ROCKY HILL - Division of Criminal Justice prosecutors kicked off the month of June by participating in training programs that included instruction and discussion of various timely and critical topics for prosecutors’ professional development.
On June 3, State's Attorneys gathered at the Sheraton Hartford-South Hotel in Rocky Hill for yearly leadership training with Susan C. Ryan and Jane C. Darst of the Vera Causa Group, nationally recognized consultants who offer training on a variety of topics for prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other government organizations. The day's topics included leadership for the modern prosecutor's office, creating a high-functioning workplace through the power of difference, giving and receiving feedback and interpersonal skills in the real world.
On June 11, Assistant State's Attorney Danielle Koch started the 2025 Annual Office of the Chief State's Attorney training - held virtually and in the Kevin T. Kane Training Center in Rocky Hill - with a presentation on extreme emotional disturbance defenses. A sexual assault survivor panel with Beth Hamilton, Executive Director of Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and presentation from Danielle Ebrahimi, Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor with Connecticut Mental Health and Addiction Services followed. Dr. Maya Pradhu, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Law at the Yale School of Medicine capped the day's training with discussion about self-care and crisis-driven work.
Prosecutors from throughout Connecticut gathered on June 12 for the annual prosecutor training conference at the Sheraton Hartford-South Hotel in Rocky Hill.
Presenters included Andrea Deyo, Director of Law Enforcement Services for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Beth Mehlman, Associate Director of the American Jewish Committee of Westchester/Fairfield and Mary Kozicki and Alexandra Gittines of the Office of Victim Services, Superior Court Operations Division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch.
Other presenters at this year’s annual training included Division members John J. Russotto, Deputy Chief State’s Attorney of Administration, Personnel and Finance, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Timothy J. Sugrue, Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Kathryn W. Bare, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorneys Seth R. Garbarsky and Adrienne Russo, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Ronald Weller and Assistant State’s Attorneys Koch and Nathan J. Buchok.
Training topics included discussion of cooperating witnesses, victim notification and compensation, license plate readers and StarChase Technology, understanding antisemitism and how individual identity and culture informs the experiences of domestic violence survivors. Members of the Division also provided hiring, policy and legal updates during the training conference.
“The annual prosecutor training conference is an opportunity for prosecutors from all 13 Judicial Districts across Connecticut and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney to focus on professional development, collectively share ideas and reconnect with their colleagues,” Chief State’s Attorney Griffin said. “This conference is important to prosecutors who, every day, work through large caseloads and busy schedules while bearing the tremendous, never-ending responsibility of seeking justice while balancing the interests of the victims, defendants and the communities they serve.”
The annual training for prosecutors is part of series of training initiatives offered by Chief State’s Attorney Griffin and the 13 State’s Attorneys through the Division’s Office of Ethics and Professional Standards, headed by Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa M. D’Angelo. The Office directs the development, implementation and evaluation of updated ethical and professional standards for the Division and runs a comprehensive program of in-service staff development and training for prosecutors, inspectors and other Division staff, as well as training for law enforcement officers throughout Connecticut.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all of the experienced and talented presenters who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the annual prosecutor training conference,” Executive Assistant State’s Attorney D’Angelo said. “Their contributions and valuable insights were pivotal in making the training seminar a success."
Training sessions also were held in June in Judicial Districts throughout the state.