Case Explained: County DA announces new crime initiatives, cold case task force | News, Sports, Jobs – Legal Perspective

Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase
District Attorney Cody Brown is pictured speaking to the Warren City Council on Monday.

District Attorney Cody Brown outlined several new public safety initiatives during Monday’s council meeting, including the creation of a cold case task force and increased transparency through public crime data.

At the meeting, Brown announced the formation of a cold case task force. The group will collaborate with local police departments to review unsolved cases and suspicious deaths across the county.

“We’re going to evaluate what we have and determine if there’s anything we can move forward with,” Brown said.

Brown also addressed the county’s drug task force, stating that it currently remains active under the Attorney General’s Office. He said the long-term goal is to bring the task force back under the District Attorney’s control.

In an effort to improve public awareness, Brown announced the launch of a new district attorney’s office website that will feature quarterly crime statistics. The reports will include data on offenses such as DUI classifications, theft trends, and other criminal activity.

The district attorney also acknowledged ongoing staffing challenges. The office is currently operating with two attorneys, reflecting a broader shortage across Pennsylvania. Brown said he is working with law schools to recruit interns who could assist with casework under supervision.

Warren County Chief Detective Jeff Walters also spoke at the meeting, highlighting the revival of Warren County Crime Stoppers, which had been inactive for several years. The program now has a functioning tip line, a coordinator, and renewed outreach efforts.

Council members emphasized they were happy with the efforts of the district attorney’s office and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.