Our Efforts

ANTI-DRUG INITIATIVES

mike mcMahon with special prosecutor of ny bridget brennan

The Overdose Response Initiative

The Overdose Response Initiative was created by D.A. McMahon in partnership with the NYPD to address the crippling and concerning number of overdose deaths here in our borough. This initiative aligns both the DA’s Office and the NYPD to investigate overdose deaths in the same manner as a crime scene, to not only root out the drug dealers responsible but to also directly take note of any other victims on scene including family members who may have been witness to a fatal overdose. Once all people have been identified, RCDA then offers continued support to victims and connects young people to counselling and trauma-based services.

This program also allows both the D.A.’s Office and NYPD to track and record overdose related data, including saves where an overdose was prevented by the use of reversal agent, Naloxone. With this data, our teams are able to document trends and see in real time the continued impact of the overdose epidemic on our borough and aid us in our mission of pinpointing and combating this crisis. 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.

Numerous community partners gathered at an event promoting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day outside of Randall Manor Pharmacy in West Brighton on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

SI HOPE – Heroin, Overdose Prevention and Education

In 2017, RCDA launched the Heroin, Overdose, Prevention & Education (HOPE) 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, to assist those with their recovery instead of opting for jail time.
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 and ensured that those individuals do not reoffend but re-enter society in recovery. sihope.org

DA Michael McMahon at the Camelot Counseling Center

Staten Island Drug Treatment Court/OAR 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.

At the head of the table is District Attorney Michael McMahon, joined by his dedicated team and colleagues who work alongside him to keep our community safe and strong.

Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force

Established in October 2023, the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force was formed to directly address the presence of fentanyl in fatal overdose deaths here in our borough. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent that morphine has the potential to kill a user with the smallest of doses, and with more suppliers cutting their product with fentanyl to drive down costs, many are not even aware that they are taking the potent poison. To combat this lethal epidemic, DA McMahon convened the task force alongside Staten Island Borough President, Vito Fossella, NYPD, hospitals, healthcare providers, treatment providers and family members of loved ones lost to substance abuse to address this crisis and to develop real policy and legislative recommendations. In January 2024, the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force Report was published and sent to all New York State and City Legislators. In 2025, the Task Force has been reconvened to address the alarming trends we continue to see on Staten Island relating to Fentanyl and its analogs, and the rising resurgence of other lethal drugs in our borough.

DA Michael McMahon and community leaders outside Super Health Pharmacy promoting safe medicine disposal.

MedSafe Initiative

To combat prescription drug abuse in Staten Island, in 2017 my office funded and supported the MedSafe medicine disposal program across pharmacies, precincts and hospitals across the Island. MedSafe disposal receptacles encourage our borough residents to dispose of their unused or expired medications safely via a drop-off box service. Since the program’s inception, thousands of pounds of prescription medications have been safely collected and disposed of thanks to this initiative.

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.

Richmond County District Attorney's Office Entire Team Standing in front of the Family Justice Center

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 steadfast in our commitment to keeping our streets safe, reducing violent and gang-related street crime, ensuring dangerous weapons are taken off the streets, and prosecuting individuals who possess, brandish, or utilize a firearm. As part of this work our office partners with NYPD to incorporate new technologies and initiatives to aid us in our fight against gun violence and street crime.

• In partnership with the NYPD, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and local elected officials, as of June 2024, license plate readers, have been installed at all four of our borough’s bridges as part of a $10 million dollar investment to combat vehicle thefts across Staten Island. These readers are able to not only collect vehicle data and automatically issue warnings to detect stolen vehicles but serve as a critical tool in recognizing license plates involved in homicides, shootings, and kidnappings.

• To best recognize current trends and understand drivers of crime, at RCDA we have a dedicated Crime Strategies Unit, who are responsible for analyzing and reporting key data pertaining to crime in the community. This laser-focused approach works hand in hand with our commitment to crime prevention whereby our office can recognize areas of crime that are on the rise and send the message out to the community of prevention and vigilance.

DA McMahon, together with the NYPD, standing in front of a table with the “gun buybacks".

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.

DA McMahon and NYPD officers stand behind a table of collected firearms at a NYC Gun Buyback Program event.

