Ken Thompson

- 350 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

In the world of criminal justice, the role of a District Attorney is to serve as the chief prosecutor for a specific jurisdiction. In New York City, this means that each of the five boroughs has its own District Attorney’s office responsible for prosecuting violations of state law. For New Yorkers in Brooklyn (Kings County), the office of the District Attorney is a crucial institution for maintaining public safety and ensuring justice. This article is a tribute to the legacy of Ken Thompson, a transformative figure who served as Brooklyn's District Attorney from 2014 until his untimely passing in 2016.

Ken Thompson made history as Brooklyn's first African-American District Attorney, and his brief tenure left an indelible mark on the criminal justice system both locally and nationally. He was elected on a platform of reform, promising to restore public confidence in the system. His work was characterized by a commitment to fairness, a focus on righting past wrongs, and a pragmatic approach to crime prevention. He brought a fresh perspective to the role, having previously worked as a federal prosecutor and a civil rights attorney. Thompson was a man who understood the intricacies of the law and the profound impact it has on the lives of everyday New Yorkers.

During his time in office, Thompson's administration was a hub of progressive policy and impactful action. He believed in a system that was both tough on serious crime and compassionate toward non-violent, low-level offenders. His legacy is carried on through the policies and initiatives he put into place, which have since been adopted as models for other prosecutor's offices across the country. This overview will shed light on his work, the location of his office, and the enduring impact he had on the Brooklyn community. While the provided customer reviews do not reflect the full scope of his legacy, public records and numerous tributes from community leaders and legal professionals paint a picture of a dedicated and reform-minded public servant.

For anyone seeking to understand the function of a District Attorney’s office or the history of criminal justice reform in Brooklyn, the work of Ken Thompson remains a vital case study. His commitment to justice and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a truly exceptional leader.

The office of the Brooklyn District Attorney, a place central to Ken Thompson’s work, is located at 350 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This address is synonymous with the heart of Brooklyn’s legal and judicial system, as it is part of the central municipal building complex that includes courthouses and other government offices. Its location in Downtown Brooklyn makes it highly accessible to residents from all corners of the borough.

The area is a major transportation hub, with numerous subway lines (including the A, C, F, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains) and bus routes converging nearby. This makes it convenient for community members, victims, and witnesses to visit the office for legal proceedings, meetings, and victim services. For those who prefer to drive, there are public parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity, though public transit is often the most practical choice in this busy part of the city.

Accessibility was also a key feature of the building itself. The office is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a crucial amenity that ensures all individuals, including those with mobility challenges, can navigate the building comfortably and with dignity. The presence of a restroom on the premises is a standard but important convenience for anyone visiting for an appointment or court-related matter. The building at 350 Jay Street serves as a vital public resource, and its design reflects a commitment to serving the entire community.

The strategic and accessible location of the District Attorney's office underscores its role as a central and public-facing institution. It is a place where citizens can seek justice, receive support, and engage with the legal system, all within a building designed to be as open and accommodating as possible.

As the District Attorney for Kings County, the office of Ken Thompson was responsible for the prosecution of all crimes committed within the borough of Brooklyn. While the office’s services are not a typical "law firm" in the private sense, their work is a critical public service that affects countless New Yorkers.

• Criminal Prosecution: The primary function of the office is to prosecute all criminal cases—from misdemeanors to felonies—that occur in Brooklyn. This includes presenting evidence to a grand jury, trying cases in criminal court, and working to hold offenders accountable.
• Conviction Review Unit: A signature initiative of Ken Thompson’s tenure was the creation of a pioneering Conviction Review Unit (CRU). This unit was dedicated to investigating potential wrongful convictions, and under Thompson’s leadership, it became a national model, leading to the exoneration and release of numerous individuals who had been unjustly imprisoned.
• Victim Services: The District Attorney’s office provides crucial support for victims of crime. The Victim Services Unit offers assistance, guidance, and resources to help victims navigate the legal process and find support for their recovery.
• Community Engagement: The office actively engages with the community through various outreach programs and initiatives. This includes collaborating with local police precincts, community organizations, and schools to promote public safety and build trust between law enforcement and residents.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Ken Thompson's office was at the forefront of progressive reforms. This included changing policies on the prosecution of low-level marijuana possession to reduce the burden on young people and people of color, as well as launching a program to clear old arrest warrants for minor infractions.

The office of the Brooklyn District Attorney, particularly during Ken Thompson’s leadership, was noted for several key features and highlights that distinguished its work.

• Pioneering Conviction Review Unit: The creation of the CRU was arguably the most significant achievement of Thompson's tenure. It demonstrated a bold commitment to justice by proactively seeking out and correcting systemic errors, freeing individuals who had spent years or even decades in prison for crimes they did not commit.
• Commitment to Social and Racial Justice: Thompson, as Brooklyn's first African-American DA, centered his work on ensuring fairness for all Brooklynites. His reforms, such as the change in marijuana prosecution policy, directly addressed racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: The presence of an accessible restroom in the public-facing office space is a crucial feature that ensures inclusivity and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
• Public Service and Accountability: As a taxpayer-funded public office, the District Attorney's office is held to a high standard of conduct and is accountable to the public. Thompson’s work was characterized by a push for transparency and reform to better serve the people of Brooklyn.
• Professional and Factual Focus: The nature of a District Attorney's office is inherently factual and legal. It operates based on evidence, law, and justice, rather than a promotional or profit-driven model.

For those seeking to contact the Brooklyn District Attorney's office for a specific matter, here is the public information for their main office.

Address: 350 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 250-2000

Mobile Phone: +1 718-250-2000

Please note that as a government office, specific services or inquiries may require a call to a dedicated department within the office, such as the Victim Services Unit.

While a District Attorney is not a "choice" in the same way one chooses a private lawyer, the office itself and its leadership are an essential part of the justice system. The legacy of Ken Thompson is a compelling reason to acknowledge the vital role this office plays in the lives of New Yorkers. His tenure demonstrated that a public office can be a powerful engine for positive change and justice. The reforms he initiated, particularly the Conviction Review Unit, have had a lasting and positive impact, proving that the system can be held accountable for its errors.

Thompson's commitment to social and racial justice resonated deeply with the diverse Brooklyn community. His efforts to reform policies that disproportionately affected minority communities were seen as a step toward a more equitable and fair system for everyone. The public nature of his work, and the responsibility that comes with it, meant that his actions were always under scrutiny, reinforcing the importance of his dedication to fairness and integrity. While the provided reviews do not fully capture the entirety of his career, numerous public records and tributes speak to his integrity and transformative impact. Choosing to support a system that embraces the ideals of justice, reform, and accountability, as championed by Ken Thompson, is a choice for a better, more equitable New York for all.

Ken Thompson

350 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA