The Community Relations Department of Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley's Office links the district attorney and his staff to the neighborhoods they serve in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. The department is responsible for promoting several key functions of the District Attorney's Office beyond criminal prosecutions including intervention, crime prevention, and educational programs. Community Relations coordinates District Attorney Conley, or his representatives', participation at a wide range of community-based events, neighborhood and civic organization meetings, and safety seminars for residents and students. Educational Sessions and Workshops Educational sessions and workshops for children and adults, focusing on topics ranging from personal and Internet safety to how to establish neighborhood crime watch groups, may be scheduled through the Community Relations Department. In addition to providing important information to citizens of Suffolk County, these sessions have been implemented and endorsed by District Attorney Conley in the spirit of promoting public safety through the formation of partnerships between residents and law enforcement. Educational Programs The District Attorney's Office, the Criminal Justice System, and You This curriculum presents the reader with basic information about what the District Attorney's Office is, how it functions within the criminal justice system, what resources and services it makes available to the residents of the community, and how the office may be accessed by residents. The curriculum also provides contact information for the several aspects of the District Attorney's Office, thereby offering the reader some familiarity with a system that may otherwise appear overwhelming. Understanding Violence As a collaborative venture between Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas Reilly, this educational curriculum aspires to establish an "honest dialogue…about the root causes and consequences of violence" in local communities. "The goal of the Understanding Violence project is to provide young people with a powerful, proactive tool to discuss the realities, choices and costs of youth violence. It is intended to be used in diverse settings such as schools, after-school programs, youth centers, or faith-based groups - any setting in which adults strive to provide young people with a forum to discuss these important topics." Topics covered through this curriculum include: What Causes Violence? What Happens When Someone Is Accused of a Crime? How Do Stereotypes Affect Us? Truth vs. Snitching: What's the Difference? Why Do Kids Join Gangs? How Do You Make Responsible Choices? The curriculum includes an optional 33 minute video which accompanies the program. Internet Safety A priority of District Attorney Conley's is to protect the children of Suffolk County from internet predators in an era of rapid communications and easily shared information on a global scale. This program is presented by the Computer Crime Division of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Special Prosecutions Unit. The curriculum instructs school-aged children on how to use the internet safely, including what a child can do if s/he encounters suspicious contact while browsing the internet. Community Events The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office hosts, supports, and attends community events throughout the year in order to unite the community against violence, and to promote the prospect of a promising future. Events have included: Mother's Day Walk for Peace Soccer for Peace Civic Leadership Meetings Community Crime Watch Meetings Public Safety Meetings Presentations are also available in Spanish Contact Information For further information, or to set up an event, contact the Community Relations Department at: Tanya Brussa, Acting Director of Community Relations Suffolk County District Attorney's Office One Bulfinch Place Boston, MA 02114 Phone: 617-619-4131 Tanya.Brussa@massmail.state.ma.us