Events

Conway Children's Advocacy Center of Plymouth County
Charity Open

from left to right:
District Attorney Joe Early,   District Attorney Mike O'Keefe,
Bobby Orr,   District Attorney Tim Cruz,
Tony Simonelli, and District Attorney Jon Blodgett

This year over 117 golfers took to the links.   District Attorney Cruz was joined by legendary Boston Bruin Bobby Orr, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, and Barnstable County District Attorney Michael O´Keefe.

The Charity Open supports the Children´s Advocacy Center (CAC) located in Brockton but serving all of Plymouth County.   The CAC is a joint project by BAMSI and the D.A.´s Office to provide a one-stop facility for children who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or severe neglect.   Regrettably, over 400 cases of child abuse are serviced by the CAC each year.
The staff offers quick and comprehensive intervention for these children so that the necessary medical, counseling, and forensic intervention is readily available.   The children receive coordinated services from the CAC´s multi-disciplinary team.   All services are developmentally and culturally customized to meet each child´s individual needs.

• Offering services and treatment for children and their families including forensic interviews, advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling referrals, and medical services when appropriate



• Providing multi-disciplinary investigations involving all agencies responsible
  for responding to child abuse



• Offering professional training and community outreach to broaden the understanding
  of the causes and effects of child abuse in order to provide the best response possible
  to allegations of abuse

The Insurance Fraud
Joint Task Force

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Attorney General Martha Coakley
announce Comprehensive Economic Crime Bill

• Money Laundering - Money laundering, which entails concealing the source of illegally obtained money, has proven to be critical in the furtherance of large-scale, illegal enterprises such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking and other organized crime, and is particularly prevalent where casino gaming is legal.   Among other measures, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly engage in a financial transaction derived from criminal activity with the intent to promote, carry on, or facilitate criminal activity.   Under the proposed new law, the crime of money laundering would carry a maximum penalty of six years in State Prison, or up to eight years for a repeat offense.   Money laundering is prohibited by federal law and in at least 28 other states.



• Enterprise Crime - The legislation also focuses on traditional and non-traditional criminal enterprises and organizations, including so-called organized crime families and traditional street gangs, organized retail crime rings, identity theft rings, large-scale drug and human trafficking groups.   Many of these organizations have sophisticated structures and extensive supporting networks, allowing them to engage in such criminal activities as money laundering, illegal gaming, running drugs and firearms, credit card and identity theft, and other types of fraud.   The bill will prohibit patterns of certain crimes committed by corrupt enterprises, allowing the ring leaders and major players, who control and direct the enterprise but often do not partake in the actual commission of the crime, to be deterred and held accountable.   Specifically, the bill makes it a crime, through a pattern of criminal enterprise activity or through the collection of an unlawful debt, to knowingly:
  • receive proceeds derived from such activity;
  • use the proceeds to establish, operate, or acquire any enterprise;
  • receive anything of value or acquire any interest in or control of any enterprise; or
  • be employed by or associated with any enterprise to conduct or participate in the enterprise by engaging in a pattern of criminal enterprise activity or through the collection on an unlawful debt.
  
  Under the proposed new law, such activity would carry a minimum penalty of five years in State Prison, and a maximum of 15 years. Currently, 32 states have enterprise crime statutes.



• Wire Interception - Last updated in 1968, the Massachusetts wire interception statute has not been updated to address either the technological advancements in telecommunications, or the changes in the nature and structure of criminal enterprises over the past 40 years.   This bill provides much-needed updates to the wire interception law, including adding a definition for "electronic communication," designating new crimes eligible for the use of a lawful interception, and extending the amount of time that a lawful interception can remain open from 15 to 30 days to account for the breadth and complexities of criminal investigations in the 21st century.   The bill also allows lawful, court approved one-party consent monitoring and recording of conversations of certain crimes.   At this time, 43 states have wire interception statutes, and 35 have one-party consent statutes.


In addition to District Attorney Cruz and Attorney General Coakley, this legislation, which was filed Monday, is co-sponsored by:

Senator Steven Baddour (D-Methuen)
Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre)
Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield)
Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford)
Senator James Timilty (D-Walpole)

Representative James Vallee (D-Franklin), House Majority Leader
Representative Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham)
Representative Katherine Clark (D-Melrose)
Representative Barry Finegold (D-Andover)
Representative John Keenan (D-Salem)
Representative Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham)
Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown)

Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett
Berkshire District Attorney David Capeless
Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone
Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe
Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel
Bristol District Attorney Samuel Sutter

National Night Out
Against Crime

1. heighten crime prevention awareness;
2. generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
3. strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
4. send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Brockton and adjoining communities celebrated with an event at Campanelli stadium
which included a resource fair, law enforcement parade, youth activities and free tickets
to the 6:05pm Brockton Rox baseball game.    It is estimated that over
2,000 participants attended the event.

