John McKinney

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I will start by assigning full-time Deputy D.A.’s to prosecute criminals who participate in flash mob robberies. They will work cooperatively and collaboratively with local law enforcement. Learn more

As District Attorney I will establish channels between our Office and these key nodes in our local democracy. I will strive to maintain the most available and transparent Office possible. We will respond to public records requests according to legal requirements, and maintain a full-time media relations team to strengthen our public accountability. Learn more

Among my first actions will be to restore hate crime enhancements, and to instruct prosecutors to seek the maximum available penalties in all but the most unusual, exceptional cases. I also will establish a Hate Crimes Division staffed by full-time Deputy D.A.’s and support staff. We will use the full strength of our office to deter and eliminate hate crimes in our communities. Learn more

I will prioritize prosecution of the criminals who sell deadly drugs and destroy lives and families through the scourge of addiction. Whenever appropriate, my office will seek rehabilitation of those we charge with possession and minor drug sale offenses. Learn more

One of my immediate priorities will be to reinstate the District Attorney’s Office Gang Unit. Learn more

Under my leadership we will return to prosecuting misdemeanors like loitering, resisting arrest, open drug use, vandalism, and drug possession. When appropriate our Office will collaborate with social services agencies on diversion plans and treatment options. Learn more

I will instruct my deputies to work with relevant agencies to seek CARE Court designation in appropriate cases. I will also assign staff to monitor these new entities and evaluate their efficiency and efficacy. Learn more

I will restore prosecutors’ authority to bring all appropriate charges and enhancements in cases of residential robbery, burglary, and breaking and entering. In appropriate cases we also will charge for criminal trespass. Learn more

I will establish a dedicated trafficking unit with the District Attorney’s office that will cooperate with law enforcement offices statewide as well as relevant federal agencies. Learn more

My office will have dedicated prosecutors to bring these criminals to justice and to protect our beloved companions In particular, our Office will work with LAPD and LASD to reinstate the Animal Cruelty Task Force, a crucial component in the fight, and will re-establish designated animal abuse prosecutors in line operations throughout the county. Learn more

As D.A. I will designate prosecutors to work with the LAPD Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (“HOPE”) and Sheriff’s Department Homeless Outreach Services Team (“HOST”). Learn more

On Day One, I will establish a professional media relations team within our Office that will work collaboratively with the press, who hold public servants like us accountable. I’ve handled high profile cases, like the trial of rapper Nipsey Hustle’s killer, and learned firsthand the value of media relationships both for our office and for the people. Learn more

We also will have a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes. Anyone who commits a crime based on race, identity, gender, sexual orientation, language, ethnicity, or immigration status will face the full consequences for their despicable actions. I am committed to expanding our Hates Crimes Unit to root out this cancerous behavior. Learn more

I also know the importance of public transparency. That’s why I’ll ensure we fulfill public records requests as required by law. I will also enhance our Department’s collection of crime filing data and make that data available to the public.  Our filing decisions in cases of significant public interest will be articulated in writing and publicly released (or readily available to the public). Learn more

My goal will be to hire 100 new prosecutors and 100 staffers in both of my first two years. Learn more

A victim should never, ever learn of their assailant’s release when they see them back out on the streets. On Day One I will rescind current directives that actually prevent prosecutors from attending to these essential duties. Learn more

I also will enhance the Victims’ Services Unit within our Office. We will inform victims of services to which they are entitled, including financial assistance with things like medical bills and funeral expenses and trauma, health, and other counseling. For victims and witnesses who need to relocate as a result of a crime, we will offer help with moving expenses. And in extraordinary cases when victims or witnesses are in danger we will assist with hotel stays and necessary expenses until they can find new permanent housing. Learn more

Finally, and importantly, we will reassert our prosecutors’ constitutional duty to appear at parole hearings, and support victims at those hearings. We will ensure victims are notified of hearings and their right to attend and give testimony. Learn more