--The DA's office announced earlier this week that it will expand its "Gun Court," which speeds up prosecution of gun-related crimes. Only cases from Dorchester, Roxbury, the South End, and parts of downtown were accelerated to gun court, but now cases from South Boston, East Boston, and Charlestown will go there as well. The DA's office press release touted its success rate: "Gun Court prosecutors have secured convictions in 85.1% of the viable cases handled in Gun Court, leading to jail terms for those convicted of unlawfully carrying or using guns in the City of Boston."

--In other crime-cutting news, city employees are going into high-crime neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and asking residents what they need to make things better. Not a novel idea, but a good one.

--McGruff would be so happy! The state Appeals Court ruled that camera phones are a form of witness intimidation, especially if people are allowed to take pictures of those who are testifying. The Herald staff writes, "The court upheld the 2006 conviction of David Casiano, 37, who was found guilty of snapping unauthorized photos of Boston police officers in Dorchester District Court who were testifying against him in a drug case."

--If you've ever wondered why tuition costs are so high, white-collar crime is alive and well in the university. Jodie Nealley, a director of student activities at Tufts, has been fired for "allegedly embezzling about $300,000 from the school," according to the Globe.

--This morning, 22 people were arrested for drug-dealing in Worcester. Police and feds netted an impressive amount of ill-gotten gains: "three cars, boats, 1,000 bags of heroin, cocaine, other drugs, and guns."

--A 15-year-old found out what happens when you cuss out a police officer at Dorchester District Court.

All charges alleged until proven under law.