The California Attorney General is Investigating Sean Monterrosa’s Killing. His Sisters Are Also Fighting For Systemic Change Monterrosa, 22, was killed by a police officer who had a history of shooting at civilians. His sisters are pushing for a law they believe could have saved him. Piper French May 17, 2021
California’s New Attorney General Has A Reputation As A Criminal Justice Reformer. But His Biggest Test Is Yet To Come Rob Bonta’s career has hinged on the idea that the law can be used to engender social justice. His elevation to California’s “top cop” position, where he will become responsible for the vast bureaucracy of the state’s criminal legal system, will be a crucible for that belief. Piper French May 03, 2021
Oregon’s Tough-on-Crime D.A. Association Faces a Reckoning Three district attorneys are speaking out against Oregon’s "one-strike-you’re-out" law and breaking ranks with a prosecutors’ lobby that has long pushed for harsh policies. Piper French Apr 09, 2021
California Bill That Promotes Alternatives to Policing Is Back Despite Governor’s Veto The CRISES Act would fund emergency response programs that are not handled by police. Governor Newsom blocked the bill last year, but now advocates are pushing for a redo. Piper French Feb 17, 2021
The Prosecutors’ Union That’s Suing George Gascón Has A History Of Zealous Opposition To Reform A look at the organization’s past actions suggests that this lawsuit is part of a longstanding pattern of ideologically motivated advocacy and commitment to tough-on-crime policies, rather than a show of blind allegiance to the law. Piper French Jan 27, 2021
Holly Mitchell Wins Supervisors Race With Big Implications For Criminal Justice Reform In Los Angeles County The LA County supervisors are poised to tackle a wide range of criminal justice reforms, including moving children and people struggling with mental health issues out of the criminal legal system, and redirecting millions of dollars away from law enforcement and back into communities. Piper French Nov 05, 2020
This Los Angeles County Election Could Have A Big Effect On Criminal Justice Reform The Board of Supervisors wields enormous power over a county government apparatus that includes the DA’s office, probation department, and sheriffs. Piper French Oct 21, 2020
California Prison Guard Union Responsible for ‘Bullseye’ Ad Donates $1 Million to Jackie Lacey’s Re-election Campaign Late-stage donations to the Los Angeles DA race increase concerns about the influence of law enforcement money on politics. Piper French Sep 24, 2020
The Pervasive Violence of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Several recent killings have put the spotlight on the largest sheriff’s department in the U.S., but many of the LASD’s abuses go unseen, advocates say. Piper French Sep 15, 2020