November 2024 Gun Buy Back

Cash For Guns, Gun Buy Back Initiative

Alongside our partners in the NYPD, DA McMahon regularly hosts Cash for Guns events that encourage any individual to relinquish their firearm safely at a secure location, no questions asked, in exchange for a pre-paid gift card. Since 2016 and the inception of this initiative, DA McMahon and the NYPD have overseen the removal of nearly a thousand firearms off the streets of Staten Island. Events like these are vital in removing the number of dangerous weapons on Staten Island and enhancing safety on our streets.

People cut an orange ribbon at the Staten Island Museum to open the “We Remember” gun violence memorial exhibit.

Staten Island Museum: We Remember: A Staten Island Gun Violence Memorial

Gun Violence Awareness Initiatives

To commemorate gun violence awareness month in June 2024, DA McMahon unveiled a special exhibit at the Staten Island Museum entitled ‘We Remember: A Staten Island Gun Violence Memorial’ a tribute to those Staten Islanders who lives have been lost to senseless acts of gun violence. Families of the victims joined together with RCDA’s Community Partnership Unit and Victim Advocates to prepare shadowboxes in memory of their loved one, highlighting items that they remember their loved one most by and then displaying these items in the Staten Island Museum for the month-long exhibit. This memorial served as a poignant reminder of the faces behind gun violence and the family members they left behind when their lives were taken so tragically.

Staff from the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office stand outside the St. George Theatre wearing orange to honor Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Gun Violence Awareness Month

As an office, each June, we come together to raise awareness about the tragic impact gun violence has had on our community. In solidarity with the victims of gun violence, we wear orange to remember our victims and to serve as a reminder that our office stands firm in our stance that gun violence has no place on Staten Island, and gun crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

SHOTSPOTTER & RCDA INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS THROUGHOUT VIOLENCE PRONE AREAS

As part of enhanced efforts to combat gun violence, ShotSpotter technology has been implemented in the 120th and 121st Precinct as a critical tool to detect and pinpoint the locations of gunshots. This new technology is able to alert the NYPD as soon as a potential gun shot is heard, allowing a swift response from Police Officers to the scene. DA McMahon continues to advocate for the expansion of the technology across the Island to better aid law enforcement in our goal to eradicate gun violence.

CITYWIDE GUN VIOLENCE STRATEGIES PARTNERSHIP

As part of a citywide 30 plus multi-agency partnership, each morning RCDA joins a task force meeting to discuss felony gun arrests for the past twenty-four hours and come together to share evidence and collaborate intelligence to actively ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. These meetings are integral to identifying severe repeat gun offenders that jeopardize the safety of our city and of Staten Island, and the work of the partnership has yielded tremendous success in ensuring those dangerous individuals face serious consequences for their acts.

RCDA's Firearms Anti-Violence Unit

Started under DA McMahon’s leadership, the Firearms Anti Violence Unit investigates and prosecutes all cases involving gang and gun violence on Staten Island. Illegal firearms have no place on Staten Island and those who choose to possess, brandish, or use these deadly weapons on our streets will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Richmond County District Attorney's Office proudly maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal guns, requesting bail and jail on nearly all cases that involve an illegal firearm. Working in partnership with the NYPD, the men and women of our office are committed to removing illegal firearms from our communities and holding those who dare use these dangerous weapons accountable under the law.

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.

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:

STATEN ISLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
640 Willowbrook Road
(718) 698-1400

SOUTH SHORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
125 New Dorp Lane
(718) 980-2600

ROSEBANK ANIMAL HOSPITAL
1230 Bay Street
(718) 273-9800

GATEWAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
4236 Hylan Boulevard
(718) 984-1000

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

Victim Advocates Melissa and Erica in the kid playroom of Victim Services

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. RCDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

ANTI-DRUG INITIATIVES

SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

In 2018, D.A. McMahon partnered with the NYPD and the Department of Youth and Community Development to announce the launch of the new “Saturday Sessions” program at the Gerard Carter Center in Stapleton, providing free evening activities every Saturday to kids between the age of 11-17. Staffed primarily by NYPD Youth Officers, this initiative was designed to be an important step in fostering better relationships between the NYPD and the community, while encouraging trust, youth development and violence prevention.

Following the tremendous success of this program, in 2019 Saturday Night Lights (SNL) was born, expanding the program to 9 locations throughout the North Shore, bringing in new partners, and serving thousands of youths throughout Staten Island to offer safe and constructive options to learn and play, in the hopes of decreasing involvement in illegal activities, including drugs and gang violence. For more information, click here (Saturday Night Lights), or please contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at (at (718) 524-0194.

