Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey was sworn in this week for her second term and pledged to focus more attention on protecting children from neglect and abuse and addressing a growing epidemic of opioid abuse.
“We must do everything in our power to protect our children,” Lacey said. “It is time we re-assess the laws and procedures that are designed to protect minors from abuse and neglect, but sometimes fail them.”
Lacey said she wanted to find new ways to use the resources of her office to fight these battles.
“We also will use our expertise in prosecuting major narcotics dealers to fearlessly go after those who illegally supply opiates,” Lacey said.
The district attorney said she would also mandate that all prosecutors undergo training to eliminate bias. Lacey said she wants to guard against any racial or ethnic bias, or the perception of such bias, in the way crimes are prosecuted.
Lacey, the county’s 42nd district attorney, was elected to her second term in June. She ran unchallenged—the first time in 60 years that the incumbent district attorney faced no opposition.
