New prosecution office’s grand opening today

A new Community Prosecution Office is open at 4910 Jonesboro Road, Suite 104, in Union City at the Union City Crossing Business Complex. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. today at the site.

The establishment of the new office is a part of a collaborative effort between the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Union City Mayor and various businesses and community stakeholders. Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. said he hopes the new office and the presence of a dedicated prosecutor will help to foster positive relationships between citizens and law enforcement.

Community Prosecution is a national concept that strategically places prosecutors in communi- ty-based offices for greater visibility and accessibility to residents. Implemented in 2000, there are currently eight Community Prosecution offices serving citizens throughout Fulton County. They are strategically placed in satellite locations to work directly with citizens to reduce crime in their neighborhoods. This grassroots approach to law enforcement involves long-term, proactive partnerships among prosecutors, police, public and private organizations and the community at large.

The Union City Community Prosecution Office will be staffed by Community Prosecutor Jocelyn Watkins, who currently serves the South Fulton community. The office was established in order to:

■ Prosecute repeat offenders

■ Work with police and community to identify, monitor and prosecute criminals who continuously cause harm to communities

■ Close drug-infested properties

■ Close and legally seize properties used to sell illegal drugs and remodel the properties

■ Reduce criminal street gangs

■ Reduce the number of young people who are joining and participating in gang activity

■ Target felony quality of life crimes

■ Continue focus on burglary, entering automobile and random shooting cases