While much of our society has closed down to “flatten the curve” of the virus, the apparatus of the criminal justice system carries on. Constitutional rights of victims and defendants must be protected, even in a pandemic. Consequently, I and most of my colleagues are reporting to work, though on a rotating schedule to decrease risk. Domestic violence, child abuse, mental health crises and violent crime do not decrease during a global pandemic. Indeed, I fear that domestic violence cases and mental health crises will go up during this time. Our work continues to be vital – and it is more vital than ever that we do it with integrity. I hope you will keep my DA office colleagues and all law enforcement in your thoughts as we continue to pursue justice and seek to keep the community safe.
