In 1989, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office became the first office in California to successfully introduce D.N.A. "genetic fingerprinting" evidence in a criminal case.


 

Release Date: July 21, 2009

Contact:    Michael D. Schwartz, Special Assistant District Attorney

(805) 654-2719

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented Catherine Duggan, director of the District Attorney's Crime Victims' Assistance Program, with the Governor's Crime Victim Advocate Award. The award presentation ceremony was held Monday in the Governor's Office with Mr. Totten in attendance.

 

This prestigious award recognizes Ms. Duggan's leadership in advancing the rights of victims of crime. She is a statewide leader in improving the rights of crime victims and supporting legislative and administrative changes to improve the services they receive. Ms. Duggan also serves as a Governor's appointee to the Sex Offender Management Board. In the District Attorney's Office, she supervises 14 victim advocates who provide services to over 6,000 victims a year.

 

Ms. Duggan was nominated for the award by the California Crime Victims Assistance Association. The nomination was also supported by the California District Attorneys Association.

Mr. Totten stated, “I am pleased the Governor has recognized Catherine's outstanding efforts on behalf of crime victims, and I am proud of the work she and our Victim Services Unit do to assist victims.”