US District Attorneys Launch Citizen Prosecutor Academies

Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley announced a six‑week Citizens Prosecutor Academy that immerses participants in real‑world prosecutorial work. Each week, teams receive new evidence—including police reports, forensic findings and digital data—and must decide what charges, if any, should be filed. The program culminates with a presentation of charging decisions and a comparison to the actual case outcome.

Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman opened a nine‑week Citizen Prosecutor Academy beginning Sept. 1. Held on Tuesdays at the Dayton Police Department, the course offers residents a behind‑the‑scenes look at investigations and prosecutions, with the goal of building public trust in the criminal‑justice system. Applicants must be 18 or older, complete a background check and submit materials by Aug. 10.