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Summary of current service performance
CASC offers prosecutors statewide and regional training courses to ensure cost-effective opportunities to meet Virginia’s professional requirements regarding continuing legal education while improving prosecution skills and criminal law knowledge. In FY2009, attendance for the 6 traditional annual statewide programs (Annual Meeting, Executive Program, Spring Institute, Top Gun, Homicide and Trial Advocacy) exceeded 1100. More than 680 prosecutors attended the Spring Institute - an all-time attendance record. Additional funding sources permitted CASC to offer extra, multi-day regional programs, including 4 gang prosecution trainings (in Middleburg, Bristol, Lynchburg, and Virginia Beach), 2 regional Advanced DUI Prosecution programs (Blacksburg and Williamsburg), a sexual assault prosecution training, and an asset forfeiture training program. More than 430 prosecutors and law-enforcement personnel participated in these extra programs in FY2009.
CASC measures the quality of all programs through course evaluations from participants who rate overall program effectiveness and all subsidiary components on a five point scale (Poor, Needs Improvement, Fair, Good, and Excellent). CASC solicits feedback from attendees to monitor everything from satisfaction with faculty, written materials, registration process and classroom/hotel accommodations as well as suggestions for future training programs. In FY2009, the overall performance responses exceeded 95% of participants ranking programs as good or excellent.
CASC continues to provide administrative support and technical assistance to Virginia’s 120 Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ offices. The Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Information System (VCAIS), a prosecutorial case management system developed by Virginia's prosecutors and administered by the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council, now has been installed in 60 offices and an updated version was rolled out in 2007. Seventy-eight (78) Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ offices now are using the CASC Resource Center, an on-line databank created in 2005 providing prosecutor access to appellate briefs, legal memoranda, court forms, training outlines, and information about expert witnesses. CASC staff maintains a gang database of information collected from public safety agencies for distribution to prosecutors and law enforcement. The CASC website, www.cas.state.va.us, provides prosecutors with news of training opportunities, on-line program registration, prosecutor position announcements, and a public Commonwealth’s Attorney locator.
CASC prepares and distributes to Commonwealth’s Attorneys a weekly email update of relevant Virginia and federal court decisions, legislative actions, topical news, and information about prosecutor training nationwide. CASC provides Commonwealth’s Attorneys with information about pending legislation during the legislative session and prepares an annual legislative update and an information package for training local law enforcement on new laws. Additionally, in FY2009 CASC updated and published a prosecution manual for DUI prosecutions. -
Summary of current productivity
Since 2006, CASC deliberately has emphasized expanded program offerings to meet the increased training needs of an expanding audience of prosecutors. CASC has increased the number of training programs from 8 in FY2005, to 9 in FY2006, and 13 in FY2007, FY2008 and FY2009. CASC developed additional programs targeted to specific needs of Virginia’s prosecutors by seeking grant funding (Gangs, DUI, Capital Murder, Sexual Assaults) and by partnering with related institutions (Attorney General, Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine, William and Mary Law School). CASC’s largest program, the 2009 Spring Institute, offered multiple optional training tracks, over a 3-day program, including a two-day prosecution skills track.
At the same time, CASC also has increased its information services for Commonwealth’s Attorneys by expanding the on-line Resource Center contents and formalizing the expanded electronic Weekly Update of relevant information for prosecutors.
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Summary of Major Initiatives and Related Progress
CASC is moving to using digital training materials via email or on CD instead of relying exclusively on costly printed binders for some programs and where written materials are not needed at hand during a presentation.
CASC's telework project encourages optional telecommuting for all CASC staff. -
Summary of Virginia's Ranking
Prosecutor service agencies vary from state to state and do not follow a standard model. The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council is organized and tasked with responsibilities consistent with similar offices among the States.
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Summary of Customer Trends and Coverage
The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council focuses specifically on Virginia’s 120 independently elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys and their staffs. Prosecutor’s needs vary within an ever-changing legal environment, but all prosecutors benefit from quality training for relevant core knowledge and skills, supplemented by specialized training and information in response to emerging legislative, judicial and societal developments.
