Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has named Jamaican-born Michelle Neil to serve on the state’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). A graduate of Holy Childhood High School in Kingston, Neil received a BA in Criminal Justice from Temple University and an MA in Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary. Neil currently serves as Senior Victim/Witness Advocate in the Juvenile Court Unit of Philadelphia’s District Attorney Office. In this role, she handles hundreds of cases, including those that involve assault, burglary, robbery, motor vehicle theft, and sexual assault. Neil started her career in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in 2003 as a victim/witness coordinator. She is an Adjunct Professor of Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice at Harcum College. She received the 2011 Excellence in Victim Services Award from the Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams. In 2013, Neil was honored with the Volunteer Award from Team Jamaica Bickle-Philadelphia. She is also the treasurer of that organization. The PCCD is responsible for initiating, validating and financially supporting justice-related programs in the state justice system. The Commission helps to support and protect victims of crime, enhance law enforcement, and empower communities via collaboration. It also works on advocacy for safe schools, provides tools for technological and information-sharing, and initiates evidenced-based innovations.

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