ORLANDO, FL, November 12, 2021 — State Attorney Monique H. Worrell On Wednesday, November 10th, the Community Engagement Team at the State Attorney’s Office hosted a meet-and-greet for members of the inaugural Community Engagement Committee. State Attorney Monique H. Worrell believes that prosecutorial accountability requires systemic change and should start with empowering communities by putting the responsibility for oversight in the hands of the people. State Attorney Worrell believes that this committee is the foundation for building trust between our community and our justice system. One of the core principles to effective prosecution is civilian oversight. The purpose of civilian oversight is to strengthen fractured relationships, identify and address individual and systemic injustice, and begin the process to fortify bonds of trust that are integral to promoting public safety. Our office appreciates and understands that public safety is enhanced when there is trust and cooperation between elected officials and the communities they serve.

The inaugural committee had an opportunity to engage in open dialogue surrounding the initiatives of the office, what the members hoped to gain from participating, as well as ways the office could partner with other agencies in community education. We are hopeful that by engaging with our jurisdictions’ residents, schools, and community leaders — as well as victims and defendants — we will be able to better understand the public’s concerns, provide crucial information about drugs and violence, and identify the necessary services to target the root causes of crime. The State Attorney looks forward to providing educational opportunities to the community surrounding the role of the State Attorney, and the office’s responsibilities to the citizens of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.