Legislative action to achieve full funding of the Commonwealth's Attorneys' existing staffing standards has led to the creation of 140+ new assistant positions throughout the Commonwealth since 2006. This influx of new prosecutors produces a corresponding need for increased education and training on prosecution skills.
The expanding base of prosecutors has meant record numbers of prosecutors attending the Spring Institute. Other large programs (Executive Program, Annual Meeting) experienced a reduction of attendees due to local prosecutor office budget cutbacks for travel and training. CASC's responsibility for providing adequate opportunities for professional training will require adding alternative programs. The increased expense of traveling will require regional programs available to prosecutors in all corners of the Commonwealth.
Impact of Aging Population on CASC:
The agency is not affected directly in the nature and quality of the services it offers to its customers - Commonwealth's Attorneys and their assistants - by reason of the aging of Virginia's population. The age of the customer population served by CASC can be expected to remain fairly stable as an increase in the number of entry-level Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys statewide likely will offset any aging trend among more experienced prosecutors. CASC recognizes the criminal justice interests in an aging population and includes elder law and elder abuse topical training in statewide programs.
The ability of CASC itself to deliver services may be impacted by aging. The average age of CASC staff is approximately 50 years.
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Summary of Future Direction and Expectations
CASC intends to continue to be the resource of choice for all of Virginia's prosecutors. Maintaining core services of the agency - professional training and information support services - and expanding these services to meet the growing numbers of prosecutors will continue as CASC's priorities.
CASC has identified a need to provide regional trainings as opportunities are found to make sure the agency's services are geographically available throughout the Commonwealth.
Legislation in 2006 made CASC a clearinghouse for gang information collected by state agencies to be made available for law enforcement purposes. -
Summary of Potential Impediments to Achievement
CASC currently manages its core responsibilities with a small workforce – 7 staff members- and a modest budget. Maintaining CASC services at even its current level requires grant funding, volunteer program faculty drawn from among Commonwealth’s Attorneys and public safety agencies, and a highly efficient and well-motivated staff. Alternative (grant and asset forfeiture) funding resources and partnering opportunities have proved valuable to CASC, but do not offer a stable and predictable foundation for planning training and related services. Well-planned training programs, require substantial lead time in preparation and as much as two years advance commitment to a meeting location.
The size of the customer base is presenting new challenges to CASC. For example, CASC and Commonwealth's Attorneys value the Spring Institute as a major training event that ideally allows all Virginia prosecutors to meet, network and train at one function once a year. Attendance for the Spring Institute has increased to the point where it has outgrown some traditional venues and future affordable locations for the program are limited both in number and geographically.
| Service Number | Title |
| 957 326 04 | Prosecutorial Training |
| 957 326 06 | Technical Assistance and Information Dissemination to Prosecutors |
| 957 326 07 | Administrative Services |
Code § 2.2-2617 provides that the governing Council shall be composed of not more than sixteen members, as follows: one Commonwealth's Attorney for each congressional district in the Commonwealth, the president, the immediate past president, the president elect, the vice-president and the secretary treasurer of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys. The Council is required by statute to establish its own bylaws, procedures and requirements with respect to quorum, place and conduct of its meetings and its other business matters, provided that such bylaws include a provision that the Council hold no less than ten meetings per year. Va. Code § 2.2-2618.
| Customer Group | Customers served annually | Potential customers annually |
| 120 Locally elected Commonwealth's Attorneys, their Assistants and support staff | 838 | 838 |
| Partner | Description |
| [None entered] | |
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Description of the Agency's Products and/or Services:
CASC provides continuing legal education training to Virginia prosecutors to satisfy Virginia State Bar professional licensing requirements and to develop prosecution skills and legal knowledge. Annually, CASC offers specialized 5-day training programs on particular categories: drug offense prosecutions (Top Gun), murder prosecutions (Homicide), and trial skills in a domestic violence context (Trial Advocacy). CASC also hosts an annual Spring Institute for all Virginia prosecutors which provides a variety of information for new and experienced prosecutors during a 3-day conference. CASC provides MCLE training for the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys Annual Meeting, and the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Executive Program. Additional topical training is offered as funding becomes available and specific needs are identified. In FY2009, CASC offered specialized training programs in gang prosecutions, DUI prosecutions, sexual assault prosecutions and asset forfeiture.
