Inland Empire Community Newspapers • July 25, 2013 • Page A9 Ramos appointed Vice President of National District Attorneys Association By Cynthia Mendoza O n Saturday, July 13, San Bernardino County Dis- trict Attorney Michael A. Ramos was sworn in as Vice Presi- dent of the National District Attor- neys Association (NDAA) in San Diego at the organization’s annual summer conference. As Vice-President of the organi- zation, Ramos, along with NDAA President Henry Garza (District At- torney, Bell County, Texas) and others will be working on a strate- gic plan to address several common issues. The organization, whose mem- bership includes District Attorneys from across the United States, is based in Alexandria, Virginia. The NDAA was formed in 1950 and represents the interests of prosecu- tors and influences federal and na- tional policies affecting law enforcement and prosecution across the country. Ramos, who is in his third term as District Attorney of San Bernardino County, has served as the NDAA chair of the Corrections and Reentry Committee for the past two years. His term as vice presi- dent is three years. “I am honored to be given the op- portunity to represent the thousands of elected district attorneys across our great nation,” Ramos said. “My intent is to work with my fellow district attorneys and utilize this po- sition to continue to fight for justice and victims’ rights at a national level.” According to Ramos, some of the common issues the group will be tackling and creating strategic plans for are the death penalty, stating that it has been “attacked” by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), corrections, and more than anything, coming up with bet- ter ways to serve victims of crime. And some of the common issues facing many district attorneys are dealing with prison reform and re- lease, given the number of inmates who are being released, especially in California. “Everyone is watching this state,” Ramos said about inmate release. Being a part of the NDAA has also given Ramos the opportunity to network and learn from other ju- risdictions. For example, the newly formed Crimes Against Peace Offi- cers Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney was mod- eled after a similar program from Dade County, Florida. And like most public entities across the board, another item of discussion and concern that is common to many district attorney offices is try- ing to deal with tough economic times and budgets. Ramos is glad to be a part of an organization that allows for much learning and as well as having the opportunity to showcase to other agencies the programs and success of San Bernardino County. “It’s a great way to find best prac- tices,” Ramos said about his in- volvement in NDAA. The group will be meeting again in November in San Antony to strategize based on the feedback and input from all participating dis- trict attorneys. For more information on the Na- tional District Attorneys Associa- tion, visit NDAA.org PHOTOS/CHRIS LEE On Saturday, July 13, San Bernardino County District At- torney Michael Ramos was ap- pointed Vice President of the National District Attorneys As- sociation at a conference in San Diego. Ramos has served as the NDAA chair of the Cor- rections and Reentry Commit- tee for the past two years. His term as vice president is three years. PHOTOS/CHRIS LEE From left: National District Attorney Association (NDAA) President Henry Garza (District Attorney, Bell County, Texas), San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, and San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos at the NDAA conference on Saturday, July 13 in San Diego, where Ramos was appointed vice president of the national organization.