Summer 2001

Newman Flanagan

Welcome to the inaugural issue of APRI Highlights, the newsletter of the American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI.) As an affiliate of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), APRI's mission is to provide America's 27,000 local prosecutors -- the elected and appointed prosecutors and their assistants -- with the latest information, research, training and technical assistance. Since its inception in 1984, APRI has become the nation's leading resource on the prosecutorial function.

APRI is organized around major substantive programs, each headed by an experienced prosecutor. All are dedicated to helping prosecutors learn new strategies to combat crime. This issue of APRI Highlights provides an overview of the exciting work going on in the following program areas:

• Child abuse and exploitation;
• Community prosecution;
• DNA forensics;
• Juvenile justice;
• Telemarketing and Internet fraud;
• Traffic law; and
• Violence against women.

In addition, APRI's Office of Research and Evaluation conducts studies to help prosecutors document results and make informed decisions that will improve their programs and policies.

Every year, APRI staff offers some 40 specialized courses across the country for prosecutors. In addition, APRI subcontracts with NDAA to coordinate 15-17 courses a year at the NDAA National Advocacy Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina, the finest and most advanced training center for prosecutors anywhere. Staff is available to advise prosecutors on innovative practices, legal research and trial strategies and techniques in APRI's various program areas.

Our technical assistance program also includes a series of newsletters, providing information on the latest developments and technologies in prosecution. These include Update (child abuse), In Re (juvenile justice), Between the Lines (National Traffic Law Center), Building Bridges (community prosecution) and Silent Witness (DNA). Additional publications are being developed. Most recently, the latest edition of the APRI Prosecutors Deskbook has been completed and is available for purchase.

In short, APRI exists to help prosecutors meet their increasingly complex responsibilities and to respond effectively to new challenges. Regardless of the size of your jurisdiction, APRI stands ready to help you whenever possible.

In the pages of APRI Highlights, you will find articles providing new and helpful insights for prosecutors as they strive to meet the many challenges of their offices. I hope that as you read the articles in this and future issues of APRI Highlights, you consider taking advantage of APRI's unique resources.

It's as easy as calling (703) 549-4253, visiting our Web site at www.ndaa-apri.org, or e-mailing any of our program areas.

Newman Flanagan
President, American Prosecutors Research Institute