CASC administers the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Information System (VCAIS) case management system, which manages administrative functions within prosecutor’s offices. VCAIS is installed and updated by CASC’s computer systems engineer.
Since 2005, CASC has developed and maintained an on-line resource center offering prosecutors the opportunity to research collected materials including briefs, legal memoranda, form pleadings or documents, and other relevant information provided by prosecutors for prosecutors.
CASC prepares and distributes topical prosecution manuals and outlines to Commonwealth's Attorneys. -
Factors Impacting Agency Products and/or Services:
The increase in the number of prosecutors since 2006 has caused a corresponding increase in the demand for additional training and on-line information services.
CASC relie heavily on grants and asset forfeiture funding to maintain the current level of programs and services.
The VCAIS case management system is not supported by VITA and one CASC employee installs and updates all Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices statewide using VCAIS. -
Anticipated Changes in Products or Services:
Demand for CASC services is expected to increase as customer base increases.
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Financial Overview:
The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council receives general fund appropriations from the General Assembly and federal grant funds and, on occasion, asset forfeiture funds from the Department of Criminal Justice Services statewide asset forfeiture fund for prosecution and law enforcement training. Federal grant funds are from various sources and most require a state match. Grants are not a reliable source of continued funding and cannot be projected accurately. Grants are dependent upon currently available funds and must be applied for annually. In FY2009, CASC was awarded in excess of $225,000 in grants (excluding state match) for capital litigation, DUI, sexual assault and trial advocacy training.
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Financial Breakdown:
FY 2009 FY 2010 General Fund Nongeneral Fund General Fund Nongeneral Fund Base Budget $1,018,113 $0 $700,479 $0 Change To Base $0 $0 $0 $0 Agency Total $1,018,113 $0 $700,479 $0 This financial summary is computed from information entered in the service area plans.
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Overview
CASC relies on a staff of 7 employees to provide its services to Virginia's prosecutors: a director, 3 staff attorneys, a computer systems engineer, an administrative coordinator (who also handles role of fiscal officer) and a program specialist. CASC benefits from an experienced staff possessing special skills and knowledge in the prosecution of criminal cases in Virginia and special skills administering the VCAIS system.
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Human Resource Levels
Effective Date 7/1/2006 Total Authorized Position level 7 Vacant Positions 0 Current Employment Level 7.0 Non-Classified (Filled) 0 Full-Time Classified (Filled) 7 breakout of Current Employment Level Part-Time Classified (Filled) 0 Faculty (Filled) 0 Wage 0 Contract Employees 0 Total Human Resource Level 7.0 = Current Employment Level + Wage and Contract Employees -
Factors Impacting HR
The modest size of CASC staff means that a single vacancy reduces the workforce by 15%.
The loss of a staff attorney effectively reduces by one-third the overall ability of the agency to develop, fund and manage training programs.
One CASC IT engineer is responsible for maintaining the case management system in one-half (60) of all 120 Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices.
The age of the agency workforce is increasing - the average age of staff is 50 years. -
Anticipated HR Changes
Within the next five years, CASC can anticipate the potential need to replace at least one staff member because of retirement. Recruitment and training of new staff will require additional resources and will adversely affect agency operations because of the small size of the agency.
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Narrative overview of the current state of IT in the agency:
CASC provides IT service to 60 Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices in Virginia that currently operate the VCAIS case management system that is unique to Virginia prosecutors' offices. VCAIS received the Governor's Technology Award in 2003 and the Search Domino.com Lotus Notes/Domino Achiever Award in 2003. A 2007 updated VCAIS -Version 3 now is being installed.
CASC maintains a website for prosecutor information and program registration.
CASC maintains an on-line research Resource Center for prosecutors. -
Narrative description of the factors impacting agency IT:
The number of Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices choosing the VCAIS case management system increases 3-5 offices annually. The number of offices added depends primarily on available funding within each jurisdiction's local office.
VCAIS is not supported by VITA, but is installed and updated by the CASC IT engineer.
Commonwealth's Attorneys offices sign up for the CASC Resource Center by executing Memoranda of Understanding concerning access and providing lists of authorized office users.
