Zugibe Receives National Award For Creative Leadership In Community Prosecution

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe was honored this week by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) with their Innovative Community Engagement (I.C.E.) Award, an award recognizing individuals and prosecution offices that have demonstrated creative leadership in community prosecution.

The honor is reserved for those who incorporate innovative crime-reduction strategies, work collaboratively within their communities and rely on evidence-based decision-making to create neighborhoods safer.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized by an organization of leading prosecutors whose goal is to improve our overall criminal justice system,” said Zugibe. “In Rockland County, we are committed to working with law enforcement, local leaders, school districts, business owners and residents to improve our quality of life.”

Zugibe was honored for his effective community prosecution strategies, which have resulted in fewer crimes and positive changes in criminal behavior. Also recognized was his commitment to keeping Rockland County among the safest places to live and raise a family in the nation.

Zugibe was honored at the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys National Community Prosecution Conference on September 27th at the Capital Hilton in Washington DC.

District Attorney Zugibe also played an integral role during the conference by sharing valuable knowledge and experience on separate panel discussions, focused on successful implementation of community prosecution strategies and developing local partnerships to improve public safety. None of the costs associated with the three-day gathering were incurred by Rockland County residents.

Zugibe’s vision for restorative justice is touted as a model for other prosecutors throughout the country. Rockland County’s Community Prosecution model seeks to reduce the distance, social and physical, between prosecutors, law enforcement and the community.

The Zugibe Administration officially launched Community Prosecution in Rockland County on November 20th, 2008. Since then, the effort has resulted in numerous indictments and convictions on a variety of criminal offenses.

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