Jackie Lacey takes ‘Historical’ Oath of Office as LA County’s New District Attorney

Los Angeles County District Attorney moments after being taking official Oath of Office at the Galen Center at USC on Monday. Randy Economy Photo

UPDATED: 10:06 p.m.

By Brian Hews

(Los Angeles) Jackie Lacey made history on Monday when she was officially sworn in as the District Attorney of Los Angeles County.

In addition to being the first female and first African-American to oversee the largest public attorney’s office in America, Lacey also chuckled that said she was also the “first District Attorney from Los Angeles County to have graduated from Dorsey High School.”

More than 1,200 friends, supporters, law enforcement officials and countless elected officials gathered at the Galen Center for the Oath of Office Ceremony for Lacey at the University of Southern California.

“I am a graduate of USC, and I could never imagine that this day would ever take place,” Lacey said. “This is surreal in many, many ways.”   Lacey grew up in the Crenshaw District.  She joined in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in 1986 and worked her way up through the ranks from front-line prosecutor to the elected District Attorney.

Retiring Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley praised Lacey before administering the oath of office to her on Monday.  Randy Economy Photo

Lacey was sworn into office by outgoing District Attorney Steve Cooley whom she called her “mentor, friend, confidant and biggest supporter.”

Lacey takes over an office that has seen huge advancements under the guise of Cooley who has overseen the office for the past 12 years

Joining Lacey on stage at the Galen Center, where USC plays it’s basketball games, was past LA County DA’s John Van DeKamp, Robert Philibosian, and Gil Garcetti.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey was praised for her historical election during Monday’s Oath of Office Ceremony at the University of Southern California. Randy Economy Photo

Andre Birotte, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Central District of California served as host of the event, and praised Lacey for being a “source of inspiration for a new generation of leaders.”

“Jackie Lacey is going to continue to blaze trails, now is her time to lead and to take center stage,” Birotte said.

Lacey was beaming during her inaugural address, as the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles played uplifting music in the background.

Also participating in the ceremony was the Los Angeles Police Department Honor Guard, Carol Martinez a Project L.E.A.D. Graduate as well as Commendation from Presiding Judge Lee Smalley Edmon, Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.  Adding to event was a stirring Invocation by Reverend Alvin Tunstill, Jr., of the Trinity Baptist Church.

“I would have never dreamed that this day would actually have become a reality,” she said.

“I am committed to making the best decisions possible, putting the best people in place to carry out our mission and never forgetting that I work for you,” Lacey told the crowd. 

“Together, we will make the neighborhoods of Los Angeles County safer.  We will seek justice with passion and determination,” Lacey said.

As District Attorney, Lacey will oversee the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation, with nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 peace officers and 800 support staff members.

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