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Describe any anticipated or desired changes to agency IT:
Demand for CASC services is expected to increase as customer base increases.
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IT Current Services:
Comments:
Cost - Year 1 Cost - Year 2 General Fund Non-general Fund General Fund Non-general Fund Projected FY2010 VITA Service Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 Changes (+/-) to VITA
Infrastructure$0 $0 $0 $0 Estimated VITA Infrastruture $0 $0 $0 $0 Specialized Infrastructure $100,188 $0 $0 $100,188 Agency IT Staff $0 $0 $0 $0 Non-agency IT Staff $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Application Costs $7,000 $0 $0 $7,000 Agency IT Current Services $107,188 $0 $0 $107,188 [Nothing entered] -
Proposed IT Investments
Cost - Year 1 Cost - Year 2 General Fund Non-general Fund General Fund Non-general Fund Major IT Projects $0 $0 $0 $0 Non-major IT Projects
From $100,000 - $1 Milliona Total Cost$0 $0 $0 $0 Non-major IT Projects
Below $100,000 Total Cost$0 $0 $0 $0 Major IT Procurements - Stand-alone $0 $0 $0 $0 Non-major IT Procurements - Stand-alone $0 $0 $0 $0 Total Proposed IT Investments $0 $0 $0 $0 -
Projected Total IT Budget
Cost - Year 1 Cost - Year 2 General Fund Non-general Fund General Fund Non-general Fund Agency IT Current Services $107,188 $0 $0 $107,188 Total Proposed IT Investments $0 $0 $0 $0 Agency Projected Total IT Budget $107,188 $0 $0 $107,188
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Current State of Capital Investments:
Not applicable to the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council at this time.
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Factors Impacting Capital Investments:
[Nothing entered]
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Capital Investments Alignment:
[Nothing entered]
Provide high quality continuing legal education training to prosecutors.
CASC encourages prosecutorial excellence by offering Virginia's prosecutors comprehensive continuing legal education and training specifically addressing the challenges of prosecuting criminal cases in the Commonwealth. Well-educated and trained prosecuting attorneys are better prepared to fulfill their responsibilities to effectively and ethically promote public safety and the fair administration of justice.
- Protect the public’s safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.
Provide all Virginia prosecutors an opportunity to meet professional requirements mandated by the Virginia State Bar to maintain their licenses to practice law.
Attorneys in Virginia must participate in continuing legal education to maintain professional licensure. The Virginia State Bar mandates attendance of at least 12 hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) annually, including 2 hours of ethics. CASC seeks to provide adequate opportunities for every Virginia prosecutor to satisfy MCLE requirements with timely training programs relevant to the prosecution of criminal cases.
- Protect the public’s safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.
We will strengthen the culture of preparedness across state agencies, their employees and customers.
This goal ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, polices and procedures for Commonwealth preparedness, as well as guidelines promulgated by the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, in collaboration with the Governor’s Cabinet, the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, the Department of Planning and Budget and the Council on Virginia’s Future. The goal supports achievement of the Commonwealth’s statewide goal of protecting the public's safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.
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Protect the public’s safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.
Agency Comment: This goal ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, policies and procedures for Commonwealth preparedness, as well as guidelines and best practices promulgated by the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, in collaboration with the Governor’s Cabinet, the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, the Department of Planning and Budget and the Council on Virginia’s Future. The goal supports achievement of the Commonwealth’s statewide goal of protecting the public's safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.
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Describe how this service supports the agency mission
CASC ensures that all prosecutors have the opportunity, through Council sponsored training and education programs, to exceed the minimum annual continuing legal education requirements mandated by the Virginia State Bar.
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Describe the Statutory Authority of this Service
Virginia Code § 2.2-2618: CASC to "coordinate training and continuing legal education activities for attorneys for the Commonwealth."
| Agency Customer Group | Customer | Customers served annually | Potential annual customers |
| 120 Locally elected Commonwealth's Attorneys, their Assistants and support staff | 120 Locally-elected Commonwealth's Attorneys and their assistants | 838 | 838 |
| Partner | Description |
| [None entered] | |
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Factors Impacting the Products and/or Services:
The increase in the number of prosecutors since 2006 has caused a corresponding increase in the demand for additional training and on-line information services.