The District Attorney had the honor of presenting awards in between innings to
Jack Alger from Beacon Communities, Staff Sergeant Jermaine Credit US Air Force,
Sergeant First Class Sominck Dagostion Jr., and Staff Sergeant Jersouk Touy
Mass Army National Guard.

The recipients were recognized for their commitment to crime prevention
and the National Night Out event.

While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out
does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make
many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year.

15th Annual Plymouth County Drug & Alcohol
Resistance Education Summer Program

The Plymouth County Drug & Alcohol Resistance Education Summer Program,
sponsored by Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, the School Resource
Officers and the Drug Education Officers of Plymouth County, concluded after a successful
week of summer fun.   The program, which ran from July 27th to July 31st, is a collaborative
effort between the District Attorney´s Office and the Plymouth County
Drug Education Officers and School Resource Officers.

The program is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends cultural diversity, education, and fun.
The program is offered to students entering grades 5 and 6 in the fall, free of charge.

The students spent the week learning skills to resist alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and violence, as well as taking part in team building activities such as Olympic events and pick up games of
dodge ball, wiffle ball, kick ball and basketball.   They were treated to
educational entertainment by Cubey the DJ, Johnny the K and Chris Poulos.
The students also received a visit from the med-flight helicopter and crew.
Lunch was provided each day and included a Chinese food buffet, pizza, and a cookout.

This year, 12 towns across Plymouth County participated in our 15th annual program.
More than 250 students attended this year´s program which was held at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School.   The students were surrounded by positive role models
that are committed to making the experience as rewarding as possible.

Team 2, led by Officer Tim Kane, Hanson Police,
present their team chant during the Graduation Ceremony

The program combines outdoor activities with Drug & Alcohol Resistance Education lessons to create a unique environment for children to foster growth and respect under the guidance of peer leaders, Drug Education Officers and School Resource Officers from their own communities.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated:    "The success of the program is due in large part to the participating Police Chiefs and their officers.    They are not only committed to our program, but they are also dedicated to ensuring that the children of Plymouth County are properly educated in order to keep themselves safe from the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol and tobacco."

Andrew Carney,   An intern for the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office,
was unable to participate in our program this year.
Staff members sent well wishes to him on a program shirt.
Andrew enlisted with the Navy, and is currently stationed in Taji, Iraq

Department of Justice
National Conference

On Tuesday, July 14, 2009, District Attorney Timothy Cruz presented at
the Department of Justice´s Community Capacity Development Office´s national conference.    The conference entitled, "Empowering People, Empowering Neighborhoods" took place in Tampa, FL from July 13-16 and focused on empowering residents and local stakeholders
in Weed and Seed communities.

District Attorney Tim Cruz

During "Helping Traumatized Children Succeed in Schools and in the Community" workshop, the District Attorney highlighted the success of a collaboration initiated under his
and Police Chief William Conlon´s leadership.    In partnership with the Brockton Public Schools and the Massachusetts Advocates for Children´s Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative,
law enforcement and school personnel have been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms
of trauma and respond in a manner that fosters a child´s healthy development.   While some may feel that prevention is beyond a prosecutor´s scope, the District Attorney demonstrated that coupled with a strong law enforcement strategy, this type of proactive intervention is exactly what Brockton needs to decrease the level of violence in some of the City´s toughest neighborhoods.

"Some wonder why a prosecutor´s office is invested in a community´s prevention efforts.   My answer to those would be that we must NOT sit by and wait for crime and victimization to occur", stated District Attorney Cruz.

Ed Jacoubs, Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office
Captain Wayne Sargo, Brockton Police Department

Over 100 participants from across the country participated in this workshop.
The District Attorney was joined by Edward Jacoubs, Director of Grants and Special Projects from the DA´s Office, Captain Wayne Sargo of the Brockton Police Department and
Joanne Camillo from the Brockton Public Schools.

Weed and Seed is a Department of Justice initiative to "weed" out drug and criminal activities
and "seed" in community programs and restoration efforts.   Brockton has been
a Weed and Seed site since 1999.   The program is administered locally by
the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office.

Brockton´s Promise
donation in support of Safe Places for City Youth

Youth Development
in Brockton

• Caring Adults


• Safe Places


• Effective Education


• Opportunities to Help Others


• Healthy Start

150th Anniversary
of the Massachusetts Superior Court

Law Day
2009

Plymouth County Prosecutor
receives honor

Coaching Boys into Men:
"Train the Trainer"

As a follow up to last year´s Coaching Boys Into Men Conference, the Plymouth County
White Ribbon Campaign sponsored a "Train the Trainer" session.
This year´s session introduced the new curriculum that was created by this initiative.

