2021 Community Engagement Events
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Cyber Sense-Furnace Brook Middle School- October 25, 2021
500 Furnace Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 -
Cyber Sense- Silver Lake Middle School- October 21, 2021
256 Pembroke Street, Kingston, MA -
Informational Breakfast for Mental Health Providers
Plymouth County District Attorney's Office- 166 Main Street, Brockton, MA -
Anti Bullying- Train the Trainer workshop
With ever-evolving technology and younger children operating online, cyberbullying has risen to new heights in 2021. We teamed up with the Massachusetts Agression Reduction Center (MARC) at Bridgewater State University for training, so school faculty are armed with the best practices to prevent cyberbullying.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods- Safe Streets Meeting with Community Partners
Safe Streets Community Providers meeting. We continue to collaborate anti-violence prevention and intervention efforts in Brockton with those working directly with our youth. Brockton is fortunate to have such dedicated emissaries of good working toward a city free from violence.
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ADA Julia Holliday Sworn in
Today Assistant District Attorney Julia Holliday joined PCDAO. She is assigned to lead our Hingham District Court office. Welcome ADA Holliday!
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2nd Annual First Responder’s Appreciation Day
Everyday we are grateful to those who choose to put on a uniform and protect us.
Today, we marked our 2nd Annual First Responder’s Appreciation Day in Brockton and showed our support.
Thank you to Mayor Robert Sullivan, and Lady C&J Cafe for providing 600 meals for our local heroes and the community.
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PCO Quarterly Meeting- September 22, 2021
Checking in with Plymouth County Outreach at today’s quarterly meeting.
We discussed our work with drug endangered children as PCO’s feature presentation focused on the importance of grief support.
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West Bridgewater TRIAD Kick-Off
Older adults comprise a rapidly growing segment of our population.
TRIAD was founded to reduce fraud targeting seniors, alleviate victimization and build confidence in community.
Today, we welcomed West Bridgewater Council on Aging to our TRIAD.
We look forward to this partnership.
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West Bridgewater Park Day- 2021
Proud to support the 30th annual West Bridgewater’s Park Day. The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department joined forces to promote the Make It Home campaign, along with our office resources.
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Recovery Rocks- 2021
Recovery Rocks 2021 – September 9, 2021 at the Salt River Farm in Marshfield to benefit- South Shore Peer Recovery.
Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, chair of the Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force was in attendance.
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Plymouth Community Blood Drive
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DEC Academy Training Kick-off
Kicking off our statewide training for more than 80 professionals from 11 counties in Massachusetts to address the needs of drug endangered children.
We are all working together to change the lives of children and stop cycles of substance use abuse.
Thank you National DEC for helping Massachusetts lead the way.
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ADA Emily Cross sworn in
Once an office intern, today we swore in Assistant District Attorney Emily Cross who will be prosecuting cases in Brockton District Court. Welcome back to PCDAO!
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Senior Safety- Romance Scams with Pembroke COA
Our Senior Safety Series met with the Pembroke Council on Aging to talk romance scams and how to protect yourself from being swept off your feet and cleaned out of cash.
Our thanks to COA Director Gretchen Emmetts, and guests George Veglas and Marilyn Strachan for joining us.
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Make It Home Campaign- Pembroke PD’s Lt. Wendy LaPierre’s Personal Impact PSA
Pembroke Police Lt. Wendy LaPierre is sharing her on-the-job story of arriving at a fatal motor vehicle crash caused by someone behind the wheel, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
We continue to share these impactful stories for our Make It Home campaign.
Here is Lt. LaPierre’s PSA- “Rolling Up to a Tragedy”
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Marshfield FACTS- Boating Under the Influence Banner Raising
Boating season has arrived. Thank you Marshfield FACTS, Marshfield Police Department, Harbormaster DiMeo for reminding everyone that boating under the influence is illegal.
Here’s hoping for a safe summer out on the water
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The Beautification of Tukis Park-2021 Drug Diversion Mini-Grant Recipient- 24 Hour Power, Inc.
Lots of people rolled up their sleeves and pitched in over the past months, and the transformation of Brockton’s Tukis Park is complete.
A great day was had by all who came out to celebrate.
Thank you to Susie Lordi, and the members of 24 Hour Power, Inc. for repairing and renewing this park for all to enjoy.
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Make It Home- Car Seat Safety & Distracted Driving Event
Thank you to Marshfield Boys & Girls Club, Mass State Police and Marshfield Police for teaming up with our office to host today’s successful Car Seat Safety & Distracted Driving event.
