D.A. Policy Targets Hate Crimes

A hate crimes policy was announced by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office Wednesday, setting out procedures to be used to identify and develop cases for prosecution.

Although 736 hate crimes were reported to the county last year, “only a handful were prosecuted,” Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti said. His office will work with community groups and law enforcement agencies, he said, and “try to educate judges on the importance of meaningful sentences.”

The new policy, the first ever set up by the district attorney’s office, addresses crimes targeting a victim based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin or sexual orientation. “These cases are a priority and will be prosecuted,” Garcetti said.