District Attorney Tim Cruz

District Attorney Tim Cruz along with Juan Carlos Arean and Feroz Moideen, presented the new curriculum.   Approximately 30 coaches from across Plymouth County were in attendence.
A program manual was provided to each coach as well as additional materials that offered examples as to how they could incorporate this curriculum into their coaching styles.
The conference was free of charge and open to any and all coaches of male athletes.

The "Train the Trainer" Conference was held at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School
in partnership with the school Safe & Supportive Learning Environments Grant.

District Attorney Tim Cruz and State Representative Vinny deMacedo
author legislation to impose a 10 year minimum mandatory sentence
for those convicted of discharging a firearm at a law enforcement officer

Representative Vinny deMacedo (R, Plymouth) and Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz announce the filing of legislation which will stiffen the criminal penalties for anyone
who is convicted of discharging a firearm at a law enforcement officer.

This bill would establish a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for those convicted
of "an assault or an assault and battery upon a law enforcement officer by discharging a firearm while said officer is engaged in the performance of duties, and who knows or has reason to know that the individual is a law enforcement officer …"

District Attorney Tim Cruz stated:
"When criminals cross the line and threaten the very people who protect us, then we as a society have to come together and send the clear message that it will not be tolerated.

If you shoot at a police officer, then you are going to prison
- and you are going for a long time."

>

District Attorneys from across the state, as well as Law Enforcement Officials and Local Officials from across Plymouth County,  join District Attorney Cruz and Representative deMacedo
in support of this legislation.

This legislation comes in the wake of escalating violence on the South Shore,
where officers have found themselves as targets, facing criminals who boldly brandish their guns.
Currently in Massachusetts, there is no statute mandating a minimum mandatory sentence for those convicted of such a crime on an officer.   In fact, such criminals have been released back onto the streets in as little as two years.   This legislation, if passed, would seek punishment of "not less than ten years up to life imprisonment in the state prison…and a fine of not more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars may be imposed but not in lieu of the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment..."

After speaking with District Attorney Cruz, deMacedo stated that:
"Individuals who open fire at police have complete disregard for the safety of their fellow citizens, and no respect for the law.   Whether it's the Brockton Police, or the Plymouth Police, these officers are courageously putting their lives on the line
each and every day to protect the public.   The least we can do and I believe
it is our duty, is to ensure these dangerous criminals are not released
back on the street to continue their terror."

"Law enforcement officers work every day to make sure that our streets are safe,
that our homes and businesses are secure, and that our children grow up
in peaceful communities.   They are on the front line, protecting all of us
from criminals who would do us harm," said District Attorney Cruz.

With the support of the District Attorney, Representative deMacedo is hopeful
this bill will pass through committees, with expediency and high approval.

"We must act now and we must act decisively,
our law enforcement officers and our communities deserve that."

The Second Annual
Statewide White Ribbon Day

• Police departments participated in the statewide day on many different levels.
  At the Plymouth County Chief´s Association meeting all police chiefs took the pledge lead by District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.   The pledge was also read during roll call, some officers wore white ribbons on their uniforms, and white ribbons were tied to the antennas of the police cruisers.



• The Plymouth County Sheriff´s Department also made presentations at roll call, asking their male employees to take the pledge and wear a white ribbon, and to tie a ribbon to their vehicles´ antennas.



• The Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office held an office-wide awareness day on Friday, February 13, 2009.



• Many schools in the county held events in honor of White Ribbon Day.   These schools included Gordon Mitchell Middle School in East Bridgewater, Hingham High School, and Plymouth South High School.



• The City of Brockton proclaimed February 14th as Brockton White Ribbon Day.



• Informational White Ribbon Day bookmarks were made available at florists and candy shops throughout Plymouth County the week preceding White Ribbon Day and on
  White Ribbon Day itself.



• WIC offices across Plymouth County had White Ribbon Campaign information available for their staff and clients the week preceding White Ribbon Day (February 9-13).

The White Ribbon Campaign signing
Hingham High School

Verizon Wireless and Plymouth County Law Enforcement
Team up against Domestic Violence

District Attorneys Tim Cruz
and Sam Sutter launch initiative to combat cyberbullying

First came the cellphones.   Then came the hackers and cyberbullies.
Three games that promote Cellphone Safety.

Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter
announced a joint initiative with LiveWires Design LTD to launch Braincells, an innovative computer game developed to educate students about cyberbullies and cell phone hackers.

District Attorney Sutter,  District Attorney Cruz
and Drew Ann Wake of Live Wires Design, LTD.

