The Newark City Council received a presentation from Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson about the state of the District Attorney (DA) Office. Her updates included launching an organized retail theft task force to address people who routinely steal from retail stores.
The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting those who commit crimes, supporting crime victims and protecting communities. Jones Dickson was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors in February 2025 after a recall campaign against former District Attorney Pamela Price. Jones Dickson is a former county prosecutor and superior court judge. She is seeking another term in the June primary election.
Jones Dickson said the office is participating in a gun violence restraining order pilot program. This means her office can identify gun owners who have mental health issues or other issues and ask for a restraining order on behalf of the city or county.
The office also secured new funding for the Alameda County Family Justice Center and the trauma recovery center in the midst of decreased government funding to local government entities.
The DA said they have made progress in filing charges against people who participate in theft related property crime. The number of criminal charges had gradually gone up from 3,871 cases in 2022 to 5,956 cases in 2025.
New victims receiving services also went up, from 7,332 victims in 2024 to 7,646 in 2025.
DA services are offered for all crime types, including identity theft, battery, drunk driving, property crimes, domestic violence and aggravated assault.
The DA Office’s goals for the future include establishing a Hate Crimes Unit to educate the community about hate crimes, hate incidents, hate speech and educating people about actively prosecuting those hate crimes.
The office plans to restore their efforts of prosecuting traffickers and protecting people who are exploited and are experiencing wage theft. They also plan to enhance training for Victim Witness Advocates, people who support victims and others affected by crime.
The office said they are continuing their public outreach efforts, which include town halls, safety forums, community listening sessions and conversations with local leaders. The office is also encouraging community members to continue telling people about their free resources that assist victims and witnesses of crime.
A suggestion from the office includes hosting a listening session in organizations, faith groups, networks, neighborhood groups and inviting the DA office to attend and speak. They emphasize that this is important in communities that distrust law enforcement and lack information on legal rights. This is also a way to start a conversation about timely crime reporting.
