people chose to spend their Patriots’ Day holiday Monday at the second annual Hoop Up Springfield at American International College’s Butova Gymnasium. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni sponsored the event, which included a basketball tournament, an AIC college tour, […]

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Long time Sycamore Street gang member arrested on gun and drug charges

Lumpkin-Eric-

March 7, 2024 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s SAFE Task Force has arrested a longtime member of the notorious Sycamore Street Gang, Eric Lumpkin, 44, of Springfield. Lumpkin was identified as a mid-level narcotics trafficker in the Springfield area and has been the subject of a narcotics investigation for the past several months. Hampden District […]

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Misael Sanchez found guilty of manslaughter while operating under the influence for 2018 fatal Parker Street crash; sentenced to 7-10 years in prison

Sanchez, Misael

February 6, 2024 -Springfield-  On Friday, February 2, 2024 a Hampden County Superior Court Jury found Misael Sanchez, 39, of Springfield, guilty of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. On the same day a superior court judge sentenced Misael Sanchez to 7-10 years in prison on the charge stemming from a August 2018 fatal motor vehicle crash on Parker Street […]

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Warner Donaldson found guilty of armed robbery while masked for 2021 convenience store robbery; sentenced to 17-23 years in prison

Donaldson, Warner

January 30, 2024 -Springfield-  On Friday, January 26, 2024 a Hampden County Superior Court Jury found Warner Donaldson, 50, of Springfield, guilty of armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon, and larceny under $1200. On the same day a superior court judge later sentenced Warner Donaldson to 17-23 years in prison on the charges stemming from a February 2021convenience store robbery on the 500 block […]

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Hampden County Grand Jury indicts suspects in fatal Holyoke shooting which killed an infant

Rosado-Rosario, Jay Marie (2)

December 20, 2023 -Springfield- A Hampden County Grand Jury has returned indictments charging Alejandro Ramos, John Luis Sanchez, and Kermith Alvarez with the murder of an infant in a shooting in Holyoke on October 4, 2023. The indictments will now send the case to Hampden Superior Court where the alleged suspects will be tried. Along with […]

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Operation High/Schools Out dismantles rival drug trafficking organizations in Springfield’s High, School, and Union Streets area; 20 suspects under arrest and 20 firearms seized

Operation High Schools Out Final

December 19, 2023 -Springfield-  In the Summer of 2023 the High, School, and Union Streets area of Springfield erupted in a wave violence making this area one of the most dangerous areas in the City of Springfield.  From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 the Springfield Police Department received 118 Shot Spotter activations in […]

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Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni elected President of Massachusetts District Attorneys Association

AG-2020Headshots_1634-Web (002)

November 16, 2023 – In a unanimous vote by the Commonwealth’s district attorneys, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has been elected as the President of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA). This is the second time District Attorney Gulluni has been elected president of the association, the first coming in November of 2019. He has […]

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Groundbreaking Emerging Adult Court of Hope graduates two participants in its third graduation

11-2-2023 Each Graduation

  November 2, 2023 -Springfield- Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s Emerging Adult Court of Hope (EACH) graduated two participants today, Zayanah Dickson, 24, of Springfield, and Joel Arroyo Collazo, 24, of Springfield, on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Both participants had been facing several serious charges but instead choose to participate in the EACH program in […]

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Victim identified in Lionel Benoit Road homicide

Rivera, Xavier

        September 28, 2023 -Springfield- On Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. members of the Springfield Police Department responded to an apartment in the 100 block of Lionel Benoit Road for a report of a gunshot victim. Officers discovered Javian Lopez, 17, of Springfield, suffering from a gunshot along with three suspects […]

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Aleq Rodriguez arrested in Holyoke murder investigation

Rodriguez, Aleq

  September 22, 2023 -Holyoke- On Thursday, September 21, 2023, members of the United States Marshals Service apprehended Aleq Rodriguez, 22, of Holyoke in Puerto Rico and in connection with the homicide of Edgar Soto-Irizarry on June 22, 2023. During the course of the investigation investigators developed probable cause leading to an arrest warrant and charging […]

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Monica Sanchez arrested for the improper storage of eight firearms in Berkshire Avenue double homicide

Sanchez, Monica

August 30, 2023 -Springfield- On Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Monica Sanchez, 32, of Springfield was arrested and charged with 9 criminal offenses, improper storage of a firearm (8 charges)  and a single charge of possession of a high capacity feeding device. The charges stem from the double homicide that occurred at 174 Berkshire Avenue on August 14, 2023. The […]

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