Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has appointed Michael Gennaco as a Special Prosecutor to specially focus on cases of police misconduct. This move was confirmed by the DA's Office in a statement released on Thursday, bringing Gennaco's significant experience prosecuting civil rights and police misconduct cases back into the spotlight.
Gennaco is tasked to independently reexamine evidence in officer-involved shootings and other allegations against law enforcement. There's a deliberate effort to firmly tread on new ground, revisiting past decisions with a fresh gaze to maintain integrity and trust in the justice system. “Our goal is to ensure transparency and accountability while strengthening public confidence in our justice system,” said District Attorney Hochman in a statement made by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
The hiring was made possible after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, with advice from County Counsel, authorized his contract effective January 14. Gennaco's impressive resume includes a stint as the former Chief of the Civil Rights Section for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Central District of California, where he pursued high-profile civil rights cases against police officers. His track record is also marked by instrumental contributions to reforms in policing practices and accountability mechanisms nationwide.
It's an appointment intended to more effectively bridge the justice system with the community it serves, acknowledging the rife concerns over fairness in cases of police violence. “Michael Gennaco’s track record speaks for itself. His work has consistently bridged the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve while holding officers accountable for unlawful actions," District Attorney Hochman told the DA's news publication. The District Attorney's office stands resolved in maintaining public trust while continuing to ensure justice within Los Angeles County.
