Prosecutor's Office reveals sweeping reforms to enhance justice

In a recent meeting, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido and Chief of Operations Todd Schmitz presented a comprehensive overview of the Prosecutor's Office's progress and resource needs. Highlighting the office's constitutional mandate, they emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving prosecution trends and the necessity for additional resources to address increasing demands.

Schmitz outlined the challenges faced by the office, including a significant rise in digital evidence due to the implementation of body cameras and the need for updated technology to manage this influx. He noted that the office has made substantial strides in various units, including auto theft, drug prosecution, and child protection, all of which have seen improvements in efficiency and responsiveness.

A key point of discussion was the office's response to a national hiring crisis affecting assistant prosecuting attorneys. Schmitz reported that, thanks to reforms in hiring procedures, the office has successfully filled all vacant positions, achieving a diverse workforce with 70% of new hires being women. This shift has led to a record number of women in leadership roles within the office.

The meeting also addressed the launch of several specialized units, including a Hate Crimes Unit and a Conviction Integrity Unit, aimed at enhancing the office's ability to serve the community and ensure justice. Schmitz highlighted the office's commitment to mental health evaluations for gun crime offenders and the establishment of a warrant appeals unit, which allows victims to appeal denied warrants, ensuring their concerns are taken seriously.

Overall, the Prosecutor's Office has made significant progress in recent years, bolstered by support from the county commission. The focus remains on maintaining Macomb County's reputation as a safe place to live while adapting to the complexities of modern law enforcement.