PDAA Lists Top Public Safety Concerns for District Attorneys In Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today called on state lawmakers to help find solutions to several public safety concerns, including adopting a statewide ban on machine gun conversion devices that jeopardize the safety of our communities.
In a letter to Governor Josh Shapiro, PDAA President David Strouse, who is the Clinton County District Attorney, and PDAA Executive Director Kelly Callihan listed machine gun conversion devices, protection for older Pennsylvanians, and recruitment and retention of prosecutors among the top concerns for district attorneys across Pennsylvania. The letter also called on the General Assembly to regulate “skill games,” increase access to juvenile detention facilities, fund crime victims programs, and improve mental health services in the counties.
“The leadership of PDAA has identified several major public safety concerns, and we are asking you and state lawmakers to work with us to find solutions to these problems and keep our communities safe,” the letter to Governor Shapiro says.
Machine Gun Conversion Devices
PDAA is calling for a statewide ban on machine gun conversion devices, which can quickly convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automated machine gun. The devices, also known as “Glock switches” or “switches,” enable shooters to unload an entire magazine of bullets in a couple of seconds.
“These deadly devices threaten the safety of our citizens, especially innocent bystanders witnessing criminal gun violence, and place law enforcement officers in danger from the extreme firepower,” the letter says.
The small device has a disconnector that blocks the end of the firearm’s trigger bar. With a normal semiautomatic handgun, the shooter must pull the trigger each time to fire a bullet. With a machine gun conversion device installed on the firearm, the shooter can hold down the trigger and rapidly fire bullets like a machine gun.
Protecting Older Pennsylvanians
PDAA is committed to working with state lawmakers to update and enhance the Pennsylvania Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) to better protect older Pennsylvanians from fraud and abuse. The statute, which was passed in 1987, needs to be updated to address new threats to older Pennsylvanians, including advances in technology and sophisticated financial scams.
“Criminals target and manipulate those who have accumulated wealth for their retirement years,” the letter says. “Often, older adults become more dependent and experience health and mental declines. This makes them increasingly susceptible to losing their life savings.”
Prosecutor Recruitment and Retention
PDAA is asking state lawmakers to increase funding to help district attorney offices recruit new prosecutors and retain experienced prosecutors.
“The safety of our communities in large part depends on strong prosecutorial offices,” the letter says. “However, district attorneys across Pennsylvania are struggling to fill vacancies in their staffs, and this trend is impacting the administration of justice across the Commonwealth.”
Over the years, PDAA has supported increased funding for public defenders’ offices and court-appointed attorneys. Now, prosecutors in counties across Pennsylvania are seeking similar funding increases to ensure they can do their job protecting their communities and seeking justice for crime victims.
Skill Games
PDAA is asking state lawmakers to regulate the so-called “skill games” and give law enforcement clear guidance on what is legal and what is illegal. PDAA recommends regulations to legislators to ensure consumer protection, require security measures, and prevent underage use of the machines.
“PDAA does not take a stand on the legality of skill game machines, which is the role of the General Assembly,” the letter says. “Rather, district attorneys have concerns about the public safety risks increased by the proliferation of skill games in our communities.”
Juvenile Facilities and Services
District attorneys remain concerned about the availability of juvenile facilities in Pennsylvania, where young offenders can receive the support and services they need for rehabilitation. The fear is that, without proper services, juvenile offenders will be released into the community and commit new offenses.
“We need to help our juveniles get the treatment and services they need. Right now, we are failing to provide these much-needed detention services and failing our youth,” the letter says.
Crime Victims Services
PDAA raised concerns over the lack of resources available in the Crime Victims Fund.
The Crime Victims Fund is made up entirely of non-taxpayer dollars and is financed by fines and penalties associated with federal criminal convictions and deferred and non-prosecution agreements. The Crime Victims Fund recently has experienced an all-time low in available funds. According to the Office for Victims of Crime, the Crime Victims Fund’s end-of-year balance for FY2024 was $1.2 billion – a 90% decrease since FY2017.
“Without proper funding, vital victims service programs may need to limit their services, or even worse, close their doors,” PDAA writes.
Mental Health Services
PDAA thanked Governor Shapiro and state lawmakers for recent increases in the state budget to help counties with mental health services. However, more needs to be done.
Law enforcement officials in the counties are encountering more and more individuals with mental health problems. District attorneys work with behavioral health specialists to seek solutions to the mental health crisis in communities, with prosecutors often referring individuals charged with non-violent crimes to diversion programs, where they can receive treatment for mental health and substance use disorder.
“We remain hopeful that the increased state funding will help provide more services for those in need of mental health support and, in turn, make our communities safer,” the letter says.
To read the full letter, please go to the PDAA website.
For more information, contact Kelly Callihan, PDAA Executive Director, at 717-238-5416.