Networking
Send an initial contact letter to all prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement agencies to introduce yourself (see appendix). Include a needs survey to learn about the agency and the jurisdiction, what they are currently doing, and what they would like to do (see appendix). Advise these other agencies which organizations support TSRPs (e.g., Mothers Against Drunk Driving, National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators). See the appendix for sample letters, needs surveys, etc.
Follow up with meetings or phone calls, individually or with prosecutor and law enforcement together:
- Explore their needs;
- Identify the services you can provide;
- Find out what they are already doing – don’t reinvent the wheel; and
- Offer to meet regularly.
Network with other TSRPs and the NHTSA Prosecutor Fellow. They can:
- Determine what is working;
- Identify problems and pitfalls, with possible solutions;
- Identify new issues emerging locally and nationally and assist in developing strategies to address these concerns;
- Provide guidance in drafting new legislation;
- Assist in the development of designated DWI prosecutors if they are not already utilized in your State; and
- Provide detailed steps in determining which trainings to hold in your State and how to organize and conduct these trainings.
Attend events sponsored by your State prosecutor organizations, law enforcement organizations, and the highway safety office to make yourself known to key players in the traffic safety community. Initially, it is crucial to simply get your name out there.
Make presentations to agencies or organizations interested in traffic safety issues:
- Fire departments
- Community groups
- Victim groups
- Probation departments
- Schools
- Medical organizations
- Local legislative bodies
Ask to participate on task forces:
- Assist with legislative and policy matters and consider how they affect prosecutors in your jurisdiction;
- Coordinate with your State highway safety office to apply your technical expertise and experience in developing policy and program initiatives; and
- Familiarize yourself with the political climate of your State’s elected/appointed prosecutors to determine which issues you should and should not address.