Prosecutors traditionally measure their success in convictions and tough sentences. But locking up the bad guys doesn't always lead to lasting reductions in crime in poor neighborhoods. Some prosecutors believe poverty, poor education and a neighborhood atmosphere of neglect just keep breeding new criminals. Saying they want to prevent crime before it starts, some prosecutors are setting up after-school programs to keep kids out of gangs, demolishing abandoned buildings to prevent drug dealing and attending neighborhood meetings to learn local concerns. But critics question prosecutors' qualifications to solve social problems. Moreover, they ask, if prosecutors become champions of purely local interests, will they neglect their duty to prosecute the worst criminals?

Sarah Glazer specializes in health, education and social-policy issues. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Glamour, The Public Interest and Gender and Work, a book of essays. Glazer covered energy legislation for the Environmental and Energy Study Conference and reported for United Press International. She holds a BA in American history from the University of Chicago.