District Attorney Cruz and District Attorney Sutter, were joined
by Drew Ann Wake,  president of LiveWires Design and Raynham Police Chief Lou Pacheco
at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School to announce the launch of the game.

As part of this collaboration,  the game will be available to educate students
in both counties free of charge for one year.

District Attorney Cruz

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated,

"One of the biggest challenges facing kids today
is how to navigate safely in this increasingly technical world.

Today, kids often communicate on the internet and through cell phone text messages.

Braincells not only teaches children appropriate cell phone behavior,
but it also helps them recognize unsafe behavior."

Students from the Hanson Middle School
assist in the development of Braincells

In early January 2009, students from the Hanson Middle School,  under the direction
of Officer Rick Nawazelski, were asked to attend a workshop to beta test the Braincells game.
The students were asked come up with effective responses to four text messages in the game.

The students' responses assisted Live Wires Design with the development of
a successful cellphone safety plan.   The purpose of the safety plan is to help
students recognize when they are in a cyberbullying situation.   It equips them with the
necessary steps that they will need to take to effectively put an end to cyberbullying.
The five best responses have been incorporated into the final version of the Braincells game.

Later that month, the students attended a second workshop.   They worked with
Drew Ann Wake of Live Wires Design.   The students were asked to come up with
ideas that could be written into a script for a cartoon promo of the Braincells game.



Drew Ann Wake of Live Wires Design,  conducts the second workshop with the Hanson Students

The animated program is set in the fictitious Braincells High, which is in turmoil.
Eddie the Bully steals cell phones from younger students.   He hacks into
the school computer and "improves" his marks.   He then initiates a series
of cyberbullying incidents which pit the students against one another.
In the final game,  ´Get Eddie´,  players bring peace to the school.

District Attorney Cruz observes the students at the workshop

The game is broken down into three areas:  Hacking, Bullying and Cyberbullying.

The Hacking portion of the game was beta tested with students from Canada.
The Bullying portion of the game was beta tested with students from the Netherlands,
and the Cyberbullying portion of the game was beta tested with students
from both Plymouth and Bristol counties.

The Winners of the Cell Phone Safety Plan
and the Cartoon Promo Contests

Principal Martin Geoghegan,  Officer Rick Nawazelski and teacher,  Jessica Hobin
with the winners of the Cell Phone Safety Plan and the Cartoon Promo Contests.

(missing from this picture:  student winner,  Brendan Hayward and teacher,  Tom Kilduff)

Cell Phone Safety Plan Contest Winners:

Rachael Baker,  Paige Caswell,  Jessica DeMont
Brendan Hayward, and Samantha Smith

Cartoon Promotion Contest Winners:

Jake Bowen,  Brendan Hayward,  Caroline Merry
Katie Peloquin and Kylie Vaughn

Many Thanks to our Beta Testers:

Students:  Nathan Baker,  Rachael Baker,  Jake Bowen,  Isaac Bowman,  Paige Caswell
Jack Crowley  Jessica DeMont,  Alexander Duclos,  Brendan Hayward
Nadine LeBeau,  Kevin McKenna,  Caroline Merry,  Ryan O'Donnell, Kathleen Peloquin
Alexander Quadros,  Samantha Smith,  Michaela Terrell,  Mark Troupe,  Kylie Vaughn
Principal Martin Geoghegan,  Officer Rick Nawazelski and teachers:  Jessica Hobin and Tom Kilduff

(missing from this picture:  student winner,  Brendan Hayward and teacher,  Tom Kilduff)

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Working Together
to Help Traumatized Children Succeed in School

Friday, October 17, 2008
Thorny Lea Golf Club
Brockton, Massachusetts

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Plimouth Plantation
Plymouth, Massachusetts

The conference invited professionals throughout Southeastern Massachusetts
to discuss joining together - across agencies, areas of focus, and disciplines,
to ensure that all of our children are successful at school.

District Attorney Tim Cruz

Studies demonstrate that more children than we may realize
are coming to school after exposure to a host of overwhelming experiences;
from violence in the home and on the streets to abuse, neglect, and homelessness.

If not addressed, trauma from these experiences
can have a negative impact on children
that can result in problems at school and in the community.
A collaborative, community-wide response can ensure that all children
will be able to stay in school and achieve at their highest levels.

A copy of the report, Helping Traumatized Children Learn,
was distributed to each conference participant.

