A polarizing presence in LA County George Gascon
George Gascon, LA County DA, has been a political lightning rod since he was elected in 2020. He is a heavy hitter in the national justice reform discussions so he is familiar both for and against his progressive justice reforms.
A Career in Law Enforcement
Gascón had a lengthy law enforcement career before being DA. Former San Francisco Police Chief and San Francisco DA In SF, he ended cash bail, reduced prosecutions for low level offenses – all part of his reform agenda while there.
Reforms in LA County
When Gascón took office in LA County, he had a long list of reforms that could potentially reduce incarceration, change the racial composition of who ends up going to jail, and work towards rehabilitating persons versus punishing them. Some of his reforms include:
- Abolish Cash Bail: Gascón has been a longtime advocate for abolishing cash bail, arguing it creates an unfair financial imbalance against the poor.
- Clemency: He has commuted sentences of non-violent offenders.
- Diversion Programs: Gascón has broadened diversion programs to try and keep low level offenders out of the system.
- Juvenile Justice Reform: He has promoted reforms to juvenile justice, emphasizing rehabilitation for young offender rather than punishment.
Criticism and Controversy
Justice reform advocates have lauded Gascón’s reforms but the outcry from law enforcement, victims’ rights groups and, in part, the general public has been loud and angry. His policies have been criticized for increasing crime and putting public safety in jeopardy, critics say. They cite what they see as individual examples of accused serious criminals getting out of jail or receiving lenient sentences.
A National Issue
Gascón’s policies are part of a national debate on the role of prosecutors in justice reform. He has been praised as a blueprint for progressive reform and vilified as a perilous test. With the discussion ongoing, Gascón is in the middle of determining what justice will look like in LA County and beyond.
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