ORLANDO, FL – The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is thrilled to announce 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 is excited to establish the Community Engagement Committee as the foundation for building trust between the 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 misconduct, 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.

As such, the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is now accepting applications to join the office’s inaugural Community Engagement Committee. This committee will be made up of Orange and Osceola County residents and representatives from key organizations, who will engage directly with the office’s senior leaders to get an in-depth look at how prosecutions are handled, and decisions are made.

Members of the Committee will meet with office representatives every other month for candid discussions—providing feedback from the community on justice issues and learning information from office staff on the policies and programs that shape how cases are prosecuted. Committee membership requires a year-long commitment and members are expected to share their ideas and concerns about how the justice system impacts their communities and organizations.