The right car seat used the right way could save a life!
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Childhood Trauma Initiative- Trauma Sensitive Training- Brockton Fire Dept.
District Attorney Tim Cruz presented a training to the Brockton Fire Department on childhood trauma.
First responders will now be able to recognize and respond to childhood trauma on-scene and will promote resiliency for children and families in the City of Brockton.
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“A Bench of Reflection” Dedication of the Homicide Survivor’s Bench
It was a moving moment as the City of Brockton and S.H.A.R.E.S. dedicated its survivor bench to remember those whose lives were cut short by violence.
One homicide is still one too many. This bench is a place to pause and remember.
This bench signifies that you are not alone. We are all in this together.
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Plymouth County TRIAD- Grab & Go Lunch
Today was a Grab and Go lunch for our Plymouth County TRIAD members who were unable to attend the Coffee with the DA and Sheriff Event. It was great to see so many of our seniors come out. 175 boxed lunches were served.
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Plymouth County TRIAD- Coffee with the DA & Sheriff
Picture perfect day to welcome back our TRIAD members for our Coffee with the DA and Sheriff event at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s farm.
Our work to protect seniors never stopped during COVID. It’s great to meet up once again and see that their needs and concerns continue to be met.
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2021 Drug Diversion Mini Grant Recipient- PAARI/PCO-Recovery Coach Academy
The Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force was pleased to support a Recovery Coach Academy training June 21-24, at the Carver Police Department, with funds from our MDAA Drug Diversion Mini-Grants.
The 30 hour training, put on by PCO and PAARI. was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of law enforcement officers who will be supporting people on their recovery journeys.
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Father’s Day Peace March
Proud to sponsor this year’s Father’s Day Peace March with a Community Reinvestment donation of 100 tee shirts for participants of this year’s march.
2020 was a year of challenges but for someone who lost a loved one to violence, every day is a challenge.
Proud that this tradition continues. Much appreciation to our community partner, Sharon Baker and the Life After Death organization for organizing this year’s march.
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Correctional Officer Academy Class #5821 Culmination Ceremony
Congratulations to Basic County Corrrection Officer Academy Class #5821, who culminated a 10-week journey of physical and mental preparedness. Graduation day at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility was complete with an inspiring speech from NHL’s Hall of Fame, and Bruins Legend, #9, Johnny Bucyk.
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2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
This year, we recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a banner raising in the City of Brockton, as well as virtual panel.
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Keeping You Safe Online- What Every Person Should Know
Thanks to IROC2’s Richard Guerry and our Children’s Advocacy Center for hosting today’s internet training for parents, educators and law enforcement. Mr. Guerry shared valuable information that we all need to get a handle on technology and keep our children safe.
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Faces of Marshfield- District Attorney Tim Cruz
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Handle with Care: National DECI- Planning meeting for DEC Academy
We are expanding our Handle with Care efforts and reach with the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. Through the Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force, our office is teaming up with Plymouth County Sheriff Joe McDonald, Worcester DA Joe Early, Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark and United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s Dennis Carman.
Committed partnerships drive success!
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2021 Drug Diversion Mini Grant Recipient- 24 Hour Power, Inc
Proud to present 24 Hour Power Inc., with one of this year’s Drug Diversion Mini Grant awards.
Susie Lordi, the founder of 24 Hour Power Inc. has created a program with artists who are in recovery. Recovery Graffitti provides a powerful sense of purpose with a unique form of art.
24 Hour Power, Inc. has produced over 40 events and workshops in Brockton within the last 2 years for those in recovery and for youth ages 10-18 years old in low income and heavily impacted neighborhoods.
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Handle With Care Program- Virtual Launch Plymouth Public Schools
Please join District Attorney Tim Cruz, Chief Mike Botieri, Dr. Chris Campbell, Melinda Kneeland and Ed Jacoubs as they announce the virtual launch of the Handle With Care Program in the Plymouth Public Schools.
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The Groundbreaking of the New Marshfield Police Department
Groundbreaking work being done in Marshfield today! Hard to believe this dirt pile will one day be the site of our new police station.
Congratulations to the Marshfield Police Department, town officials and residents.
Building a better Marshfield began today.
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Southeastern Mass Detectives Association Meeting
Updating the Southeastern Massachusetts Detectives Association this morning on the current status of our court system. Plymouth District was one of the first courts in Massachusetts to hold a trial by jury.