CASC relies heavily on grants to maintain current level of programs and services. -
Anticipated Changes to the Products and/or Services
Demand for CASC services is expected to increase as customer base increases.
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Listing of Products and/or Services
- CASC provides continuing legal education training to Virginia prosecutors to satisfy Virginia State Bar professional licensing requirements and to develop prosecution skills and legal knowledge. Annually, CASC offers specialized 5-day training programs on particular categories: drug offense prosecutions (Top Gun), murder prosecutions (Homicide), and trial skills in a domestic violence context (Trial Advocacy). CASC also hosts an annual Spring Institute for all Virginia prosecutors, providing a variety of information for new and experienced prosecutors during a 3-day conference. CASC provides MCLE training for the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys Annual Meeting, and the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Executive Program. Additional topical training is offered as funding becomes available and specific needs are identified. In FY2009, CASC offered specialized training programs in gang prosecutions, DUI prosecutions, sexual assault prosecutions and asset forfeiture.
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Financial Overview
The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council receives general fund appropriations from the General Assembly and federal grant funds and, on occasion, asset forfeiture funds from the Department of Criminal Justice Services statewide asset forfeiture fund for prosecution and law enforcement training. Federal grant funds are from various sources and most require a state match. Grants are not a reliable source of continued funding and cannot be projected accurately. Grants are dependent upon currently available funds and must be applied for annually. In FY2009, CASC was awarded in excess of $225,000 in grants (excluding state match) for capital litigation, DUI, sexual assault and trial advocacy training.
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Financial Breakdown
FY 2009 FY 2010 General Fund Nongeneral Fund General Fund Nongeneral Fund Base Budget $134,382 $0 $75,359 $0 Change To Base $0 $0 $0 $0 Service Area Total $134,382 $0 $75,359 $0 Human Resources-
Human Resources Overview
CASC relies on a staff of 7 employees to provide its services to Virginia's prosecutors: a director, 3 staff attorneys, a computer systems engineer, an administrative coordinator (who also handles role of fiscal officer) and a program specialist. CASC benefits from an experienced staff possessing special skills and knowledge in the prosecution of criminal cases in Virginia and special skills administering the VCAIS system.
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Human Resource Levels
Effective Date 7/1/2006 Total Authorized Position level 7 Vacant Positions 0 Current Employment Level 7.0 Non-Classified (Filled) 0 Full-Time Classified (Filled) 7 breakout of Current Employment Level Part-Time Classified (Filled) 0 Faculty (Filled) 0 Wage 0 Contract Employees 0 Total Human Resource Level 7.0 = Current Employment Level + Wage and Contract Employees -
Factors Impacting HR
The modest size of CASC staff means that a single vacancy reduces the workforce by 15%.
The loss of a staff attorney effectively reduces by one-third the overall ability of the agency to develop, fund and manage training programs.
One CASC IT engineer is responsible for maintaining the case management system in one-half (60) of all 120 Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices.
The age of the agency workforce is increasing - the average age of staff is 50 years. -
Anticipated HR Changes
Within the next five years, CASC can anticipate the potential need to replace at least one staff member because of retirement. Recruitment and training of new staff will require additional resources and will adversely affect agency operations because of the small size of the agency.
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Human Resources Overview
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We will ensure that all Virginia prosecutors receive quality continuing education through CASC training programs to meet the annual MCLE requirements.
Objective DescriptionWe will increase and maintain attorney satisfaction with CASC training programs.Alignment to Agency Goals
- Agency Goal: Provide high quality continuing legal education training to prosecutors.
Objective Strategies- We develop our training curriculum by consulting annually with a selected curriculum committee of prosecutors and CASC staff and by seeking feedback from program participants for issue areas where additional training is desired.
Objective Measures-
Prosecutor Satisfaction With Quality Of CASC Training
Measure Class:Governor's KeyMeasure Type:OutcomeMeasure Frequency:QuarterlyPreferred Trend:Up
Key Summary: We will increase and maintain prosecutor satisfaction with CASC training programs to at least 90% of all participants rating programs as "Excellent" or "Good."
