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 field.
  • 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

Internet Safety 

A presentation that includes a discussion regarding:

  • The permanence of online actions – what you post, message, or even delete.
  • The serious (and often legal) consequences of inappropriate photo exchanges, online threats, and harassment, to include bullying.
  • The knowledge to navigate an online presence responsibly, highlighting how actions can affect future opportunities.

Target Audience: Grades 6-12 (Presentation can be catered to school’s specific concerns.)

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

The Dos and Don’ts of 51A Reporting

Schools are often faced with the issue of students exchanging inappropriate content online. Presented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Eileen Sears, this presentation will cover the dos and don’ts of 51A Reporting.

Target Audience: All school personnel

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 Tony.Simmons@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 Halie.Matthew@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 programThe Massachusetts program is designed to address the revolving door of young people going into adult corrections. By Sarah Betancourt November 16, 2021 After a high-speed car chase landed Joel in jail awaiting trial on an extensive list of charges — including carrying a loaded […]

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

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District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s SAFE Unit Dismantles Knox Street PosseNo Description By: Jim Leydon June 29, 2021 -Springfield-  Earlier this year, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni formed the Strategic Action and Focused Enforcement Team, which operates out of his office. The first of its kind unit, is comprised of members of law enforcement […]

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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 initiativeThe Hampden County Municipal First Responder Narcan initiative, which provides the anti-overdose drug free to first responders, is sponsored by Baystate Health, Trinity Health, the Center for Human Development and the Hampden District Attorney’s office.

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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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Two Graduate from Hampden District Attorney’s EACH Program

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May 23, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the graduation of two participants from its Emerging Adult Court of Hope (EACH) court, a program established to provide young adults aged 18-24 with an opportunity to break free from the cycles of adversity and incarceration. Hendrick Allende, 23, of Springfield, […]

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Anthony Potito Pleads Guilty to 2019 Murder of Shanike “Nikki” Roldan

May 21, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced today that Anthony Potito, 56, of Springfield, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2019 murder of 28-year-old Shanike “Nikki” Roldan. Potito was sentenced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Hampden Superior Court. On Count 1, Murder in the Second Degree, the […]

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34 Firearms Turned in at Hampden County Gun Buyback Event

May 19, 2025 – West Springfield, Massachusetts – Thirty-four firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition were safely and anonymously collected during Hampden County’s annual gun buyback event, hosted by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Baystate Health, and the West Springfield Police Department on Saturday, May 17. Held at West Springfield Town Hall, the event offered residents […]

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Hampden District Attorney Concludes Investigation into November 2024 Shooting Death of Devin Lewis

May 16, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni today released the findings of his office’s investigation into the November 21, 2024, shooting death of Devin Lewis on Lyman Street in Springfield. After a comprehensive review of all available evidence – including body-worn camera footage, witness statements, 911 recordings, and autopsy results – […]

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Supreme Judicial Court Reinstates First Degree Murder Conviction in Luis Gomez Case

May 15, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has affirmed the jury’s original verdict in Commonwealth vs. Luis Gomez, ruling that the defendant stands convicted of first-degree murder by deliberate premeditation. The decision reverses a post-trial order issued by Superior Court Judge Douglas H. Wilkins, who presided over the trial and later […]

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Hampden County Prosecutor Max Bennett Honored with Prestigious William C. O’Malley Award

Max Bennett and DA Gulluni 2

May 14, 2025 – Boston, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is proud to announce that longtime Assistant District Attorney Maximilian J. Bennett has been named the recipient of the 2025 William C. O’Malley Prosecutor of the Year Award, one of the highest honors a Massachusetts prosecutor can receive. This award, given annually by the Massachusetts District […]

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Defendant Convicted on charges of Distribution of Fentanyl in Hampden Superior Court

May 13, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced the conviction and sentencing of Christopher Anderson, 37, of Wales. A Hampden County jury found Anderson guilty of multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. On April 11, 2025,  the Court sentenced Anderson to three and […]

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District Attorney’s Office Highlights $285K Equipment Investment in Ongoing Counterdrug Partnership with Massachusetts National Guard

May 12, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni was joined today by key federal and state law enforcement leaders to highlight a renewed and growing partnership between the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts National Guard, focused on combating narcotics trafficking and organized drug activity across the region. The partnership, […]

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Brown Jr. Convicted in Connection with 2022 Holyoke Bar Shooting

May 9, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced the conviction and sentencing of John Brown Jr., 37, of Springfield, Massachusetts. A Hampden County jury found Brown Jr. guilty of armed assault with intent to murder. On April 29, 2025, the Court sentenced him to 18 to 20 years for armed […]

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Hampden County Gun Buyback Set for May 17

May 8, 2025 – West Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office and Baystate Health are encouraging Western Massachusetts residents to safely dispose of unwanted firearms and ammunition through their annual gun buyback event on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the West Springfield Town Hall, 26 Central St. from 8:30-10 a.m. The initiative is part […]

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