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Meeting with the Plymouth County Police Chiefs
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On the Mark Podcast
Catching up with Mark Chaupetta for his new podcast.
Mark has many talents but by far the greatest of these is his love for his twin sons and his fight to find a cure for their Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
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Victim’s Rights Month- April 2021
Please join us in marking April as Massachusetts Victim Rights Month. Our victim witness advocates are committed and compassionate, and have supported thousands of victims and families to build up their strength, courage and resiliency. Proud of their work and dedication.
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MOVA- Trauma Informed Respose to aid drug endangered children during COVID
Sharing our work on Adverse Childhood Experiences and our office’s response during COVID-19.
We continue to adapt our methods so that our efforts will survive beyond the era of social distancing.
Thank you to Massachusetts MOVA for hosting this Zoom webinar.
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PCO-Plymouth County Outreach Quarterly Meeting March, 2021
The Plymouth County Outreach Quarterly Meeting was held on March 19, 2021.
Pleased to discuss the relaunch of our Handle With Care initiative.
We have made trauma sensitivity and education on Adverse Childhood Experiences a priority.
Our goal is to help every town in Plymouth County to become a Handle With Care community.
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Senior Safety Series with District Attorney Tim Cruz-Rochester COA & ORCTV
Phishing Scams in Depth…
It was great to see an in-person gathering for our Senior Safety Series with the Rochester Council on Aging!
Thanks to Director Lorraine Thompson for hosting, and guest Marjorie O’Brien.
Special thanks to Old Rochester Community TV for taping and airing our segment.
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The Martin Institute at Stonehill College presents: Mental Health Issues in the Criminal Justice System
Informative evening discussing the important issue of when mental health intersects with the criminal justice system.
My thanks to Chief Justice Dawley and Stonehill College for hosting this event for students who can hopefully learn and build upon our efforts and effect change.
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Senior Safety with District Attorney Tim Cruz, Carver COA, Plympton Carver TRIAD & Area 58 Media- Episode 4
“Recent Scams: The Brushing Scam and more”
Hosted by: Connie Kelly, Director of the Carver Council on Aging
Guests: Mary Vacca and Paul Kelly
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Attire for Hire Donation to PACC
Thanks to the generosity of our employees, today we were able to supply People Affecting Community Change in Brockton with attire for hire.
PACC will ensure this clothing is distributed to those searching for jobs, including those returning to work after being justice involved.
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Plymouth County Police Chiefs Meeting
Touching base today with the Plymouth County Police Chiefs to discuss our newly created Conviction Integrity Unit.
The Conviction Integrity Unit was established to investigate claims of wrongful conviction or actual innocence.
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Hanson COA presents Senior Safety Series with District Attorney Tim Cruz, WHCA
Senior Safety Series today with the Hanson Council on Aging.
Our thanks to Director Mary Collins and guests Roberta Bartholdson and Linda Philbrick for helping us warn residents about elder financial abuse and exploitation.
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Relaunch of the Handle with Care Program in Plymouth County
On February 25, 2021- District Attorney Tim Cruz kicked off the relaunch of the Handle with Care Program across Plymouth County.
District Attorney Cruz and the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) first implemented the “Helping Traumatized Children Learn” model as a pilot program in the Brockton Public Schools in 2008.
The goal was two-fold:
- To treat the child victims and witnesses of violence by treating their exposure to adverse childhood experiences.
- To prevent the next generation of abusers.
District Attorney Cruz and members of his staff trained the West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice on the “Helping Traumatized Children Learn” model. In turn, the West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice used the training to develop the “Handle with Care” communication protocol to help schools better identify students with ACEs.
West Virginia first implemented “Handle with Care” at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School in Charleston, WV in 2013.
Prior to this relaunch, the Handle with Care Program has been utilized in a several of our school districts across Plymouth County, under various titles. This relaunch now brings a cohesive county-wide approach to this program.
The way the Handle with Care program works:
If a law enforcement officer encounters a child during a call, that child’s information is forwarded to the school before the school bell rings the next day. The school implements individual, class and whole school trauma-sensitive curricula so that traumatized children are “Handled With Care”. If a child needs more intervention, on-site trauma-focused mental healthcare is available at the school.