Measure Baseline Value:80Date:Measure Baseline Description: 80% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Measure Target Value:90Date:6/30/2010Measure Target Description: 90% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Long-range Measure Target Value:95Date:6/30/2012Long-range Measure Target Description: 95% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Data Source and Calculation: Participants in all CASC programs complete performance evaluations rating the overall satisfaction level for each program using a 5 level scale (from "Excellent" to "Poor."). Evaluation scores are determined for each program and reported cumulatively on a quarterly basis.
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Prosecutor Satisfaction With Quality Of CASC Training
Measure Class:Governor's KeyMeasure Type:OutcomeMeasure Frequency:QuarterlyPreferred Trend:Up
Key Summary: We will increase and maintain prosecutor satisfaction with CASC training programs to at least 90% of all participants rating programs as "Excellent" or "Good."
Measure Baseline Value:80Date:Measure Baseline Description: 80% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Measure Target Value:90Date:6/30/2010Measure Target Description: 90% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Long-range Measure Target Value:95Date:6/30/2012Long-range Measure Target Description: 95% of training participants rate quality of training programs as "Excellent" or "Good"
Data Source and Calculation: Participants in all CASC programs complete performance evaluations rating the overall satisfaction level for each program using a 5 level scale (from "Excellent" to "Poor."). Evaluation scores are determined for each program and reported cumulatively on a quarterly basis.
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We will ensure all Virginia prosecutors ample opportunities to meet professional requirements mandated by the Virginia State Bar to maintain law licenses.
Objective DescriptionAttorneys in Virginia must participate in continuing legal education to maintain law licenses. The Virginia State Bar mandates attendance of at least 12 hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) annually, including 2 hours of ethics. CASC seeks to ensure that adequate opportunities are available for every Virginia prosecutor to satisfy MCLE requirements with timely training programs relevant to the prosecution of Virginia criminal cases.Alignment to Agency Goals
- Agency Goal: Provide all Virginia prosecutors an opportunity to meet professional requirements mandated by the Virginia State Bar to maintain their licenses to practice law.
Objective Strategies- Develop alternative funding sources and resources for additional training opportunities.
- Assess current training needs from customer input.
Objective Measures-
Opportunities For Prosecutor Training through CASC programs.
Measure Class:Governor's KeyMeasure Type:OutcomeMeasure Frequency:AnnualPreferred Trend:Up
Key Summary: We will increase opportunities for prosecutor training by offering and maintaining at least 3 more programs annually than CASC's traditional six statewide training programs.
Measure Baseline Value:6Date:12/31/2005Measure Baseline Description: The number of training programs offered annually by CASC, based on historical practice, is 6.
Measure Target Value:9Date:6/30/2010Measure Target Description: Provide three additional training opportunities over baseline annually (contingent on funding availability).
Long-range Measure Target Value:12Date:6/30/2012Long-range Measure Target Description: Double available CASC training opportunities
Data Source and Calculation: Data based on calculation of number of CASC programs presented (FY) annually.
CASC provides by email a weekly update of newly decided criminal appeals; pertinent Attorney General's opinions; problem statutes and funding issues, and training opportunities. CASC periodically sends email alerts and requests for input from Commonwealth's Attorneys’ offices. Additionally, CASC periodically obtains statistical information from Commonwealth's Attorneys' relating to their performance, function and workload.
Since 2005, CASC has provided an on-line Resource Center allowing immediate access to Virginia specific memoranda, forms, briefs, or training materials and outlines for case prosecutions.
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Describe how this service supports the agency mission
The information dissemination services support CASC's mission to provide technical support services to Virginia's prosecutors that improve prosecutor efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth.
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Describe the Statutory Authority of this Service
Code § 2.2-2618: CASC authorized to "gather and disseminate information to attorneys for the Commonwealth relative to their official duties; including changes in the law affecting their office..."
| Agency Customer Group | Customer | Customers served annually | Potential annual customers |
| 120 Locally elected Commonwealth's Attorneys, their Assistants and support staff | 120 Locally-elected Commonwealth's Attorneys and their assistants | 838 | 838 |
| Partner | Description |
| [None entered] | |
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Factors Impacting the Products and/or Services:
The increase in the number of prosecutors over the past two years has caused a corresponding increase in the demand for additional training and on-line information services.
