Reno Tells of Early Crime-Fighting Steps : Cabinet: Attorney general-designate lists a number of progressive ‘firsts.’ She also notes no current financial liabilities.

Atty. Gen.-designate Janet Reno, responding in writing to a Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire, on Friday described early steps she took as a state attorney to combat sexual battery, domestic violence and child abuse, while also pursuing so-called career criminals.

In answer to other questionnaire items, Reno, whose confirmation hearings by the committee are expected in about two weeks, put her net worth at $557,793 with no liabilities. Her worth is bolstered by the $342,946 stone and wood home that her late mother built by hand in Miami, where Reno is state attorney for Dade County.

In her nearly 15 years as state attorney, Reno referred to “firsts” she had registered as a Florida prosecutor, with an emphasis on moves associated with progressive law enforcement. These included establishing the first prosecution units in the state focusing on sexual battery and domestic violence and working with judges and others to create a domestic violence court.

Reno also told of establishing a children’s center to put youthful witnesses at ease in the prosecution of child sexual abuse offenders.

Operating a child support enforcement division, Reno increased collections from deadbeat parents from $16.9 million in 1986 to $33.6 million for fiscal 1991-92.

“We have located the enforcement functions at the same site as the court, the central depository and the blood testing facilities to provide one-stop service for the convenience of all concerned,” she said.

Working with the Metro Dade Police Department, Reno set up a special unit to prosecute career criminals--repeat violators suspected of committing large numbers of crimes. She also helped set up a special drug court in Dade County for channeling nonviolent drug offenders to treatment programs instead of jail.

She also implemented a victim-witness assistance program that was cited for excellence in 1989 “in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to victims of crimes.”

In the way of serving the disadvantaged, Reno told of spearheading development of a neighborhood resource team, made up of a police officer, widely respected and known for friendliness, a social worker, a public health nurse and a community organizer. The unit began working in a public housing development last April.

The team strives to focus on families as a whole and to give them access to appropriate services and to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Asked whether she belongs or has belonged to any organization that discriminates on the basis of race, sex or religion, Reno noted that she has been a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s chapter in Coral Gables, Fla., since 1964.

“I have heard some concern that the society might have discriminated but, upon checking several years ago and today, I have been told that the society does not discriminate.”