| Dear Friend,
Just a few days ago I met with our prosecutors who reached their three-year commitment, an important milestone. We had an intimate ceremony during which each was presented with a certificate. But it was not about a piece of paper. The recognition ceremony was about acknowledging how far these young attorneys had come during a time of unprecedented events. They began their careers as prosecutors during the pandemic. Instead of being in the courtroom at the podium in front of a judge, they practiced law from their homes via Zoom for about a year. Though physically isolated from one another, they were able to maintain a virtual connection with each other and formed a unique bond. When finally returning to the courtroom, like the many prosecutors who had come before them, they rose to the occasion, developing into the skilled prosecutors I saw that afternoon.
Many of these prosecutors volunteered with our Police Accountability and Integrity Team (PAIT). When asked why they joined this team despite having their own extremely high caseloads, they explained that they wanted to do their part to ensure everyone was treated fairly and according to the law. The passionate responses showed their commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency. As I looked at them, I could see how seriously they took the responsibility of serving as ministers of justice and abiding by the oaths they took upon becoming prosecutors. |
