Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark A. Dupree Sr. took the oath of office for a second term today.
In a ceremony at Memorial Hall that was livestreamed on his Facebook page, Dupree was surrounded by his family, friends and co-workers. There were COVID-19 measures in place.
The oath of office was administered by his brother, Wyandotte County District Court Judge Timothy Dupree.
Dupree is known for some programs he initiated, including the conviction integrity unit and community integrity unit.
The district attorney said his office operates on the philosophy of being smart on crime. He mentioned several programs, such as the drug court, the behavioral health court, the veterans court, expanding the diversion program, and creating community groups such as the interfaith council.
The district attorney’s office partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to take a deep dive into the office’s practices before he became district attorney, he said.
He also mentioned an expungement fair held in Wyandotte County, allowing citizens to get their records expunged in the hopes of becoming employed.
They have also received grant funding to expand victim impact work in the community, he said. An additional victim’s advocate has been hired so that more victims can be heard, he said. They are forming a victims’ liaison board to discuss what can be done to better support victims, he said.
Dupree’s spouse, Shanelle Dupree, talked about his supportiveness to his family and said he was guided by his relationship with Jesus. Shanelle Dupree was her husband’s campaign director.
Assistant district attorneys also were sworn in on Monday, with Dupree expressing his thanks and appreciation for their work.
Also participating in the program were Pastor Alvin Dupree Jr.; the Rev. Ricky Turner, pastor of Oak Ridge Baptist Church; and the Rev. Rick Behrens, pastor of Grandview Park Presbyterian Church, as well as vocal music performers.
The swearing-in ceremony is online at https://www.facebook.com/WYCODAOffice/videos/794203427834305.