December 8th, 2024

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Two significant news reports within days of each other tossed a dubious glare back on L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey. One was the announcement by San Francisco DA George Gascon that he might mount an election challenge to her. Gascon would be formidable. He was a one-time ranking LAPD officer and is highly touted as a first-rate criminal justice reformer.

The other news of note was a headline story that Lacey in the nearly two dozen cases in which she has sought the death penalty not one of the defendants was white. The two pieces of news about Lacey can’t be separated. She has ticked off a lot of activists in Los Angeles over the past few years because of her unabashed tough enforcement stance. She has bucked a growing nationwide trend among DAs and prosecutors to back off the death penalty except in the most heinous cases and to find more ways to fund and push rehab, treatment and alternative sentencing to prevent packing the jails with drug and petty non-violent crime offenders.

Gascon correctly sniffs political vulnerability with Lacey. He banks that with the right push and the right pitch that effectively fighting crime and reform are not mutually exclusive, he could oust her. Lacey will get the usual suspects in the L.A. political establishment behind her; the Mayor, the Supervisors and a handful of congresspersons. But this time around that may not be enough. And it shouldn’t be. Because Lacey has been a huge disaster in the one area that above all has been one of the most painful, sensitive and contentious. That’s the issue of police abuse and the overuse of deadly force by officers.

Lacey’s record on this has been abominable. She won’t prosecute police abuse cases. In interviews with on my radio talk show, I asked Lacey whether she’d back the creation of an independent investigator at the state level to review questionable police shootings. She flatly said no, gave a variety of reasons that boiled down to her office was perfectly capable of making an objective and legally sound determination of whether these shootings merited prosecution without any outside interference.

But the issue is a major point of friction precisely because she doggedly refuses to prosecute cops who kill or commit acts of misconduct no matter how seemingly outrageous. Lacey has been unshakeable on this even when police officials request or indicate they will not oppose a prosecution. This was the case when former LAPD chief Charlie Beck recommended the prosecution of the cop who gunned down Brendon Glenn an unarmed homeless man in Venice. In the beating of Marlene Pinnock by a CHP officer, CHP officials turned over the report on their investigation to Lacey with the apparent indication that they would not oppose a prosecution. No go with Lacey in either case.

Lacey enjoys a cozy relationship with LA politicians and police brass, rakes in lots of campaign dollars from the police unions, and apparently sees herself as the top legal bulwark against violent crime in L.A. county. The slightest deviation from this play it close to the legal and official vest she apparently regards as fraught with political peril.

What makes Lacey’s unyielding stance even more infuriating is that many DAs around the country have shown that they can be tough on crime, yet still hold cops accountable when they break the law. They can at the same time back effective alternative programs to put the brakes on the continued mass incarceration of mostly poor blacks and Hispanics.

Lacey instead has turned the DAs office into a zero-sum game with her hard-line stance on crime versus reform. The result: the DA’s office has become a virtual war zone, with groups such as Black Lives Matter and other police and criminal justice reform groups practically laying siege to her office. They denounce her for her refusal to prosecute cops who overuse deadly force. Her refusal has even prompted a call from civil rights groups for a recall campaign against her.

In her re-election bid, Lacey will be asked these brutal questions. Why L.A. has consistently on her watch locked up far more people proportionally than any other county in the state? Why she defied even police officials who backed prosecution of officers who used excessive force, and refused? Why she fought hard against the release of prisoners convicted of murder who hadn’t actually committed the murder though they were involved in a felony? Why she still vigorously pushes the death penalty and why she has demanded it only for blacks and Hispanics? And of course, why she has repeatedly turned a deaf ear to calls for prosecutions of abusive cops? Lacey must not be allowed to skirt these questions with pithy statements, press releases, a blizzard of legalese, or simply the usual duck and dodge.

Many DAs have shown that being a tough cop and a tough reformer can go hand in hand. In fact, must go hand in hand if fairness and justice under the law are to be more than empty words in a law class. Lacey has failed miserably to deliver on either fairness or justice under the law and must answer why?

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is the author of Who Can Beat Trump?: America’s Choice 2020https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KVM86C6 He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on Radio One. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles and the Pacifica Network.

Photo credit: thehutchinsonreport.net

Latest Articles

NEED PAST ISSUES?

Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
 
* indicates required

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search