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Brockton TRIAD partners with Project Lifesaver

Brockton TRIAD launches Project Lifesaver
to benefit victims of Alzheimer's Disease and Autism
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brockton Senior Center
Father Kenney Way
Brockton, MA


District Attorney Tim Cruz


"Project Lifesaver is the worlds most reliable program for locating missing persons, providing safety through a proven, rapid response system with the most practical, affordable and successful solution for bringing loved ones home
and peace of mind to the care givers."(1)


Officer Tom Donohue, Brockton Police Department deomonstrates
the project lifesaver equipment

"When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver agency that the person is missing,
a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer's area and starts searching with
the mobile locater tracking system."(1)

"Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes.
In over 1500 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths.
Recovery times average less than 30 minutes."(1)

(1) information about project lifesaver is taken directly from the project lifesaver webstie.
for more information about Project Lifesaver International, please visit:
www.projectlifesaver.org

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Plympton Carver Regional TRIAD-Health & Safety Fair

The Third Annual TRIAD Health & Safety Fair
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Shurtleff Park, Carver, MA

District Attorney Tim Cruz


This year's fair attracted over 40 vendors
who offered services and advice to the seniors of Plympton and Carver.

Ray Scott, Plympton Police Chief Matt Clancy, Plympton Officer Steve Teri

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, The Plympton Police Department, The Carver Police Department, The American Red Cross, Jordan Hospital, CVS pharmacy, and Island Terrace Nursing Home of Lakeville were all on hand to offer information to the Seniors in attendence.

Carol Schneider and Liisa Budge-Johnson of the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department

Representatives from AAA, local senior care facilities, local hospice providers, South Shore Community Action Council, Carver and Plympton EMS also attended.

This year's fair serviced over 75 Seniors from both communities

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Conway Children's Advocacy Center of Plymouth County
Charity Open

The Third Annual, Children's Advocacy Center, Charity Open
was held at the Ocean Side Course in New Seabury on August 18, 2008.


pictured from left to right:
Worcester District Attorney Joe Early,   Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz,
Boston Bruins Legend, Bobby Orr,   Cape & Islands District Attorney Mike O'Keefe,
Essex District Attorney Jon Blodgett

The 136 golfers were joined by Boston Bruins Legend, Bobby Orr, who was a guest of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.




pictured from left to right:
District Attorney Tim Cruz, Bobby Orr and Tony Simonelli, of BAMSI

The CAC is a public/private partnership between the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office and BAMSI.   The center is dedicated to providing a multidisciplinary approach to child abuse.   It provides services for victims of child abuse and their families.

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Plymouth County Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education
Summer Program

The fourteenth annual Summer Program
sponsored by District Attorney Tim Cruz
took place during the first two weeks in August.


staff members Jeff Kessler and Andrew Carney


The Plymouth County Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education Summer Program
is a collaborative effort between District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
and the Plymouth County Drug Education Officers.


East Bridgewater D.A.R.E. Officer Janice Cunningham and Peer Leader Ryan Mullen

The program is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends cultural diversity, education, and fun. The program is offered free of charge.  Students spend the week learning skills
to resist alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and violence.

They are surrounded by positive role models who are committed to making the experience as rewarding as possible. Over 500 children benefited from our program this year.



This year's program is dedicated in memory of
Officer Gerald Mont of the Whitman Police Department.


Officer Gerry Mont

Gerry, a former D.A.R.E. Officer, passed away suddenly last January.
He was a 17 year veteran on the department, and was a member of our program.

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The Establishment of the Hanover TRIAD

The Town of Hanover establishes TRIAD in their community
Thursday, March 27, 2008.


District Attorney Tim Cruz congratulates the Senior Citizens of Hanover
on the establishment of TRIAD in their community.

Senior Citizens comprise the most rapidly growing segment of our population.
One in eight Americans is already 65 or older.

This statistic represents more than 33.6 million seniors.   With increased life expectancy, new issues for the criminal justice system and increasing demands for supportive and protective services have arisen.


Chief Paul Hayes of the Hanover Police Department
served as Master of Ceremonies

TRIAD is a nationally recognized program in which Law Enforcement, Senior Citizens, Supportive and Protective Services all work together to unify and implement services that are currently available to seniors in their community.


The Formal Signing of the Plymouth County TRIAD Cooperative Agreement

Preamble

Major Polls indicate that crime and the fear of crime impact severely on older Americans. Recognizing the challenging situation presented by a rapidly increasing number of older persons in the county, it is necessary to identify and offer ways of dealing more effectively with many of the problems faced by older citizens.

Because of the aging of the population and the increasing demands being placed on law enforcement and support agencies to meet the needs of the older citizens, it is important that the county's leading agencies devote special attention to the needs of senior citizens.

Statement of Agreement

In light of the above, Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr., District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, Chief Paul R. Hayes, Chief Kenneth Blanchard, Selectman Chairman David G. Flynn, and Director Robyn Mitton are determined to effect change.   These agencies and organizations agree that the nation's older population has special needs with respect to victimization and fear of crime, perceived and actual loss, and the sense of being alone and unprotected.   We agree that these needs can and should be met by safety and law enforcement agencies and the county's premier organization(s) of older citizens,
working together at all levels of free societies.

