The Gazette Podcast

The Gazette Podcast Episode 3: Get to Know Victim Advocates Dominique Magnan and Dr. Courtney Chase

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. In recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, episode three features the Deputy Director of RCDA's Victim Services Unit, Dr. Courtney Chase, and Victim Advocate/Training Leader Dominique Magnan who unpack what it means to be a victim advocate, some of the strategies they use to assist survivors of crimes and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system, and how community members can best support the critical work that they do. Our Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, Lisa Thompson, joins us from the Courtroom Corner while DA McMahon offers insight into the events RCDA organized this year to honor National Crime Victims' Rights Week. We were fortunate to also speak to Mrs. Mary Ann Edkins and Mr. Charles Edkins Sr. to learn why they have returned to participate in RCDA's Annual Candlelight Victims' Vigil year after year. We hope you enjoy the show!

The Gazette Podcast Episode 2: Get to Know Peer Advocates David Claros and Austin Johnson

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. Episode two features two of RCDA's peer recovery mentors/advocates, Austin Johnson and David Claros who discuss the importance of their role in the court system, how their previous struggles with substance abuse disorders influence their work today, and some of the most exceptional success stories they've seen in their time with RCDA's Alternatives to Incarceration Unit. DA McMahon also joins us to discuss the origins of the HOPE program and the iconic yellow and black signs all Staten Islanders are familiar with. This month's Courtroom Corner is presented by Community Liaison Sophie Selwood. We hope you enjoy the show! To learn more about the HOPE program or for further resources, please visit https://sihope.org/ [https://sihope.org/] If you or someone you know would like to speak with David or Austin, please see their contact information below. Austin Johnson: austin.johnson@rcda.nyc.gov [austin.johnson@rcda.nyc.gov] (718) 556-7138 David Claros: david.claros@rdca.nyc.gov [david.claros@rdca.nyc.gov] (718) 556-7041

The Gazette Podcast Episode 1: Get to Know DA McMahon

Welcome to RCDA's The Gazette Podcast, a brand-new monthly show where RCDA staff members and professionals from our partnering agencies will sit down to talk about themselves and how their roles fit into the mission of preserving public safety and fighting crime we champion in the DA’s office. Our first episode features our very own District Attorney Michael E. McMahon who shares insight into his childhood, career in politics, efforts to make the RCDA a "modern prosecutor's office", and affection for the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade. RCDA's Youth and Education Liaison, Agnes McBeth, also joins us to share updates on significant cases handled by our prosecutors this year in, "The Courtroom Corner". We hope you enjoy the show as much as we at the RCDA enjoy serving the people of Staten Island!