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

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.