The HERO program is a statewide Certified Facility Dog Program to assist in helping victims throughout the criminal process. The program is executed by the Office of Prosecution Services and funded by a grant reward through ADECA.
Frequently people, especially children, who have been victims of crime or who have witnessed a crime of violence are emotionally affected and traumatized by those events. They are often reluctant to disclose and, during the trial, they are often re-traumatized by those events. They have to describe, in detail, what happened to them in front of a courtroom full of strangers. Creating a comfortable atmosphere for the victim is important for the prosecution and the defense. When the victim is comfortable, emotions may not obstruct or slow down important testimony.
Find Which Facility Dog Works in your Community!
OPS & ADAA
Crimes Against Children
SORNA
Traffic Safety
Alabama Victim Services Officers
Domestic Violence
OPS & ADAA
OPS and Alabama District Attorneys are fortunate to work with dedicated partners in the criminal justice arena. OPS cherishes our professional relationships within each branch of state and federal government as well as other advocacy groups and professional associations. These valued partners work with us to engage in the process with the sole motivation to keep Alabama’s criminal justice system fair, just, and effective. At OPS, our stock and trade is our zealous work ethic and our earned reputation for giving an honest and fair opinion regardless of its consequence. It is our nature as prosecutors to stand in hard places, say things that need to be said and fight fights that need to be fought.
The Alabama District Attorneys Association (ADAA) is an association of 42 women and men who carry the highest-burden in the American justice system, each tasked with protecting the citizens of Alabama, providing a voice to victims, and seeking justice for all. The ADAA is committed to creating safe communities, providing assistance to crime victims, and advocating for excellence in the legal system. The association provides resources and assistance to district attorneys’ offices throughout Alabama, contributing to the fair and efficient administration of justice.
District attorneys provide support and guidance to victims of crime, build partnerships with service providers, and are committed to empowering victims and preventing further victimization.
Crimes Against Children
To learn more about Child Protector App for law enforcement and prosecutors, click on the graphic to watch a presentation by the NCJTC.
The Child Protector App (Android or IOS) is a free application designed to improve the investigative, administrative, and judicial handling of child physical abuse cases, as well as child fatalities, in a manner that reduces trauma to the child and family. Utilizing sophisticated and detailed medical illustration, professional narration, and animation as well as x-rays and real images, Child Protector demonstrates the location, characteristics, and biomechanics of injuries in young children commonly encountered by Children’s Division (CD) workers, legal professionals, law enforcement, and medical providers. The app provides a realistic view of injury mechanisms that enhance the investigator’s ability to gather pertinent scene and witness information, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of the investigation. Animations, narration, and real images detail how bruises, burns, head injuries, fractures, and abdominal injuries occur through both accidents and abuse.
Click for download instructions: Child Protect App Instructions
SORNA
The Office of Prosecution Services has been instrumental in helping Alabama reach substantial compliance with Title 1 of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, commonly known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Contact: Trisha Mellberg Cater
Deputy Director of OPS & SORNA Resource Prosecutor
Traffic Safety
The Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) provides training, education, & technical support to judges, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other court personnel throughout Alabama. The Traffic Safety Resource Program is funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The TSRP program is housed and managed by the Office of Prosecution Services.
Contact: Bill Lindsey, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor
Alabama Victim Services Officers
The Certified Victim Service Officers (CVSOs) will maintain constant contact with crime victims and advise them of case statuses and any scheduled hearings. As well, they will help those victims apply for financial aid with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission and compile their requests for restitution to be presented to a judge. They will also help facilitate any counseling needs or medical treatment our victims might require.
Domestic Violence
