THE PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION

The PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION was formed in 1912 for the purpose of providing uniformity and efficiency in the discharge of duties and functions of Pennsylvania's 67 District Attorneys and their assistants.  The Association today continues to further its purpose through its support of training programs, and by its reporting of legal and legislative developments of importance to Pennsylvania prosecutors and their colleagues within the criminal justice system.  Moreover, the Association continues to operate as a vehicle for the effective exchange of information among its approximately 1,200 members which primarily include current District Attorneys and their assistants; former District Attorneys and assistant district attorneys; deputy attorneys general; Assistant US Attorneys; and police chiefs.  

The Association produces a quarterly electronic newsletter, The Higher Standard, which contains national and statewide news of law enforcement issues, updates on Association and Institute programs, and items of interest to Association members.  The Association also holds two major annual conferences.  The MID-WINTER MEETING, held alternately in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in February of each year, features training seminars sponsored by the PA District Attorneys Institute (see below), and Pennsylvania legal update sessions.  The ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING is held at a Pennsylvania resort each July, and offers a casual setting for an agenda which includes the annual business meeting, seminars, networking, round-table discussions, and recreational and social activities. 

The Association periodically mails to all District Attorneys' offices notice of recently enacted or moving legislation of importance to District Attorneys.  Through the Association's statewide telephone and e-mail network, District Attorneys are also contacted by members of the Executive Committee to actively participate in legislative efforts which will impact on the prosecution of criminal cases, victim rights and public safety.  Periodic trips have been made to Harrisburg to meet with Pennsylvania senators and representatives to address State legislative issues, and also to Washington, D.C. to address relevant federal issues.

The Association is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Rev. 4-09-08

 THE PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS INSTITUTE 

The PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS INSTITUTE, the education and training affiliate of the Association, was founded in 1983 for the purpose of developing and providing educational materials and training seminars for District Attorneys.  In addition to providing training and materials to District Attorneys and their staffs, the Institute also conducts child abuse investigation courses, caselaw updates and other training courses for Pennsylvania's law enforcement officials.  It now administers programs to provide training to victim service professionals as well.

Statewide coordinated training maximizes networking opportunities and access to resources for each District Attorney's Office.  This training, described below, also enhances the ability of each District Attorney to effectively administer the Office of District Attorney no matter how limited the resources.

 The BASIC PROSECUTOR'S COURSE, conducted by the Institute twice a year, is a four-day, intensive course for newly hired assistant district attorneys.   Since 1984, the Institute has trained thousands of new assistant district attorneys through this course.  The curriculum has been designed to give each assistant the "basics" in such areas as the Crimes Code, Rules of Criminal Procedure, search and seizure, drug prosecution, child abuse and DUI.   

 The NEWLY ELECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEY SEMINAR is a one-and-a-half-day course specifically designed for newly elected District Attorneys.  Conducted every other year, in conjunction with the Mid-Winter Meeting, this course features topics of vital importance to the new District Attorney. 

 "Special topics" courses are presented each year on a wide variety of issues.  Some of the seminars recently presented include: Prosecuting Homicide Cases; Search and Seizure for Law Enforcement; Advanced Techniques in Narcotics for Law Enforcement; Trial Advocacy Skills; Drug and Alcohol Prosecutions; and Criminal Law Update.

In 1992, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute was certified by the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Board as an accredited CLE provider.

The Institute is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Rev. 4-09-08