Poster featuring a close-up of a child looking worried, promoting a ‘Stand Up. Stop Bullying.’ art and writing contest for schools.

ANNUAL ‘STAND UP. STOP BULLYING.’ ART & WRITING CONTEST FOR STUDENTS

Bullying impacts thousands of Staten Island’s schoolchildren each year, sometimes with tragic consequences. To combat this growing trend, in 2016 we created our annual borough-wide ‘STAND UP. STOP BULLYING.’ Art and Writing Contest. This important initiative is designed to create a platform for students of all grades to express their opposition to bullying artistically, and show the world how they feel about bullying. To learn more about our contest, please contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at (718) 524-0194.

Poster announcing student and parent safety workshops covering cyberbullying, social media safety, mental health, substance abuse education, healthy relationships, and animal welfare.

SAFETY WORKSHOPS TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS

RCDA provides a series of safety workshops to students, parents, and faculty throughout the school year, to promote conscientious practices in both our school settings and at home. These detailed presentations include:

Anti-bullying & Cyberbullying
Social Media & Mental Health
Substance Abuse Education & The Effects of Misuse
The Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship
“Love On a Leash” Animal Welfare program, and more!

To book a presentation at your school, contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or call at (718) 524-0194.

RCDA YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Our Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for high school students interested in exploring their leadership potential and sharpening their collaborative skills to share ideas and visions for the needs and problems facing their community. Meeting monthly within the school year, Council members develop a policy blueprint that influences how RCDA addresses public safety, and is shared with elected officials and education administrators throughout the borough.

If you think you are the ideal student for our Youth Advisory Council, contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at at (718) 524-0194..

Smiling student receives the RCDA Champion of Justice Award from a presenter during a school graduation ceremony.

RCDA CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE AWARDS

Our annual Champion of Justice Award is presented by school to a graduating student of any grade who has shown to be unafraid to speak up when they see something is wrong, act as a friend to their fellow students, perform exceptional acts of volunteerism and/or charity work, or go above and beyond to promote justice at school, at home, or in their community. This award is presented during graduation commencement exercises as a distinct service recognition.

For more information, or to nominate a deserving student, please contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at (718) 524-0194.

Large gathering of Staten Island educators seated at round tables during the RCDA Educators Breakfast event.

RCDA STATEN ISLAND EDUCATORS BREAKFAST

Each year, we convene a borough-wide meeting of Staten Island Principals, Assistant Principals, Parent Coordinators and School Counselors, along with members of the NYPD, School Safety, and RCDA staff to interact directly with educators concerning school experiences involving safety, as well as to provide resources to schools in order to make school environments safer for staff and students. The annual gathering provides networking opportunities for share practices across the educational spectrum, from public, to private, to our religious schools. This event is for schools only.

For more information please contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at (718) 524-0194.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK

RCDA joins the nation annually to celebrate the resilience of survivors of all crimes, and to remember those lost due to violence during National Crime Victims Rights Week. Scheduled by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, our week-long series of special events throughout the borough renews our commitment to supporting victims despite the dispensation of their legal battles, and highlights the lingering trauma lived daily by so many and our continued efforts to provide support.

To find out more about this initiative, please contact Agnes McBeth, RCDA Youth & Education Liaison by email at Agnes.McBeth@rcda.nyc.gov, or by phone at (718) 524-0194.

Quality of Life

Here at the Richmond County District Attorney’s office, we believe a cleaner Staten Island is a safer Staten Island. That’s why our Community Partnership Unit has helped organize and participate in hundreds of community cleanups across Staten Island. From graffiti and litter removal to tackling illegal signs and dumping, our office is here to ensure a cleaner, greener Staten Island.

Crime Prevention

While our office will always stand by the victims of crime and hold criminals accountable, we firmly believe that a crime prevented is always better than a crime prosecuted. With this in mind, our Community Partnership Unit specializes in informing the public on how best to stay safe through a number of initiatives including anti-bullying campaigns, catalytic converter theft prevention, scam and fraud prevention, animal abuse education, and much much more.

Connecting with the Community

Whether it’s attending monthly meetings at our Community Boards, civic associations, or NYPD Precinct Councils, or weekly visits to our borough’s schools, our Community Partnership Unit prides itself on bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement fostering meaningful collaborations between both. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to let us know about the next community event being held in your neighborhood, please email info@rcda.nyc.gov.

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

GO TO REPORT

CALL THE RCDA HOTLINE

(718) 876-5839