Fresh frustrations are surfacing in LA County with District Attorney George Gascon's recent hiring decision. Gascon has promoted a former public defender to his chief of staff, a figure who previously espoused anti-law enforcement sentiments, using the defund the police hashtag during the George Floyd protests.
The new Chief of Staff Tiffany Blacknell's ideology and work history seem to be in stark contrast with what you'd expect from the second-in-command in a district attorney's office. Blacknell has courted controversy for her statements about law enforcement in the past, branding police officers as 'barbarians' and admitting to looting during the 1992 riots.
Blacknell's belief in the abolition of prisons and her support for defunding the police has prompted concerns among LA County citizens and law enforcement officers. Detractors argue her appointment is evidence that law enforcement in the county won't receive the support it needs.
One startling attribute, among many, is Blacknell's belief that prisons are obsolete. She's urged citizens to reimagine America without the institution, often echoing famed activist, Angel Davis. Blacknell has often asserted that prisons merely hide problems rather than solve them.
Twitter Post On Controversial DA Hires Cop Critic as Chief of Staff
Her stint as a public defender also raised eyebrows. The Orange County D.A., Todd Spitzer, pointed out that public defenders' primary role is to protect the rights of the accused, often at the expense of public safety. Critics argue that her views have now permeated the district attorney's office, which poses a grave danger to public safety. These critics also worry that this hire signals to criminals that they will not be held accountable.
Furthermore, Blacknell has come under heavy criticism for her conduct in a 2020 gang murder case where she allegedly went against the wishes of a prosecutor and the victim's family to offer a plea deal.
Gascon's latest hire has served to deepen the rift between his office and the people of LA County already frustrated by his soft-on-crime policies. It remains to be seen how this polarizing decision will affect his political future.