We hereby commit to work together to enhance the quality of life of older persons.
Our purpose is to heighten awareness among law enforcement practitioners of older persons' need for dignity and security and to focus our efforts on reducing criminal victimization through cooperative strategies, planning and programming.   This initiative is designed to mobilize community resources to continually ascertain the needs and concerns of older citizens and to provide mechanisms for meeting those identified needs.

The sharing of resources is the first step in achieving an effective means of identifying available programs.   This process will involve law enforcement practitioners as well as citizens of all ages in the development, implementation and evaluation of acceptable solutions.   Together, we will strive for a renewed sense of responsibility
for the security and well being of older citizens through public awareness,
training and the provision of criminal justice services.

Therefore, by agreement, the TRIAD will initiate the appropriate actions
to achieve these objectives.

Accepted this day, the twenty-seventh of March, in the year 2008

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Coaching Boys Into Men

District Attorney Timothy Cruz served as the Master of Ceremonies
for the "Coaching Boys into Men" conference
sponsored by the Plymouth County White Ribbon Campaign
at the Shaw's Center, in Brockton on March 6, 2008


District Attorney Timothy Cruz

The conference focused around the nationally recognized curriculum
designed by the Family Violence Prevention Fund that encourages sports coaches
to educate young athletes to treat women and girls with respect, and to relay the message
that violence against women is never a solution or sign of strength.


pictured from left to right:
Craig Norberg-Bohm, Coordinator of the Men's Initiative for Jane Doe
Timothy Cruz, District Attorney
M.L. Carr, former Boston Celtic
Juan Carlos Arean, Program Manager of the Family Violence Prevention Fund
Joseph McDonald, Sheriff

The keynote speaker was former Boston Celtic, M.L. Carr, who was
a co-author of the curriculum along with Joe Torre and Pete Carroll.
M.L. Carr shared his personal story regarding domestic violence
and encouraged coaches to be role models for their athletes
in an effort to end domestic violence.

Other speakers included Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald,
who asked the audience to teach their athletes to treat others the way
they would want to be treated or the way they wanted
others to treat their mothers, sisters and daughters.

Juan Carlos Arean, program manager of the Family Violence Prevention Fund,
gave the coaches specific examples out of the "playbook" on teachable moments that
they could use with their players and specific examples of how to implement the "playbook".

Craig Norberg-Bohm, coordinator of the Men's Initiative for Jane Doe led the attendees
in taking the White Ribbon Pledge to "Never to commit, condone or remain silent
on violence against women."

Approximately 100 coaches from Plymouth County and the surrounding area attended the conference and received information and resources on how to implement the program into their coaching playbooks.   Staff from the three area advocacy agencies partnered in this conference and attendees received information from Womansplace Crisis Center, South Shore Women's Resource Center and Brockton Family and Community Resources.

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Children in the Margins

Conference Focus:
Strategies for the identification and intervention
of high-risk characteristics of youth

October 19, 2007
Martin Institute for Law and Society
Stonehill College, Easton, MA


District Attorney Timothy Cruz, delivers opening remarks

Today´s youth are exposed to risk factors from peers, family, school, the community,
and their own perceived values and attitudes.   As a result, many struggle with combinations of substance abuse, mental health, sexuality and violence issues.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Education´s
2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, students who engage in one high-risk
or health-compromising behavior are often likely to engage in other risk behaviors as well.
For many students, risk behaviors begin well before high school.

Through expert panel discussion, attendees of this conference identified high risk characteristics of youth, and explored innovative strategies for statewide intervention.


District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Attorney General Martha Coakley,
and Mayor James Harrington

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The R.O.S.E. Fund's 2007 Award Celebration

The Plymouth County White Ribbon Campaign were asked to present
at the Annual Gala of the R.O.S.E. Fund held at The Fairmont Copley Plaza
in Boston, MA on October 9, 2007


Chief Taylor A.B. Mills, of Hingham, MA, presents the White Ribbon Campaign
also pictured:   District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
New England Patriot's 1999 Hall of Fame Linebacker Andre Tippett
representatives from the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
and student members of the YMCA



The R.O.S.E. Fund

The R.O.S.E. (Regaining One's Self-Esteem) Fund is a national non-profit organization.

The fund is intended to help women victims of domestic violence bridge the gap
between being victims and becoming survivors.   The focus on self esteem is
the thread that runs through all of R.O.S.E.'s initiatives.


