Proposals promote public safety, best practices for CJ response to COVID-19

BOSTON, March 12, 2020—District Attorney Rachael Rollins today announced immediate actions her Office will take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 among employees and those members of our community that come in contact with the courts and criminal justice system in Suffolk County.

Effective Monday, March 16th, onsite SCDAO staff will be reduced to “skeleton” or essential levels. The District Attorney remains acutely aware of her responsibility to keep all of the residents of Suffolk County safe and this staffing decision will in no way compromise that obligation.

Given the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus, however, this responsibility must be balanced with all identified best practices to keep that same community healthy and limit exposure to this virus. The following actions will be implemented in conjunction with a deliberate communication plan with members of the defense bar, community stake-holders, elected officials, our Trial Court colleagues, law enforcement partners, and members of the Judiciary.

All Prosecutors will request a 60-day continuance in cases in which the individual charged with a crime is not in custody. This request will include the Boston Municipal Court, the Chelsea District Court, the Juvenile Courts in Suffolk County, and Suffolk Superior Court.

Prosecutors will request a delay in the empanelment of the next scheduled sitting of the Special Grand Jury for an additional 30 days. This in no way will compromise the presentation of our most serious and violent cases, as our Regular Grand Jury will remain sitting and intact.

In cases where a charged individual is in pre-trial custody, Prosecutors will work with defense counsel to determine if an appearance in court is necessary. We will do so without compromise to any and all due process rights.

If the Office of Jury Commissioner or Trial Court leadership determine that additional limitations on court proceedings are necessary, this Office will work diligently to ensure responsible implementation of any additional changes.

The Suffolk County House of Correction and the Massachusetts Department of Correction are suspending visitation. District Attorney Rollins will work with the defense bar to make sure they have appropriate and meaningful access to their clients. This Office will also work with the community to make sure that families are able to remain in contact with their loved ones who are in custody.

Finally, District Attorney Rollins has not ruled out any additional measures or options that will keep Suffolk County, our residents, and our loved ones safe.

“Every individual, business, and public agency has a duty to help flatten the curve of this pandemic’s growth. Criminal justice agencies are no exception,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The temporary new policies we are implementing will help protect the health of our employees, their families, our victims and witnesses, individuals charged with crimes, and all who come in contact with our courts and the Criminal Justice System.

“Fear and isolation have rarely contributed to positive outcomes. I believe this measured response is the most appropriate at this time. Recognizing that this situation continues to evolve daily, if not hourly, I encourage us all to continue our robust communication as we address this growing and complex health concern.”

District Attorney Rollins announced the policy updates hours after she joined other elected officials and Asian American civic leaders to condemn the rise in discrimination that community has faced amid the spread of COVID-19.

“This illness does not discriminate, but sadly, people do. We’ve heard from many of our Asian brothers and sisters the hateful attitudes they have encountered,” District Attorney Rollins said. “We will not allow this pandemic to unleash an epidemic of bigotry and hate. I want every member of the Suffolk County community to know that my Office is here for you. If you have been the victim of a crime, based in hate or otherwise, please contact my Office or law enforcement. We are allies in this fight against bigotry and we will hold anyone who commits a hate crime accountable.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.