PITTSBURG — In an effort to bring justice closer to the people, East County residents now have access to an array of services provided by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office with the opening of a new location in Pittsburg.
District Attorney Diana Becton said the idea of opening the fully equipped office on Railroad Avenue was “simple but powerful.”
“It strengthens collaboration with our local law enforcement partners, it improves our efficiency, our casework and court operations, and it will allow us to respond to the needs of victims and families in real time right here,” Becton said at the grand opening of the office on Monday. “It also sends a message that East County matters, and the people who live and work here deserve accessible and responsive justice.”
Previously, individuals seeking legal support would need to travel to offices in Richmond and Martinez. Becton said her office has been working with Contra Costa County over the past two years to set up a Pittsburg location, which will have about 30 people on staff.
“We will have attorneys, we will have our filers, which is really important because it gives greater access to our law enforcement partners so they don’t have to drive into Martinez for most things, they could come here to meet those who are going to be filing their cases,” said Becton.
There will also be victim advocates on site.
The District Attorney’s Office also partners with the Family Justice Center in Antioch to help families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking.
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said residents have long had to travel significant distances to access services.
“Access to justice should not depend on geography,” said Scales-Preston.
She said East County is one of the “largest and fastest” growing locations in the region.
“With that growth comes complex issues, whether that’s public safety, housing pressures, or just new community expectations,” said Scales-Preston. “The opening of this office shows that the county government is keeping pace, investigating infrastructure that meets the moment and supports our residents where they are.”
Scales-Preston emphasized that public safety extends beyond prosecution. It also includes prevention, early intervention, and trust.
“This office will help strengthen that with relationships with survivors and victims who deserve care and dignity, collaborations with our school, our service providers, and nonprofits, and early engagement that will help prevent issues before they escalate into a crisis,” said Scales-Preston.
Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams said as well as a resource for residents, the new office reinforces the city’s role as a regional hub for public services.
“It provides greater access to information, victim support, and legal services,” said Adams. “It helps ensure that our community members know where to turn when they need support and assistance.”
Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese said the local presence strengthens coordination, improves communication, and enhances timely review and filing of cases.
“These efficiencies support stronger investigations, better case outcomes, and a justice process that is both fair and effective,” said Albanese. “When police and district attorneys’ offices work side by side, we are better positioned to ensure professionalism at every step.”
Gigi Crowder, the executive director of the Contra Costa chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said the new location will make it easier for family members and individuals living with mental illness to access support without traveling to Martinez.