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Anticipated Changes to the Products and/or Services
Demand for CASC services is expected to increase as customer base increases.
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Listing of Products and/or Services
- CASC provides by email a weekly update of newly decided criminal appeals; pertinent Attorney General's opinions; problem statutes, funding issues, and training opportunities. CASC periodically sends email alerts and requests for input from Commonwealth's Attorneys’ offices. CASC maintains an on-line Resource Center allowing immediate access to Virginia specific memoranda, forms, briefs, or training materials and outlines for criminal case prosecutions.
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Financial Overview
The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council receives general fund appropriations from the General Assembly and federal grant funds. Federal grant funds are from various sources and most require a state match. Grants are not a predictable source of funding that can be projected reliably because they are dependent upon available funds and must be applied for annually. In FY2007, CASC was awarded $115,177 in grants (excluding state match).
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Financial Breakdown
FY 2009 FY 2010 General Fund Nongeneral Fund General Fund Nongeneral Fund Base Budget $70,549 $0 $47,690 $0 Change To Base $0 $0 $0 $0 Service Area Total $70,549 $0 $47,690 $0 Human Resources-
Human Resources Overview
CASC relies on a staff of seven employees to provide its services to Virginia's prosecutors: a director, three staff attorneys, one computer systems engineer, an administrative coordinator (fiscal officer) and a program specialist. The agency has wage positions for law student interns. CASC benefits from an experienced staff possessing special skills and knowledge in the prosecution of criminal cases in Virginia and special skills administering the VCAIS system.
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Human Resource Levels
Effective Date 7/1/2006 Total Authorized Position level 7 Vacant Positions 0 Current Employment Level 7.0 Non-Classified (Filled) 0 Full-Time Classified (Filled) 7 breakout of Current Employment Level Part-Time Classified (Filled) 0 Faculty (Filled) 0 Wage 2 Contract Employees 0 Total Human Resource Level 9.0 = Current Employment Level + Wage and Contract Employees -
Factors Impacting HR
The size of CASC staff means that a single vacancy reduces the workforce by 15%.
The age of the agency workforce is increasing - the average age of staff is 48 years. -
Anticipated HR Changes
Within the next five years, CASC can anticipate the potential need to replace at least one staff member because of retirement. Recruitment and training of new staff will require additional resources and will adversely affect agency operations because of the small size of the agency.
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Human Resources Overview
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Reduce criminal appeal reversals attributable to avoidable procedural errors of prosecutors.
Objective DescriptionThis objective focuses on CASC's responsibility to provide prosecutors with timely and comprehensive information concerning changes in law in order that identified prosecutorial errors are not repeated.Alignment to Agency Goals
- Agency Goal: Provide high quality continuing legal education training to prosecutors.
Objective Strategies- Maintaining and expanding information dissemination methods.
Objective Measures-
Reduce criminal appeal reversals attributable to avoidable procedural errors of prosecutors.
Measure Class:OtherMeasure Type:OutcomeMeasure Frequency:Semi-AnnualPreferred Trend:Down
Frequency Comment: Semi-annual (6 months) measurement allows time for consideration of subsequent appellate action changing ruling.
Measure Baseline Value:2Date:12/31/2005Measure Baseline Description: Decisions of the Virginia Court of Appeals
Measure Target Value:0Date:6/30/2010Measure Target Description: No reversals due to avoidable prosecutorial error is a desirable goal.
Data Source and Calculation: Review of reported Virginia Court of Appeals decisions for basis of dispositions and identifying reversals attributable to avoidable prosecutor error. A reversal based on prosecutorial conduct that was erroneous under previously established Virginia law is deemed an avoidable prosecutor error.
CASC offers Virginia prosecutors access to an on-line Resource Center of legal research and training materials.
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Describe how this service supports the agency mission
CASC administers the Virginia Commonwealth's Attorneys' Information System (VCAIS), a computerized, uniform case management system intended for use in all Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices. VCAIS is designed to manage many critical functions within prosecutors' offices, including docket control, pre-trial confinement tracking, speedy trial calculation, and coordination of victim witness services. VCAIS can monitor office functions and also offers a valuable information backup opportunity.
