Prevention

The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is committed to preventing crime and reducing victimization. We work collaboratively with communities to prevent and address the challenges of substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, consumer scams, elder exploitation and other serious matters impacting the safety and quality of life in our 47 Northwestern communities. We work closely with community coalitions, youth-serving agencies, law enforcement agencies and public and private schools to promote prevention initiatives and offer educational programs and events that foster resilient and vibrant, thriving communities. To see a video created by NWDA partners, the SPIFFY and Hampshire HOPE prevention coalitions, click here.

Addiction & Recovery

The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is a leader in combatting the opioid crisis as well as other substance use disorders.  The office works to address diversion and misuse of opioids in our community through multiple programs such as coordination of the bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Program resulting in the collection of more than 57,000 pounds of drugs since 2011.  In 2016, District Attorney Sullivan created the Drug Diversion and Treatment Program whereby non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues are given the opportunity to receive comprehensive substance abuse treatment services in lieu of prosecution through the traditional court process.  For more information about the office's programs, please visit the Addiction & Recovery page.

Consumer Protection 

The Consumer Protection Unit works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office to mediate individual consumer disputes and investigate complaints of unfair or deceptive business practices.  The Unit also regularly delivers education and outreach programs throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties, giving consumers the information they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves against scams and fraud.

In the Community (Outreach and Education)

The Community Outreach and Education Unit works closely with community partners to provide crime prevention and safety information to the residents of and visitors to the Northwestern District with special emphasis on the reduction of violence in schools, Internet safety, diversity awareness, preventing crimes against elders, and educating and preventing substance misuse among youth.  For more information, please visit the "In the Community" page.

NoFIRES

The Northwestern Fire Intervention Response, Education and Safety Partnership (NoFIRES), an independent non-profit 501(c)3, was developed in 2012 in collaboration with District Attorney Sullivan and local Fire Chiefs to address the impact of youth fire setting within the pioneer valley. NoFIRE's mission is to protect our youth, their families and the communities in which they live from the dangerous and sometimes fatal act of setting fires. A collaboration of fire, law enforcement, mental healthcare providers and social service agencies, NoFIRES is committed to providing a consistent, coordinated and appropriate response to youths under the age of 18, who set fires or engage in fire-related behavior. The components of this approach include intervention, education and prevention, and referrals for clinical treatment and counseling and /or to services agencies.

Veterans Justice

Our Veterans Justice page offers resources and referrals to veterans entering the criminal justice system, including the Western Mass Veterans Treatment Court and the Veterans Justice Partnership.

Additional Prevention Initiatives of the NWDA

TRIAD

TRIAD is a local community crime prevention partnership of elders, law enforcement and human service providers. It aims to reduce criminal victimization of elders through education and to enhance the delivery of law enforcement services. The program is coordinated and supported by the joint efforts of District Attorney David E. Sullivan, Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane, Franklin County Sheriff Christopher J. Donelan, local police departments and Councils on Aging. 

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

In addition to prosecuting cases involving domestic and sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit regularly offers training and prevention initiatives to a variety of agencies and individuals that regularly interact with survivors including law enforcement, women's advocates, rape crisis centers, community groups, and mental health and medical providers.  For more information about the programs of this unit, please see the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault pages.