Macomb County Prosecutor Doubles Victim Services, Earns National Recognition for Innovative Support Programs

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — More crime victims in Macomb County are getting the help they need as Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido intensifies the office’s focus on supporting victims through expanded services and modern technology.

Under Lucido’s leadership, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has more than doubled the number of victims receiving services since he took office, dramatically improving from a 29% assistance rate in 2019 to 69% in the first three quarters of the current grant year.

During the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Victim Rights second quarter reporting period (Jan. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025), the office delivered victim rights services to 1,523 crime victims out of 2,062 new victims, an extraordinary 73% coverage rate.

For the first three quarters of the current grant year (Oct. 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), the office provided services to 4,013 crime victims out of 5,756 new victims, reaching 69%—a major jump from the 29% rate in 2019. 

The total number of victims helped also more than doubled, from 1,931 in 2019 to 4,013 this fiscal year, with another quarter left to go.

"These numbers represent real people, our neighbors, friends, and family members, who deserve to have someone in their corner when they go through the justice system," Lucido said. "The real credit belongs to the dedicated team of advocates in our office who are making this happen every day."

Lucido emphasized that improving victim services has been a top priority since he took office. "We shifted the focus of this office to make sure victims are not just a part of the process, but a priority," he said.

Technology has played a significant role in the turnaround. The prosecutor’s office now uses a text messaging system integrated with a modern case management platform to send timely updates about court hearings and case progress. Victims can also request updates or services by text message, making communication faster and easier.

In addition to technology upgrades, the office created a Warrant Appeals Unit, giving victims a second chance to have denied charges reconsidered. Both initiatives earned national recognition, with the office receiving two National Association of Counties Achievement Awards in prior years.

The office also earned national recognition this month for launching the Crime Victim Resource Symposium in 2024. Held annually during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the free, public event brings together prosecutors, advocates, law enforcement, and service agencies to provide trauma-informed resources and practical information on victims’ rights and the justice process. The event empowers crime survivors through education, support, and connection with local experts and community partners.

The prosecutor’s office has also improved its environment for victims, adding a dedicated children’s room and bringing in a therapy dog named Peanut to provide emotional support.

The backbone of these improvements is the Crime Victim Rights Unit, staffed by nine full-time advocates and primarily funded through state grants, ensuring the expanded services don’t strain local taxpayers.

Lucido expressed gratitude to the state of Michigan for the grant funding of the Crime Victims Unit, while emphasizing that the real achievement came from the team’s commitment to going beyond the status quo. 

“We’re grateful to the state for providing the funding, but it’s the dedication and hard work of our entire team that transformed those resources into significantly better outcomes for victims,” he said. “We’re not just doing the same thing that was done before. We’ve worked tirelessly to improve and expand services, making the most of what we have to reach and support more people.”

Last fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024), the office served 5,176 crime victims out of 8,627 eligible cases—a 60% coverage rate that itself was a major improvement over prior years.

Lucido said the work isn’t finished. "We’re not here just to prosecute cases," he said. "We’re here to stand with victims, from the moment a crime is reported to the resolution of the case. And we’ll keep pushing to make sure no victim goes unheard or unsupported."

###