Community Relations
It is the responsibility of the Community Relations team to educate the public on issues of safety as they relate to the DA's office. It is also our responsibility to teach the public how to navigate and use the DA's office to their benefit.
Community Relations Officers J.J. Anderson, Jesse Navarro and Midge Costanza collaborate with outside organizations to build programs that assist citizens in becoming productive members of society. Special Assistant Anderson has been instrumental in developing the Mentor program, which is a collaborative partner ship with the Urban League. Deputy District Attorneys mentor young people from their Youth Leadership Committee.
Our office also is involved in a Literacy Intervention Program that is designed to help newly released offenders get their high school diploma or G.E.D. We are in partnership with Probation, San Diego Council on Literacy, United African America Action Council and San Diego City School District.
The Reentry Program in collaboration with San Diego County Jails Inmate Services is designed to help offenders prepare for release into society. The District Attorneys Office offers behavioral classes to the inmates.
Our Community Relations Officers also represent the District Attorney at community, governmental and social functions. They meet with county residents, community leaders and business organizations in regard to specific concerns.
The Community Relations team organizes and attends community town hall meetings throughout San Diego County. They meet with law enforcement agencies and public officials about public safety issues.
Jesse Navarro represents the DA in interacting with local, state and federal Mexican officials as well as the Spanish speaking news media on both sides of the border.
The Community Relations team is also responsible for overseeing the San Diego District Attorney's Community Advisory Board, which meets monthly.