§ 12-17-235. Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor
(a) There shall be created the position of a domestic violence resource prosecutor at the Office of Prosecution Services to be fully funded through the Department of Economic and Community Affairs at eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per year.
(b) The domestic violence resource prosecutor shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) To train prosecutors, law enforcement, and domestic violence shelters on the laws related to domestic violence.
(2) To be a liaison between the domestic violence shelters, prosecutors, and law enforcement.
(3) To advocate for victims of domestic violence.
(4) Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director at the Office of Prosecution Services.
The Alabama Office of Prosecution Services (OPS) is dedicated to improving the crimi
nal justice system of Alabama by promoting professionalism through education, legislation, fiscal services, and information; and to be advocates for the administration of justice; to be persons of honor, courage, and humility; to be firm and uncompromising in our principles, with fairness and honesty as our standard. At OPS, we have earned our reputation for giving an honest and fair opinion regardless of its consequence.
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.
#WhyIAmAProsecutor
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
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@AlabamaDA.gov
Trisha Mellberg
Deputy Director of OPS & SORNA Resource Prosecutor
HERO
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 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.
The Alabama Legislature recognized the importance of Certified Facility Dogs in the 2017 Legislative Session when it passed Willow’s Law, Senate Bill 273, sponsored by Senator Holley. After its passage, Governor Kay Ivey also acknowledged the benefit of Certified Facility Dogs to victims by signing the bill into law.
Contact: Tamara C. Martin
Special Projects Coordinator
(334) 242-4191
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 eh 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. The Alabama Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor is Bill Lindsey.
Certified Victim's Services Officers