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Scituate COA presents Senior Safety with District Attorney Tim Cruz
Senior Safety Series with Scituate today. Thanks to Linda Hayes, director of the town’s Council on Aging, Ann Mullen and Rene Katersky for helping us get important info to residents so that they don’t fall victim to scammers out to steal their personal and financial information.
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Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Guidelines
District Attorney Cruz attended a virtual event hosted by the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Thank you to Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and all those who worked hard to develop guidelines for law enforcement to identify human trafficking cases and get those being exploited resources and help.
As survivor Audrey Morrissey said, “If people didn’t sell people, people wouldn’t buy people.”
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Senior Safety with District Attorney Tim Cruz and Wareham Council on Aging
Today we taped our Senior Safety Series with the Wareham Council on Aging.
Our thanks to COA Director Missy Dziczek and guest Sharon Frank for rounding out our panel on
elder financial abuse and exploitation for today’s segment. -
The Plymouth County Anti-Trafficking Task Force Executive Meeting-February 2021
Gathering of the Plymouth County Anti-Trafficking Task Force Executive Committee today. Together we work to prosecute those who manipulate, abuse and sell human beings for profit, while working just as hard to provide access to trauma sensitive services to help victims recover.
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Senior Safety with District Attorney Tim Cruz, Hingham Senior Center and Harbor Media
“Romance Scams”
Hosted by: Jennifer Young, Director of Elder Services, Hingham Senior Center
Guests: Joe Millburg and Scott Stevenson
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Under the Influence PSA Taping
Our office taped a PSA against drinking/drugged driving in Plymouth.
Prom and grad season may look different this year but the message remains the same.
— Think clearly before you drive.
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Safe Streets Law Enforcement Subcommittee Meeting- February 2021
2020 certainly provided us with some roadblocks but the work continues with our Safe Streets Law Enforcement Subcommittee.
Pleased to report no incidences of persons shot in Brockton in January.
This is a welcomed trend as we continue to collaborate with our community partners.
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Community Reinvestment Program- Homeless Improvement Project-Blankets
With Susie Lordi and 24 Hr. Power as they presented a batch of blankets lovingly sewn, decorated and waterproofed by volunteers.
The Union Missionary Church will hand the blankets out to those in need living on the streets.
Thanks to Susie, Pastor Roberto Silveira and all those who gave of their time.
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COVID-19 Plymouth Update- PAC TV- February 3, 2021
Lots of COVID-19 updates from town officials in Plymouth today. Thank you for being innovative during these unsettled times and continuing the dialogue so that townspeople are informed and safe.
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Senior Safety with District Attorney Tim Cruz, Duxbury Senior Center and PAC TV- A COVID Update
Senior Safety Series today with the Duxbury Senior Center to talk about how COVID has impacted the DA’s Office and how we have adapted to keep operating in the courts and getting help to those with substance use disorders. Special thanks to our host, Joanne Moore and our guests for the segment, Candy Weiler and Marie Keefe.
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Handle with Care Training- Brockton- February 1, 2021
Traditional support systems for children typically in place in a school setting look different this year.
Zoom training at West Middle School in Brockton today so that educators are armed with the latest tools to help kids succeed.
Thank you Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative.
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Human Trafficking Training
With Health Imperatives we sponsored a human trafficking training for more than 150 at Massasoit today. We mark the progress made to hold traffickers accountable and recognize and honor survivors and service providers that are working to prevent others from experiencing this
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“Hey Kiddo” Meet the Author
Presented by Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force, in partnership with the DEC Initiative
Meet the Author: Jarrett Krosoczka, was a free, virtual event on January 12th at 7:00 PM.
Jarrett Krosoczka is the award-winning author of “Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father and Dealt with Family Addiction”, a graphic memoir appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Event was geared towards:
• grandparents raising grandchildren
• school staff
• middle school librarians
•art teachersThe response to this event was overwhelmingly positive- organizers and participants agreed the presentation exceeded expectations. Here are some comments received about Jarrett Krosoczka’s presentation:
“Ok, that guy is amazing! I loved to hear about where he came from, and some of it brought me to tears. I just LOVED his demeanor, his candidness and his inspirational outlook, he broke the cycle!”
“Thank you very much for the webinar las tnight, I enjoyed it very much.”
“Awesome event last night!! I really enjoyed it!!”
“Fabulous program tonight! Thank you so very much!”
“It was awesome, thank you, by the end my 10 year old granddaughter was listening as well and is now wanting to read the book. Thank you.”
“Thank you for a fabulous event. I feel priveleged to have been able to attend.”