In 1992, Claire became the first woman ever to be elected Jackson County Prosecutor and earned "high marks for innovation and aggressive prosecution on crime" according to the The Kansas City Star. She immediately employed an innovative and aggressive series of policies that led to national recognition of her efforts and dramatically improved the quality of life for Kansas City area residents.
During her term, she put more criminals behind bars than any other Missouri prosecutor and established a special Domestic Violence Unit to combat domestic violence and child abuse. Before her tenure, even brutal spousal abuse cases were handled in municipal court, alongside infractions such as loose dogs. She also received national recognition as a leader in the war on drugs after creating one of America's first Drug Courts. In 1993, President Clinton picked McCaskill to serve on the Commission on Drug Free Communities.
Praise for her work came early in her term with The Kansas City Star describing how McCaskill had already "toughened policies on repeat felons, violent felons, drunk drivers and spouse abusers."
When she took office in 1992, Kansas City was one of America's most dangerous and violent cities. Kansas City's violent crime rate dropped by 45 percent during her tenure as prosecutor. Her immediate innovative responses -- particularly creating drug courts as an alternative to incarceration -- quickly drew national attention. "Under Claire McCaskill's stewardship, Jackson County's response to the inter-related problems of drug abuse and crime became a model for the rest of the nation," said General Barry McCaffrey when he headed the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
As Prosecutor, McCaskill demonstrated a "strong leadership presence and excellent instincts ... She was tough and fair and innovative," raved the Columbia Daily Tribune.
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