Dear Friends:
Later this month, we commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. It is an important time, as we in the criminal legal system reflect on what we can do better to support crime survivors.
District Attorney Gascón, Faith Leaders
Urge Communities To Help Law Enforcement
With Unsolved Homicides
 District Attorney George Gascón joined with local faith leaders and crime survivors to encourage those who have witnessed homicides to come forward and report vital information that can help lead to the filing of criminal charges.
“We know that people are often reluctant to come forward as witnesses because trust has been broken and severed,” District Attorney Gascón said at an April 5 news conference. “I want to repair and mend those relationships because solving yesterday’s homicide may be the key to preventing tomorrow’s homicide.”
To watch the news conference, click here.
Read more...
New Data Portal Increases Transparency
 District Attorney George Gascón has announced that for the first time his office will be providing the public with access to real-time charge rates using the county’s Open Data system.
“I have taken this step as a commitment to transparency so that constituents are informed about those who serve them,” District Attorney Gascón said on March 30. “We will be unveiling more comprehensive real-time data later this year. By utilizing science and data to craft thoughtful and humane policies, we will enhance public safety.”
To view the data portal, click here.
Read more…
 As county buildings have reopened to the public, the District Attorney’s Office once again has begun to host in-person gatherings and meetings safely. District Attorney George Gascón met with Claremont Mayor Jed Leano, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Reece, City Manager Adam Pirrie and Chief of Police Aaron Fate (top) on March 31, Duarte Councilmember Jody Schulz, City Manager Dan Jordan & Public Safety Director Brian Villalobos (middle) on April 7 and Culver City Mayor Dr. Daniel Lee and Councilmember Yasmine-Imani McMorrin (bottom) on March 24.
Improving the Lives of Human Trafficking Victims
 District Attorney George Gascón has unveiled a diversion program to improve and restore the lives of human trafficking victims through a comprehensive set of services.
The District Attorney announced the program on March 31 with Public Defender Ricardo García, Alternate Public Defender Erika Anzoategui, Claremont and Pomona officials and several service providers.
To watch the news conference, click here.
Read more…
 Stay tuned to LADA’s Twitter and Instagram pages for information on an upcoming Town Hall discussion in connection with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Which statement is true?
A. Homicide rates* are up.
B. Homicide arrest rates* are down.
C. Felony case filing rates are the same.
D. All of the above.
The answer is D, all of the above. District Attorney George Gascón continues to make public safety his top priority. In 2021, his office prosecuted violent and serious crimes at the same rate as his predecessor. While prosecution rates have remained the same, the number of homicides solved by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department has dropped to 40% and 66%, respectively, according to the Los Angeles Times. District Attorney Gascón has urged community members to come forward to help law enforcement solve homicides. He also is working to increase trauma-informed services to the victims and survivors of both solved and unsolved crimes.
*Based on LASD/LAPD statistics since 2019.
A Gender-Responsive Approach to Criminal Justice
 LADA hosted a town hall discussion titled “A Gender-Responsive Approach to Criminal Justice” on March 29 as part of Women’s History Month. The discussion led by District Attorney George Gascón centered on the circumstances justice-involved women face and the work being done to address the crimes and experiences disproportionately affecting women in our communities. Head Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Mire of LADA’s Family Violence Division, Alternative Sentencing Coordinator Kimberly Hassett and Chrashawn Jackson of the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office took part in the discussion, which was moderated by Special Advisor Tiffiny Blacknell.
To watch, click here.
LADA in the Community
 District Attorney George Gascón joined Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Parks and Recreation Director Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, Office of Violence Prevention Director Andrea Welsing, and community advocates and leaders on April 6 in Willowbrook to call for continued investment in Los Angeles County violence prevention efforts.
Public safety is a public health issue. As part of Public Health Week in L.A. County, the District Attorney called for the continued support of the Trauma Prevention Initiative and community-driven public safety efforts in partnership with the Office of Violence Prevention. Investment in, and continued coordination of, violence prevention efforts and a survivor- and healing-centered approach are critical to crime reduction.
New Bureau of Investigation Leadership
 Several sworn officers with the Bureau of Investigation have assumed new leadership roles. Carlos Villamayor (pictured right with Chief Robert Arcos) was promoted to Captain, Jeff Savarese was promoted to Lieutenant and Kim Collins, Jennifer Martin and Edgar Ruelas (pictured left with Chief Arcos) became Sergeants. Congratulations to all!
Preventing Auto Thefts
 District Attorney George Gascón released a public service announcement warning residents to be vigilant in response to a noticeable increase in auto thefts in Los Angeles County.
“Auto theft is a costly crime that impacts its victims’ ability to get to work and to school,” District Attorney Gascón said. “My office is working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable the people who take vehicles. Help us prevent these crimes by taking a few simple steps.”
Watch the PSA in English and Spanish.
Read more…
LADA Runners Finish Strong at Baker to Vegas
 Congratulations to the Team LADA runners and support members who took part in the grueling 120-mile, 20-stage Baker to Vegas relay April 9-10. They finished second in their division and 29th overall. More than 200 teams competed. Great job!
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