2009: 3rd Quarter Review

With crime leveling off over the 3rd quarter, the York County District Attorney's office was still able to secure 24 guilty verdicts, bringing the yearly total to 80. In addition to that continued success in the courtroom, the DA's office has now gone to a full day ARD court, which began on September 1. Each month approximately 150 DUI offenders and 45 non-DUI offenders are scheduled for ARD admission. In an effort to better serve the community, the full day ARD court is anticipated to cut the wait time between acceptance and placement in half.

In the first three quarters of 2009, the District Attorney's Victim/Witness staff has mailed paperwork packets to 2525 victims, disposition letters to 2552 victims, accompanied 1578 victims to court proceedings, and attended 747 prelims with victims. The District Attorney's office continues to make victims' services one of its top priorities.

That was evident on August 20, when York County became the 59th county in the Commonwealth to launch the PA SAVIN system. SAVIN is the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system. It provides victims of crimes, their families and members of the community with a phone call or an email regarding the release, transfer or escape of offenders housed in the County jails.

On a sadder note, a key member of our office, Lieutenant Ray A. Taylor, left the District Attorney's Office on Friday October 9th 2009. Ray has served the citizens of York County as a police officer for over 25 years. Ray's efforts, experience and sincere concern for the community he has served is well established and recognized by York County Law Enforcement.

The value of Lt. Taylor's work effort and police knowledge to the Office of the District Attorney cannot be overstated. Senior Staff, Detectives and outside Agencies seek his advise without hesitation on a daily basis. The District Attorney's Detective Bureau implemented various new systems since March 2007 including Records Management, vehicles, Property and Evidence Management, Patrol Rifles, a new Forensic Lab and a Firearms Combat Course to name a few. Much of the success of the innovations is directly attributed to Ray. The Detective Bureau has become a more cohesive unit under Lieutenant Taylor, and its success is the direct result of his work.

York County's loss is Cumberland County's gain. Ray will be taking a position with the West Shore Regional Police Department. Ray will be missed not just for his professional contributions but because he is a good man! We wish you luck in your new position Lieutenant Taylor.