Santa Cruz city program wins national award

A Santa Cruz program aimed at “improving the lives of chronic offenders through court accountability and treatment,” won a national criminal justice and public safety award.

The Bob Lee Community Partnership for Accountability, Connection and Treatment (PACT),was given the 2015 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties (NACo), a non-competitive awards program that works to recognize county government initiatives aimed at improving services for residents.

PACT was launched by former District Attorney Bob Lee in 2014.

“I am grateful and proud to see Bob Lee’s vision and passion for this program to be recognized,” current District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell said. “He believed the power of partnership could make a real difference in changing lives. We’re seeing the benefits of his hard work and commitment every day.”

Leaders say the program will expand to other nuisance crime-ridden areas, as well as unincorporated county areas enforced by the Sheriff’s Office.