District Attorney Tim Cruz, Chief T.A.B. Mills, Andre Tippett
and a representative from The New England Patriots Chartiable Foundation

The White Ribbon Campaign

The White Ribbon Campaign was originally founded in Canada, following the 1989 massacre of 14 young female college students at Montreal´s L´Ecole Polytechnique, a handful of men recognized that as men, they have a responsibility to urge other men to speak out against men´s violence against women, as it could no longer be treated as merely a "Women´s Problem".

These men organized the White Ribbon Campaign to ask men to take the pledge, wear a small white ribbon as a symbol of men´s opposition to men´s violence against women, and enter into a dialogue about men´s violence against women.


District Attorney Tim Cruz, Chief T.A.B. Mills, Andre Tippett
representatives from The New England Patriots Chartiable Foundation
representatives from the Plymouth County White Ribbon Campaign
and student members of the YMCA

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Verizon Wireless has recognized District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and
the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office, with a "HopeLine® Hero" Award

On May 2, 2007 Verizon Wireless presented an award to
the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.


pictured from left to right:
Michael DesRochers, Government Accounts, Verizon Wireless
Michael Murphy, PR Manager and HopeLine Administrator, Verizon Wireless
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz
Tamara Spinney, Domestic Violence Coordinator
Courtney Cahill, Assistant District Attorney, Domestic Violence Unit


Verizon Wireless has recognized the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office, led by Timothy J. Cruz, with a "HopeLine® Hero" award for their tremendous support of the company´s program to support survivors of domestic violence.

The Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider through phone drives and at Communications Stores nationwide.   Phones that can be refurbished are sold and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.   Proceeds are used to provide wireless phones, airtime and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

For the last two years, the Plymouth County District Attorney´s office has coordinated a cross-county collection netting nearly 5,000 wireless phones, batteries and accessories for recycling through HopeLine.   In addition, Tamara Spinney, coordinator of the domestic violence program in the District Attorney´s office, has raised awareness across the south shore on how phone donations can provide valuable communications tools, financial resources and support to domestic violence organizations and survivors.

"The HopeLine Program is effective due to strong support from our local communities and leaders," said Ken Dixon, New England Region president, Verizon Wireless.   "Realizing it takes time and energy to organize phone drives, we created the HopeLine Hero award to express our gratitude to organizations, like the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office, that go above and beyond to support survivors and raise awareness of this issue."

"We´re proud to receive the HopeLine Hero award from Verizon Wireless," said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.   "Our team has long been involved with the domestic violence cause and all avenues in support of survivors are given our time and attention.   HopeLine is one such avenue."

Throughout 2006, wireless customers in New England donated over 60,000 no-longer-used wireless phones to Verizon Wireless´ HopeLine® phone recycling program to support domestic violence prevention and awareness programs.   As a result of these donations, more than $80,000, and 500 wireless phones, with airtime and other features were donated to 50 local agencies throughout New England.

Past recipients of the HopeLine Hero award in New England include Braintree Recycling (Mass), the Boston Police Department, Community Systems, Inc.´s Community Experience Program (Conn.), General Electric, HP, and Private Healthcare Systems (Mass.).

For more information on Verizon Wireless´ HopeLine program and on how to donate a wireless phone, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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White Ribbon Campaign signing at Carver High School

On April 10, 2007 Carver High School
held their first White Ribbon Campaign signing.


District Attorney Timothy Cruz

The White Ribbon was presented in one assembly which included the student body
from grades nine and ten.

The students were addressed by Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.
He encouraged the young men in the audience to speak out against violence
against women.


Carver High School Students took the pledge

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Two Plymouth County Prosecutors receive honors

Two prosecutors from the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office
were honored at the 13th Annual Massachusetts Prosecutor´s Conference
held in Boston on March 29 – 30, 2007.


First Assistant District Attorney Frank J. Middleton and District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz



William C. O´Malley Prosecutor of the Year Award

Plymouth County First Assistant District Attorney Frank J. Middleton received the
William C. O´Malley Prosecutor of the Year Award.   The O´Malley Prosecutor of the Year Award is a lifetime achievement award which recognizes the special combination of talents embodied in a truly outstanding prosecutor: extraordinary courtroom advocacy skills; a gift for mentoring new prosecutors; compassion for victims; and dedication to the highest standards of professionalism in investigations and in all dealings with defense counsel, the judiciary, and the public at large.

This award is presented annually at the Massachusetts Prosecutors Conference in memory of William C. O´Malley, the District Attorney of Plymouth County from 1979 until his sudden death in April, 1995 at the age of 52.

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Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cahill and District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz

Annual Spotlight Award

Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cahill received the annual Spotlight Award.   This award is given annually to an assistant district attorney from each office in recognition of their outstanding service, spirit, and professionalism.   It provides each District Attorney an opportunity to showcase one ADA in the "spotlight", thanking him/her publicly for a job well done.

