APRI Merges with NDAA

The American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI) was founded in 1984 by the NDAA Board of Directors to serve as a research and program development resource for prosecutors nationwide. Since that time, APRI has established itself as an invaluable resource, providing expert assistance in several program areas to help prosecutors identify, implement and share effective legal and programmatic strategies to respond to crime in their communities. Since its inception, APRI has maintained a close relationship with NDAA. The two organizations are located in the same space; APRI coordinates its activities with those of the NDAA Board of Directors and its committees; and both NDAA and APRI are committed to serving the needs of prosecutors.

After thoughtful consideration, the APRI Board of directors chose to solidify the organization’s relationship with NDAA. On Sunday, April 9, at the APRI Board Meeting in San Diego, the APRI Board of Directors voted to merge the APRI corporation with NDAA. The merger is similar to the actions taken by the NCDA Board of Regents last year when they voted to merge the National College of District Attorneys with NDAA. The NDAA Board of Directors will vote to merge APRI with NDAA at this year’s summer conference in Santa Fe. Following the summer conference, APRI will be known as the research, development and technical assistance arm of NDAA.

After the merger is complete, APRI will continue to provide valuable assistance and maintain its reputation as a quality resource to prosecutors. The APRI staff will work closely with NDAA and NCDA to continue to provide programs that have become valuable to prosecutors at all levels of government. APRI’s Board of Directors will remain with the organization, serving as an important advisory board to APRI and NDAA.

I am eager to witness the benefits of this merger. First, this action will incorporate the three affiliates, NDAA, APRI and NCDA, into one corporate structure allowing these three formally independent organizations to work as a single corporation. Additionally, after the merger, APRI will have increased flexibility for funding. The organization will continue to seek federal funding to carry on existing projects and create new ones, but APRI will also have the option to use NDAA resources and contacts in seeking not only federal funding, but also private sector funding. Further, APRI will have access to NDAA funds to work on additional projects, outside of grant-funded initiatives, expanding its potential to create innovative and valuable projects for America’s prosecutors.

The merger of APRI and NDAA is another step toward improving the quality of services for prosecutors. I am looking forward to seeing positive changes after the partnership between these two organizations is complete. Keep an eye out for new and exciting programs and products from NDAA in the near future.