Since 2005, CASC also has developed and maintained an on-line resource center offering prosecutors the opportunity to research collected materials including briefs, legal memoranda, form pleadings or documents, and other relevant information provided by prosecutors for prosecutors.
These services support CASC's mission to provide technical support services to Virginia's prosecutors that improve prosecutor efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth. -
Describe the Statutory Authority of this Service
Code of Virginia § 2.2-2618: CASC duties include “coordination of technical efforts of state prosecutors;” “improv[ing] prosecutor efficiency and effectiveness;" and "obtain[ing] statistical reports from attorneys for the Commonwealth relating to their performance, function and work-load."
| Agency Customer Group | Customer | Customers served annually | Potential annual customers |
| 120 Locally elected Commonwealth's Attorneys, their Assistants and support staff | 120 Commonwealth's Attorneys | 50 | 120 |
| Partner | Description |
| [None entered] | |
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Factors Impacting the Products and/or Services:
The number of Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices choosing the VCAIS case management system increases 3-5 offices annually. The number of offices added depends primarily on available funding within each jurisdiction's local office. Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices are responsible for purchasing required computer equipment and supporting software before VCAIS can be installed.
Local government IT support/cooperation may limit availability of VCAIS in some jurisdictions. -
Anticipated Changes to the Products and/or Services
CASC began installing an upgraded VCAIS -Version 3 in 2007.
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Listing of Products and/or Services
- CASC administers the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Information Services (VCAIS) case management system, which manages administrative functions within prosecutor’s offices. VCAIS is installed and updated by CASC’s computer systems engineer.
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Financial Overview
The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council receives general fund appropriations from the General Assembly and federal grant funds. Federal grant funds are from various sources and most require a state match. Grants are not a predictable source of funding that can be projected reliably because they are dependent upon available funds and must be applied for annually. In FY2007, CASC was awarded $115,177 in grants (excluding state match).
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Financial Breakdown
FY 2009 FY 2010 General Fund Nongeneral Fund General Fund Nongeneral Fund Base Budget $813,182 $0 $577,430 $0 Change To Base $0 $0 $0 $0 Service Area Total $813,182 $0 $577,430 $0 Human Resources-
Human Resources Overview
CASC relies on a staff of seven employees to provide its services to Virginia's prosecutors: a director, three staff attorneys, one computer systems engineer, an administrative coordinator (fiscal officer) and a program specialist. The agency has wage positions for law student interns. CASC benefits from an experienced staff possessing special skills and knowledge in the prosecution of criminal cases in Virginia and special skills administering the VCAIS system.
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Human Resource Levels
Effective Date 7/1/2006 Total Authorized Position level 7 Vacant Positions 0 Current Employment Level 7.0 Non-Classified (Filled) 0 Full-Time Classified (Filled) 7 breakout of Current Employment Level Part-Time Classified (Filled) 0 Faculty (Filled) 0 Wage 2 Contract Employees 0 Total Human Resource Level 9.0 = Current Employment Level + Wage and Contract Employees -
Factors Impacting HR
The VCAIS case management system is not supported by VITA and one CASC employee installs and updates all Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices statewide who use VCAIS.
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Anticipated HR Changes
[Nothing entered]
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Human Resources Overview
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Ensure that resources are used efficiently and programs are managed effectively, and in a
manner consistent with applicable state and federal requirements.
Objective Measures
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Percent of scorecard categories marked as "meets expectations" for the agency
Measure Class:OtherMeasure Type:OutcomeMeasure Frequency:QuarterlyPreferred Trend:UpMeasure Baseline Value:100Date:12/31/2005
Measure Baseline Description: The 2007 score of the agency is 100%
Measure Target Value:100Date:6/30/2010Measure Target Description: Maintain 100%
Data Source and Calculation: The Management Scorecard grades agencies on six criteria. The number of cases where agency scored “Meets Expectations” divided by six yields 2007 baseline.
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Percent of scorecard categories marked as "meets expectations" for the agency