OUR EFFORTS
- Anti-Drug Initiatives
- Domestic Violence
- Street Crime
- Animal Cruelty
- Victim Services
- Community Partnerships
Anti-DRUG INITIATIVES
OVERDOSE RESPONSE INITIATIVE
The Overdose Response Initiative was created by D.A. McMahon in partnership with the NYPD to address the crippling drug crisis on Staten Island by investigating overdose deaths like a crime scene in an effort to root out drug dealers and offer supportive services to grieving families.
Through the initiative, the D.A.'s office and NYPD maintain real time data on all overdose deaths and Naloxone saves in order to better address the challenges of combating this serious issue.
Investigations stemming from ORI have led to the arrest and prosecution of dozens of drug dealers.
Additionally, anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics can anonymously submit a report or call the RCDA Drug Hotline at (718)876-5839.
HEROIN OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
In 2017, RCDA launched the Heroin, Overdose, Prevention & Education initiative. Created with the NYPD, public health advocates, multiple interdisciplinary city agencies, and the Staten Island community, HOPE is an innovative pre-arraignment diversion program which redirects low-level drug offenders to community-based health and treatment services, instead of jail and prosecution.
Developed for Staten Island, the HOPE program is committed to reducing overdoses; improving health outcomes by exposing those in need to treatment options and resources, including harm reduction services, Naloxone training and distribution from a peer mentor, and improving public safety by reducing criminal activity. Since its inception, the HOPE initiative has been extraordinarily successful, and has connected hundreds of Islanders to recovery services.
STATEN ISLAND DRUG TREATMENT COURT
The mission of Staten Island Drug Treatment Court is to rehabilitate substance abusing offenders in order to improve not only their quality of life but also that of the Staten Island community, by breaking the cycle of crime associated with addiction. Through the mutual efforts of the judge, prosecutor, defense bar, and treatment providers, the Drug Treatment Court uses its authority to address the addiction of eligible offenders in the following ways: seek appropriate treatment, monitor offenders while in treatment, impose graduated sanctions for non-compliance, grant rewards for compliance, and provide recognition to participants when they have successfully completed their programs.
SUPREME COURT PART N (NARCOTICS)
Working with the Office of Court Administration, RCDA opened the Narcotics Part in October 2016 to expedite and prioritize felony drug cases in order to more efficiently and effectively get drug dealers off the streets and behind bars. Narcotics Part is presided over by Justice Charles Troia, and handles felonies involving the criminal sale of narcotics or the possession of narcotics with intent to sell. Unfortunately, the Office of Court Administration abruptly shuttered Part N in early 2018. We are actively fighting, along with our partners in state government to reopen Part N and restore justice as quickly as possible.
‘CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES' PROGRAM
The Choices and Consequences Program is an interactive high school presentation designed to prevent drunk, drugged, and reckless driving. As traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for individuals between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four, RCDA’s goal is to reduce injuries and deaths as well as to demonstrate proper driving habits.
‘NO D’ INITIATIVE
The No D initiative is a program offered to all middle and high schools on Staten Island. The 35-minute presentation includes real life examples of opioid abuse, the damage inflicted on families by loved ones battling addiction illness, and the legal ramifications that come with drug-related crimes. The goal is to start a conversation with youth and break through the theory of “teenage invincibility,” and to educate the youth about the real dangers of drugs — to prevent substance abuse before it begins.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BUREAU
In 2016, RCDA, under DA McMahon’s leadership, created a separate and dedicated Domestic Violence Bureau that works solely on handling the borough’s growing number of domestic violence cases. The Domestic Violence Bureau is comprised of a Bureau Chief, a Deputy Bureau Chief, 13 ADAs, 4 paralegals, and 4 victim advocates to allow for more direct and involved supervision of domestic violence cases. Additionally, the office moved to a system of vertical prosecution in domestic violence cases, meaning a case will stay with one prosecutor from start to finish.
FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER (126 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301)
The Family Justice Center opened in June 2016 and is dedicated to providing resources and a safe space for victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking or elder abuse. The Center, run by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, is co-located with the District Attorney’s Office and is open to everyone, regardless of income, language, immigration status, gender identity or sexual orientation, providing free criminal justice, legal, and social services and counseling. The space is family friendly, equipped with a supervised play area for children, resources in various languages, and continuous, consistent care. The Center was designed to offer a safe place for individuals to obtain any and all services someone experiencing domestic violence might need. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, come get help and support from experienced staff.
If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence or intimate partner violence, the Family Justice Center stands ready to help in every way. Stop by, no appointment necessary, Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
VICTIM SERVICES UNIT
In 2016, RCDA created a Victims Services Unit, which organized all Victim Advocates under the leadership of a Senior Victim Advocate. This supervisor is responsible for the training, management, and quality control for all advocates, which means better service and advocacy for victims, and greater accountability within the office. In addition to the creation of the Victim Services Unit, DA McMahon has brought on two additional Victim Advocates to better serve those who have been victimized by crime.
