'Woke' DA Backlash Swirls As LA County Swears In New District Attorney

Los Angeles's New District Attorney Faces Mounting Scrutiny

On Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, George Gascón offered his oath and was officially sworn in as Los Angeles County's new District Attorney, succeeding former prosecutor Jackie Lacey. Gascón, a progressive democrat, has stirred controversy since his election back in November 2020, with critics perceiving him as being too lenient on crime and out of touch with the needs of public safety. His detractors have called for his resignation and have even begun a recall campaign against him.

Sweeping Criminal Justice Reforms

Gascon's critics point to several policies he put into effect shortly after assuming the DA office in December 2020, namely, his directives to no longer seek the death penalty, to not charge juveniles as adults, and to refrain from filing sentencing enhancements, which have drawn fervent opposition from law enforcement personnel and victim advocates.

"These policies send the dangerous message that criminals will not be held accountable for their actions, and that will only lead to more crime and more victims," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, a staunch Gascón critic. Victims' rights advocate groups have also denounced Gascón's reforms, arguing that they disregard the rights of victims and endanger the public by allowing dangerous criminals to evade severe penalties.

Division and Unease within Law Enforcement

The backlash against Gascón has fostered a deep division within the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). In a highly unusual move, the LAPD's Police Protective League, the union that represents the city's rank-and-file officers, voted overwhelmingly in January to declare no confidence in Gascón, with officers expressing dismay over his policies and their perceived negative impact on public safety. The union's president, Craig Lally, asserted, "Our members believe that Mr. Gascón is prioritizing the rights of criminals over the safety of our communities."

Public Perception and Electoral Consequences

Public opinion on Gascón's performance remains divided, with some polls indicating a drop in his approval ratings. A survey conducted by the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies in March 2022 found that 55% of Los Angeles County voters disapproved of the job Gascón was doing, while only 35% approved. Furthermore, there have been growing calls for Gascón's recall.

A Recall Effort Takes Shape

In May 2022, a group of Gascón detractors, led by retired LAPD sergeant and current conservative radio host, Ron Bassi, initiated an effort to recall Gascón. The group, known as "Recall DA George Gascón," must collect nearly 567,000 signatures to trigger a recall election. As of November 2022, the group had collected over 400,000 signatures, leaving them relatively close to their goal.

Perspectives from Criminology Experts

Criminology experts hold varying opinions on the potential impact of Gascón's policies. Some experts, such as UCLA law professor Peter Arenella, believe that Gascón's reforms could lead to a reduction in crime by reducing recidivism rates and improving trust between law enforcement and communities of color. Other experts, like former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton, argue that Gascón's policies will embolden criminals and unleash a wave of lawlessness upon Los Angeles.

Conclusion

The backlash against Los Angeles County's newly appointed District Attorney George Gascón underscores a profound rift in perceptions of criminal justice and public safety. While Gascón's supporters see him as a progressive reformer who seeks to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, his critics view him as a reckless politician who jeopardizes public safety and disrespects victims of crime. The ongoing efforts to recall Gascón attest to the intensity of public sentiment against him. The outcome of the recall campaign and the wider consequences of Gascón's policies will determine the direction of criminal justice in Los Angeles County for years to come.