Message from the President

Hon. Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., New York County District Attorney

It is an honor and a privilege to represent the 62 elected district attorneys across the state as president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Last year, under the guidance of Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, DAASNY made great strides. New York State will benefit immeasurably from some of the legislative accomplishments achieved this year that will enhance public safety, such as expanded use of the DNA databank, innovative new domestic violence laws, and new protections for people with developmental disabilities. Over the coming year, I will continue the thoughtful work of the past presidents of DAASNY with the goal of supporting prosecutors around the state while they work to keep our communities safe and strong.

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DAASNY Facts

The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York was formed in 1909, as the idea of District Attorney Beecher S. Clother of Glens Falls (Warren County), New York. The first known public mention of its formation appeared in the Rochester (New York) Union and Advertizer in its August 27, 1909 issue. "Upon the theory that big crooks have an organization to beat the law," the article stated, "the district attorneys of the state are going to combine into an association by which they will defeat the lawbreakers by mutual help."

There are 62 elected district attorneys in New York State, one for each county.

40 district attorney offices have fewer than 10 prosecutors, 29 have fewer than six. Seven offices have more than 100 prosecutors.