The most significant and meaningful reorganization in decades in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office went into effect on October 15, 2008, after many months of thorough discussion and planning. The major components of this plan involved the elimination of the specialized 8-person Narcotics Unit and the establishment of two additional General Trial Units with eight Liaison areas. A slight tweaking of this plan , in March, 2010 led to the re-establishment of a 4-person specialized Narcotics Unit with an aggressive approach to a rededicated mission.
This new office structure and case assignment philosophy promotes the cross-training of all Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys and supports their handling of a wide variety of cases. The Office is thus better situated to more effectively and efficiently prosecute Juvenile Crime, Elder Abuse, Economic Crime, Arson, Sexual Assault, Robbery and Homicide.
The Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Unit, Rocket Docket, and Grand Jury Division remained intact as separate units. In addition, a Capital Case Unit was created; this unit operates across divisions similar to the FAST Team.
This reorganization plan approved by Mr. Stengel, promotes excellence and has resulted in the identification and appointment of numerous new office leaders at every level. While the changes that went into effect were far-reaching, they were necessary and sensible and allow this office to use its resources to more vigorously fight crime and protect the public.
