Audit of the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office

This is a state performance audit of the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office covering January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

“In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office (PCDA) for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.”

The audit looked at how the office handled its Diversion Program and Victim Assistance Program.

“In this performance audit, we examined PCDA’s activities related to the administration of its Diversion Program and Victim Assistance Program.”

Without reviewing its own diversion data, the office cannot tell the public whether the program is giving the community real value.

“Consequently, PCDA cannot determine whether this program effectively and efficiently provides a tangible benefit to the community it serves.”

For ordinary residents, the key issue is whether a program meant to give some first-time offenders a chance to avoid arraignment is being checked for results and improvements.

“When participants have successfully completed the program requirements, the charges against them are dismissed before arraignment.”

The auditor recommended that the office use the diversion data it already collects to spot needed improvements and support funding requests.

“PCDA should consider ways to evaluate the Diversion Program data it currently collects to help identify areas where program improvements may be needed and to support requests to the Legislature for program-specific funding.”

The office said it was adding intake forms, quarterly reviews, and yearly database checks to improve how it tracks and reviews diversion cases.

“At the end of each year, a DAMION database search will also be performed by the Program to help identify any repeat offenders, and also to confirm all data is being collected correctly by the diversion officers.”

The report’s main significance is that the auditor found no performance-measurement process for the diversion program, even though the office already had data it could use.

“However, PCDA is not evaluating these data; it is only using the data as a record of participation and completion of the program-specific requirements.”

The Diversion Program means some eligible first-time offenders accused of certain nonviolent crimes may complete requirements instead of immediately going through arraignment.

“The Diversion Program, which encompasses both juveniles (under 17 years old) and young adults (17–23 years old), is available at the discretion of Assistant District Attorneys to first-time offenders who are charged with certain nonviolent crimes, such as possession of alcohol, purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol, possession of an open container of alcohol, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.”