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White Ribbon Campaign signing at
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School

On February 1, 2007 Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School
held their first White Ribbon Campaign signing.


District Attorney Timothy Cruz

The White Ribbon was presented in two assemblies which included the Sophomore and Senior classes.   Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz addressed the student body encouraging young men to speak out against violence against women.

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Project Safe Childhood
National Conference

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz was invited to speak
at the 2006 Project Safe Childhood (PSC) national conference
held in Washington, D.C. on December 4-6, 2006.


District Attorney Timothy Cruz,
also pictured, Frank Fina, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


The conference was attended by over 1,000 members of law enforcement from across the nation.    District Attorney Cruz spoke about the need to keep children safe online.   He highlighted the importance of not only educating parents and children on the danger that the Internet can pose, but also pursuing the aggressive prosecution of online sexual predators.



Regina Schofield, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs;
Frank Fina, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
District Attorney Timothy Cruz and David Wallace, Mayor of Sugarland, Texas


Project Safe Childhood is a Department of Justice initiative which is designed to help law enforcement and community leaders to develop a coordinated strategy to prevent, investigate and prosecute sexual predators, abusers, and pornographers who target children, as well as educate parents and children on the importance of Internet safety.

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White Ribbon Campaign signing
at the Brockton City Hall

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz was invited to speak
at the White Ribbon Campaign Signing at Brockton City Hall on November 21, 2006.


District Attorney Timothy Cruz

On November 21st the Brockton Mayor James Harrington sponsored a White Ribbon Campaign signing at City Hall.   The Mayor encouraged male Brockton City employees and community members to take the White Ribbon Pledge, sign the banner and wear a White Ribbon to show their support of the initiative.   Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, Mayor James Harrington and Bill McCoy from Brockton Family and Community Resources spoke at the event.  




Mayor James Harrington and District Attorney Timothy Cruz

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The Brockton Postmaster recognizes District Attorney Timothy Cruz
for his efforts to raise awareness about Domestic Violence

District Attorney Cruz is recognized during the unveiling
of the Stop Family Violence semi-postal stamp on October 26, 2006.



District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Mayor James Harrington,
and Postmaster Charles Williams

On October 26, 2006, Postmaster Charles Williams recognized District Attorney
Timothy J. Cruz, Brockton Mayor James Harrington and Womansplace Crisis Center Advocate, Adrienne Lopez for their efforts in helping raise awareness about domestic violence.





A special "Stop Family Violence" semi-postal stamp was unveiled during the ceremony.

Each honoree, received a framed copy of the special edition stamp

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White Ribbon Campaign signing
was held at Duxbury High School

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
is invited to address the student body



District Attorney Timothy Cruz and members of the Duxbury Student Council

On May 25, 2006, Duxbury High School held their first White Ribbon Campaign signing.  Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz addressed the student body encouraging young men to speak out against violence against women nbsp; 


District Attorney Timothy Cruz taking the pledge

The White Ribbon was presented in two separate assemblies which included the Freshman through Senior classes.

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Park Bench Dedication
and The Silent Witness Project, Plymouth, MA

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
is invited to speak at the Park Bench Dedication in Plymouth, MA



District Attorney Timothy Cruz, dedicates a bench
for victims of Domestic Violence, in Plymouth

A dedication ceremony was held on April 23, 2006, in Plymouth to dedicate a park bench with an inscription to honor the victims of Domestic Violence.   Included in the ceremony was a display of The Silent Witness Project as well as a candlelight vigil to honor and remember all victims of Domestic Violence in Plymouth County.


Plymouth Police Color Guard, and the Silent Witness Project

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Park Bench Dedication
and The Silent Witness Project, Brockton, MA

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
is invited to speak at the Park Bench Dedication in Brockton, MA



District Attorney Timothy Cruz, dedicates a bench
for victims of Domestic Violence, in Brockton

On April 24, 2006, another vigil took place in Brockton at the Crescent St. and Montello St. Park.   The memorial dedication placed a park bench with the same inscription to honor the lives lost and impacted by crime.   The theme of Victims Rights Week was strength and unity, emphasizing the efforts of victim services providers and the calling to communities to join together to assisting the survivors of crime.  

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White Ribbon Campaign signing
is held at Plymouth South High School

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz
speaks at the White Ribbon Campaign Signing
held at Plymouth South High School in Plymouth, MA




On February 14th, 2006 Theresa Dorr and the student P.R.I.D.E. group coordinated
their annual White Ribbon Campaign Signing.   Plymouth County District Attorney
Timothy J. Cruz, addressed the student body.  

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