From case files to courtrooms: the DA’s Community Academy

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 3, 2025) — In 2018, our office launched the Community Academy to offer Contra Costa County residents an opportunity to see firsthand the role a District Attorney plays in ensuring public safety and seeking justice on behalf of the people of California and victims of crime.

As District Attorney, I believe that communication and transparency are cornerstones of a strong community. I am deeply committed to keeping the public informed about how we serve them, and the Community Academy has been a key part of that effort. Through this program, we’ve fostered stronger connections with our community by providing participants a unique and in-depth look at the vital work we do every day.

The Community Academy is an engaging, no-cost, 10-week program designed for adults who live or work in Contra Costa County. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of our justice system and hear directly from the people who work in public safety. Deputy district attorneys, investigators, police chiefs, victim advocates, and others share insights into how cases are investigated, filed, and prosecuted, as well as the support we provide to victims.

But this program isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. Participants have an opportunity to tour the Martinez Detention Facility, meet a Superior Court judge, and ask local government leaders questions about their roles and challenges they face. You’ll also learn about some of our outreach programs designed to support children, parents, and victims of crime. These interactive experiences are designed to help you understand how our office works in protecting our community while seeking justice with integrity and fairness.

The Community Academy is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Contra Costa County. If you’re curious about how the justice system works, this program is a great way to learn, ask questions, and engage directly with our office.

I encourage you to take part in this unique experience. Not only will you walk away with a deeper understanding of our work, but you’ll also be helping us build stronger relationships between our office and the communities we serve. Together, we can continue to strengthen trust, increase transparency, and seek, serve, and do justice in Contra Costa County.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Applications for the Spring 2025 Community Academy are now open, and the deadline to apply is in early March.

For more information or to apply, visit our website or contact us at DA-CommunityAcademy@contracostada.org.

Diana Becton

District Attorney Diana Becton has spent most of her professional career as a judge, lawyer, and manager. In 2017, she was sworn in as the 25th District Attorney for Contra Costa County. Following her appointment from the Board of Supervisors, she was elected to the position in June 2018, and re-elected in June 2022. District Attorney Becton served 22 years as a judge in Contra Costa County, where she was elected Presiding Judge. She is Past President of the National Association of Women Judges, the nation’s leading voice for women in the judiciary, and Past Chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.