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State's Attorney Anita Alvarez Brings Community-Based
Prosecutions Back to Cook County

Alvarez officially opens State’s Attorney’s “Community Justice Center”

In an effort to bring the services of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in closer contact with the communities that it serves, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez today announced the opening of the first “Community Justice Center.” 

Joined by Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis, Chicago Ald. Pat O’Connor and dozens of community leaders, Alvarez officially opened the Community Justice Center at 5333 N. Western.  It is the first in what Alvarez said she plans will be several community-based locations throughout Cook County. 

The State’s Attorney’s Office had a community prosecutions program several years ago, but it was eliminated due to Cook County budget cuts.  Alvarez pledged during her campaign for State’s Attorney to restore the program.

“Traditionally, prosecutors come on the scene in a community only after a crime has occurred and we want to change that,” Alvarez said.  “The opening of this office signals the commitment of the State’s Attorney’s Office to work closer with police, community groups and residents to play an active role in preventing crime in our neighborhoods before it occurs.”

Assistant State’s Attorneys who prosecute criminal cases will be assigned to the Community Justice Center and they will work closely on the prosecution and prevention of local crime with police districts, community groups, schools, businesses and area residents.   Crime victims can utilize the resources of the center to access ongoing court information and to obtain the additional services of the State’s Attorney’s victim witness unit. 

In addition, the State’s Attorney’s Office will coordinate informational seminars and host community crime prevention meetings at the location on topics such as identity theft and mortgage fraud.

“This is a very exciting day for our office because it signals our commitment to providing a community-based location where our attorneys and staff listen, problem solve and connect with the citizens that we serve.”
Alvarez thanked Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis, Ald. Patrick O’Connor and the many elected officials, Chicago police personnel and community organizations who have provided support and resources for the opening of the new office.