STREET CRIME
The Richmond County District Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing street crime, getting dangerous guns off the streets, and prosecuting criminals who due physical harm to others. To that end, the Office has implemented new strategies and technologies to help in that fight.
FIREARMS ANTI-VIOLENCE UNIT
The Firearms Anti-Violence Unit was created by District Attorney McMahon to investigate and prosecute firearms cases as part of the office’s continued effort to combat gun violence on Staten Island. In addition to handling all felony gun cases, including homicides committed with a firearm, the Firearms Anti-Violence Unit helps identify drivers of shooting and gun violence incidents and also better target community-specific efforts to reduce the incidence of gun violence.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO CURB GUN VIOLENCE
The prosectors and investigators with the District Attorney’s Office work closely with the NYPD to advocate for and utilize new technologies to better drive down the rate of gun violence on Staten Island.
- ShotSpotter, a technology that detects and identifies the locations of gunshots, has been implemented in the 120th Precinct and 121st Precinct on Staten Island to help the NYPD better control gun crime. DA McMahon has advocated for the expansion of this technology to better aid law enforcement in ending gun violence.
- DA McMahon advocated for the installation of license plate reader technology to be brought to Staten Island to better assist police and investigators in their mission to put criminals behind bars. These devices are programmed to record license plates as a way to track suspects tied to violent crimes.
- In an effort to better understand drivers of crime, analysts and investigators in the District Attorney’s Office provide support and analysis to ensure enhanced prosecutorial outcomes. This Unit identifies crime trends.
- DA McMahon, together with the NYPD, has hosted “gun buyback” events to encourage any individual to bring their unwanted gun to a secure location, typically a house of worship or community center, in exchange for a pre-paid gift card. These buybacks have resulted in dozens of firearms being taken off our streets.
ANIMAL CRUELTY
ANIMAL CRUELTY PROSECUTION UNIT
The RCDA Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit was created in April 2016 by DA McMahon and is headed by ADA Jane Grinberg. The unit works closely with the NYPD's Animal Cruelty Investigations Squad to investigate cases where animal abuse has occurred and with the ASPCA to provide for the direct care of animal cruelty victims.
The purpose of this Unit is to investigate and prosecute crimes against animals, to highlight and increase awareness of animal abuse, to educate the community about available resources and programs that could prevent neglect, abuse, and injury to animals, and to develop and facilitate relationships with Staten Islanders and local veterinarians to encourage the reporting of animal abuse by speaking for those who have no voice.
ANIMAL NEGLECT PREVENTION PROGRAM
The Animal Neglect Prevention Program aims to provide financially struggling pet owners with affordable medical services for their animal companion. The goal of this collaborative effort is to help animal guardians, who might otherwise be criminally charged with animal neglect, properly care for their pets.
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Medical care will include, but not be limited to, low-to-mid cost services such as the treatment of ear/eye infections, uncomplicated lameness, and flea allergy dermatitis. More advanced (and, expensive) care, if required, will be offered to the animal guardian, but it will be the individual VCA hospital’s decision to offer a payment plan achievable for the animal guardian. Further financial consideration, if needed, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- In order to be eligible for the assistance provided by this program, a pet owner must provide proof of need such as, but not limited to: public assistance; Medicaid; SSI, PAAD; and they must have no other source of income OR a family member/friend/Good Samaritan willing and able to pay for veterinary services.
- It will be the responsibility of the ANPP participant to provide proof of this qualifying information, both when making the appointment and at the time of the appointment. Given that this program has been co-founded with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, fraudulent representation by an ANPP participant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Participating Animal Hospitals in the Animal Neglect Prevention Program are:
ANIMAL CRUELTY PROSECUTION UNIT
The RCDA Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit was created in April 2016 by DA McMahon and is headed by ADA Jane Grinberg. The unit works closely with the NYPD's Animal Cruelty Investigations Squad to investigate cases where animal abuse has occurred and with the ASPCA to provide for the direct care of animal cruelty victims.
The purpose of this Unit is to investigate and prosecute crimes against animals, to highlight and increase awareness of animal abuse, to educate the community about available resources and programs that could prevent neglect, abuse, and injury to animals, and to develop and facilitate relationships with Staten Islanders and local veterinarians to encourage the reporting of animal abuse by speaking for those who have no voice.
ANIMAL NEGLECT PREVENTION PROGRAM
The Animal Neglect Prevention Program aims to provide financially struggling pet owners with affordable medical services for their animal companion. The goal of this collaborative effort is to help animal guardians, who might otherwise be criminally charged with animal neglect, properly care for their pets.
