Homeland Security & Emergency

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington, DC, serves as the city's primary public safety communications agency, managing 911 and 311 call services. It is dedicated to ensuring efficient emergency response and providing essential city services through its Citywide Call Center, which operates 24/7. OUC also emphasizes community outreach and education, offering programs like the Junior Academy to expose high school students to public service careers. With a focus on innovation and performance, the agency continually seeks to enhance its operations and public safety initiatives. Generated from the website

The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia manages all local criminal cases, ranging from felonies to misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses. Notably, cases of criminal domestic violence are handled separately in the Domestic Violence Unit. This division is structured into specialized branches such as Case Management, Special Proceedings, Quality Assurance, and Courtroom Support. Moreover, the Criminal Division supervises problem-solving courts that aim to address criminal behavior by integrating justice system resources with community support. These specialized courts, including the DC Community Court and Mental Health Community Court, focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and enhancing community safety while administering fair justice. Within the Criminal Division, law enforcement officers can access a variety of criminal forms and resources tailored to different districts. From mental health court case management plans to FAQs and procedures for crime victims compensation refunds, these resources are designed to support efficient and effective handling of criminal matters in the District of Columbia. Generated from the website content

The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia provides and promotes legal representation to indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty in the District of Columbia. The organization is intent on providing its services in order to protect society s interest in the fair administration of justice. Beginning in 1960 as the Legal Aid Agency, the agency was expanded and the name was changed to the Public Defender Service in 1970. PDS is a federally funded, independent agency of the District of Columbia that is governed by an 11-member Board of Trustees. One asset of the Public Defender Service is its diverse group of more than 300 alumni who practice law, teach in law schools, serve as judges and work in a wide variety of jobs in the District of Columbia and across the country.