San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced the launch of the new Access to Hope Healing, Reform and Reentry Partnership with San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to develop innovative crime prevention strategies by engaging in direct dialogue with incarcerated men. Through the partnership prosecutors will witness first-hand the transformative power of effective rehabilitation programs and learn from incarcerated individuals what is most effective and impactful. Going forward, the District Attorney’s Office will participate in quarterly symposia with incarcerated men to inform crime prevention and criminal justice system reform policies and initiatives as well as participate in monthly meetings of the incarcerated men’s civic engagement group.

“I am proud to partner with San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to create meaningful engagement opportunities for my staff and the incarcerated population to develop crime prevention and intervention strategies,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “Through this partnership, staff in my office will be exposed to individuals who have been held accountable and whose commitment to transformation and rehabilitation includes working to prevent crime and victimization. This is true restorative justice that allows these men to help heal communities that they once harmed and prevent future cycles of violence.”

The goal of the Healing, Reform and Reentry Partnership is to develop innovative crime prevention and intervention strategies to make communities safer by engaging with those who are incarcerated and leveraging their unique insights and perspectives about the types of programs and initiatives that would have been most effective in preventing or intervening in their criminal behavior. These unique insights and perspectives will assist the District Attorney’s Office in developing and supporting impactful programs that prevent crime and victimization. Additionally, prosecutors will use the knowledge and insights gleaned from symposia to ensure case dispositions fairly balance accountability with appropriate opportunities for rehabilitation to prevent and deter future crime.

“I want to express my gratitude for District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and her team’s ongoing support,” said San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Acting Warden Andes. Their regular visits foster meaningful conversations that are vital for our mission. Partnerships like these are essential for enhancing public safety and promoting rehabilitation. Together, we can create a more constructive environment that ultimately benefits everyone.”

“We are proud to announce our partnership with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, led by Brooke Jenkins, which marks a significant step towards enhancing rehabilitation opportunities for the incarcerated population at San Quentin,” said Lt. Guim’Mara Berry, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Public Information Officer. “District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and her dedicated administrative staff have shown unwavering support for our programs and events, underscoring their commitment to creating positive change within the facility. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide meaningful resources and support that will empower individuals to pursue rehabilitation and successful reintegration back into society.”

Staff at all levels from across the District Attorney’s Office will participate in symposia including District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Assistant District Attorneys, Policy and Legislation staff and Victim Advocates. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has already participated in three symposia to date as well as two civic engagement group meetings and several other dialogues and events with the incarcerated population at San Quentin. Dozens of prosecutors and office staff have already participated in symposia and other meetings with more staff expected to participate over time.

Previously District Attorney Jenkins sat down for an interview with San Quentin News where she talked about the budding partnership and answered questions about her prosecutorial philosophy and approach to criminal justice reform. The interview is available on the San Quentin News YouTube page.

In the coming months, the District Attorney’s Office will also begin partnering with the Central California Women’s Facility to similarly learn from incarcerated women and their unique perspectives. Partnering with the only CDCR institution in the state of California for women will ensure that their voices are also heard and considered by the District Attorney and her staff.

The Healing, Reform and Reentry Partnership is part of the District Attorney’s Office the Access to Hope Initiative. The Access to Hope Initiative is a prevention and intervention strategy designed to build trust and create hope in those individuals and communities most deeply impacted by crime and violence to prevent and deter crime.

Access to Hope Initiative programs and projects play a critical role in the District Attorney’s Office’s ongoing commitment to centering victims and those impacted by crime and violence, in our pursuit of justice, and work to advance smart criminal justice reforms.