- Medical care will include, but not be limited to, low-to-mid cost services such as the treatment of ear/eye infections, uncomplicated lameness, and flea allergy dermatitis. More advanced (and, expensive) care, if required, will be offered to the animal guardian, but it will be the individual VCA hospital’s decision to offer a payment plan achievable for the animal guardian. Further financial consideration, if needed, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- In order to be eligible for the assistance provided by this program, a pet owner must provide proof of need such as, but not limited to: public assistance; Medicaid; SSI, PAAD; and they must have no other source of income OR a family member/friend/Good Samaritan willing and able to pay for veterinary services.
- It will be the responsibility of the ANPP participant to provide proof of this qualifying information, both when making the appointment and at the time of the appointment. Given that this program has been co-founded with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, fraudulent representation by an ANPP participant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Participating Animal Hospitals in the Animal Neglect Prevention Program are:
If you or someone you know is a pet owner and the animal is in need of emergency medical attention, Greater Staten Island Veterinary Services (3135 Victory Boulevard, Bulls Head) is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week and can be reached at (917) 830-1380.
Always Contact 911 if you are aware of an incident of animal abuse or animal cruelty.
VICTIM SERVICES
VICTIM AND WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The goal of this program is to keep victims of crime informed throughout the criminal justice process. The services offered are free of charge and include:
- Counseling and referrals for long-term mental health treatment
- Compensation claim application assistance
- Court accompaniment and logistical support
- Victim notification registration
- Assistance with victim impact statements
- Defendant Name Change Notification Registration
- Providing advocacy and documentation for employers or schools.
- Questions regarding Orders of Protection or inmate custody status.
- Assistance with special needs, disabilities or unreasonably extensive transportation hardship.
- Updating contact information
- The return of personal property
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a crime:
- Victim Advocates are here to assist you with all of these services and more.
- You may be eligible for financial compensation for certain expenses resulting from the crime.
- If you have suffered physical injury, your out-of-pocket medical and counseling expenses are covered through the New York State Office of Victim Services- even if you do not have health insurance.
- You have the right to information and notification about your case.
- For more information about assistance available to you as the victim of a crime, visit the NYS Office of Victim Services here.
When you visit the office, useful information to bring includes:
- Photo Identification
- Your Social Security number (and the Social Security numbers for any children that may be applying for compensation)
- Copies of medical bills and/or receipts for expenses related to the crime
The Richmond County District Attorney’s Office strives to provide support to all victims and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (as defined in paragraph 249(c)(4) of title 18, United States Code), sexual orientation, or disability in the delivery of services.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
SATURDAY SESSIONS AT THE GERARD CARTER CENTER
We know that by offering safe and constructive options for our youth to learn and play, they are less likely to become involved in illegal activities including drugs and gang violence. To make this a reality, we’re keeping the doors of Gerard Carter Center open for basketball, dance, use of their professional recording studio, and more on Saturday nights from 6:00 – 10:00 PM throughout the school year for students aged 11-18 (6th thru 12th Grade). To register or for more information please email Morgan Mazzarella at Morgan.Mazzarella@rcda.nyc.gov.
#STEPUPSTEPFORWARDSTOPBULLYING
Bullying impacts thousands of Staten Island’s schoolchildren each year, sometimes with tragic consequences. To combat this growing trend, we have created several posters that promote the #StepUpStepForwardStopBullying, our annual borough-wide anti-bullying art and writing contest, and the availability of help if a child in your life is the victim of bullying. To order posters for your business, school, or office or to learn more, please contact Marci Bishop at Marci.Bishop@rcda.nyc.gov.
SIHOPE.ORG
The “Staten Islanders Against Drug Abuse” campaign and the creation of SIHOPE.org were designed to end the stigma around addiction, spread a positive unifying message across our borough about the drug epidemic, and to provide simple straightforward resources to those who are battling addiction and their families. For more information, please visit www.SIHOPE.org.
CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVES
We sponsor several unique initiatives to combat and prevent crime in our borough including anti-bullying campaigns in our schools, domestic violence recognition seminars, animal abuse prevention and education, and much more. For more information on these programs, please contact info@rcda.nyc.gov.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Members of the Community Partnership Unit regularly attend civic association, Community Board, NYPD Precinct Council, and many more community meetings and events to promote these and many more efforts on behalf of the people of Staten Island. District Attorney McMahon prides himself on staying connected with the community we serve, and we urge you to contact us at info@rcda.nyc.gov if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for the Community Partnership Unit.
HAVE AN ANONYMOUS DRUG TIP?
Information that can help build strong investigations and prosecutions includes:
- The location
- Names or descriptions of suspected dealer and/or buyer
- What type of vehicle was involved, if any
- What kind of product was sold
SUBMIT AN ANONYMOUS DRUG REPORT
CALL THE RCDA HOTLINE