L.A. D.A. Gascón Made Strides in Prosecuting Police. Would a Hochman Win Change That?

An in-depth look at the race for Los Angeles County district attorney

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has made strides in prosecuting police officers for misconduct. He created a new unit to investigate officer-involved shootings and has charged more officers than any of his predecessors. But some critics say he has gone too far, and that his policies have made it harder to hold criminals accountable. Gascón's opponent in the upcoming election, former prosecutor Rachel Hochman, has pledged to reverse many of his policies. She says that Gascón has been too lenient on crime and that she will focus on restoring public safety. The race between Gascón and Hochman is one of the most closely watched in the country. It is a test of whether voters are more concerned about police misconduct or crime.

Gascón's Record on Prosecuting Police

Gascón has made prosecuting police officers a top priority. He created a new unit to investigate officer-involved shootings and has charged more officers than any of his predecessors. In 2020, Gascón charged six officers in the killing of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was shot and killed by police in her own home. He also charged three officers in the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed by police in Minneapolis. Gascón's supporters say that he is taking a much-needed stand against police brutality. They argue that police officers have been able to act with impunity for too long and that Gascón is finally holding them accountable.

Hochman's Plans for Prosecuting Police

Hochman has pledged to reverse many of Gascón's policies on prosecuting police. She says that Gascón has been too lenient on crime and that she will focus on restoring public safety. Hochman has said that she will stop charging officers for minor offenses and that she will not prosecute officers who use deadly force in self-defense. She also said that she will not pursue charges against officers who are involved in shootings that are deemed to be justified. Hochman's supporters say that she is a tough-on-crime prosecutor who will make the streets of Los Angeles safer. They argue that Gascón's policies have made it harder to hold criminals accountable and that Hochman will restore law and order.

The Race for Los Angeles County District Attorney

The race between Gascón and Hochman is one of the most closely watched in the country. It is a test of whether voters are more concerned about police misconduct or crime. Gascón has a strong base of support among progressives and people of color. Hochman has the backing of law enforcement and business groups. The outcome of the race will have a major impact on the future of criminal justice in Los Angeles County. If Gascón wins, he will continue to pursue his agenda of reforming the criminal justice system. If Hochman wins, she will reverse many of Gascón's policies and focus on restoring public safety.