Diana Becton Launches Reelection Campaign for Contra Costa County District Attorney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2022
Media Contact:
Bilen Mesfin Packwood, bilen@change-llc.com
CONCORD, CA - On February 12, 2022, at the U.A. 342 Union Hall in Concord, state and county elected and labor leaders joined more than 150 community members as Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton kicked off her reelection campaign.
“Four years ago, Contra Costa voters elected me as your district attorney with overwhelming, majority support,” said DA Becton. ”In these challenging times, feeling safe in our homes and our communities is what we all deserve. I am proud to say I have worked hard to deliver safety, justice and progress for the people of Contra Costa County. I am running for re-election to continue the important work of making our communities safer and our system more fair for everyone, and I thank the people of Contra Costa County for their support.”
Since taking office, DA Becton has kept her promise to make real and lasting change, transforming the District Attorney’s Office into one that works for everyone in Contra Costa County and delivering justice for victims. She has worked to support victims, focus resources on violent crime and reduce mass incarceration. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s Office also has developed and enhanced diversion programs and encouraged treatment for those who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction. She is also advancing youth justice by establishing a juvenile diversion pre-filing program and creating the Reimagine Youth Justice Task Force to recommend alternatives to prison for young people.
“My priority has always been serving the people of Contra Costa and making our voices heard on issues that matter most,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11). “When it comes to the safety of our families and our communities, there is no one who will work harder than District Attorney Diana Becton. Her proven leadership has led to tremendous progress to help keep our communities safe and our system more fair and equitable. I'm proud to support her campaign."
Among her other accomplishments, District Attorney Becton:
Co-leads the FBI Safe Streets Task Force that coordinates the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement on violent crime.
Continues to file felony charges in organized retail theft incidents in Walnut Creek, coordinating with law enforcement partners throughout the Bay Area.
Eliminated backlog of untested sexual assault kits and established the county's first Human Trafficking Unit.
Established Cold Case Homicide Unit to pursue justice for the victims and families of unsolved murders.
Joined Code for America initiative to dismiss thousands of old marijuana convictions, which disproportionately affect people of color in the community.
Piloted the California County Resentencing Program to address excessive sentencing.
Partnered with The Vera Institute of Justice (VERA) on data analysis to uncover and address bias in the disposition of criminal cases.
Strengthened the internal investigative procedures associated with the investigation of officer-involved shootings and banned use of carotid hold by DA office investigators.
Successfully held a local steel company accountable for dumping toxic waste in the community. The local steel company was forced to pay a $4 million fine.
“District Attorney Diana Becton has made lasting changes in her efforts to transform and reimagine the DA's office into one that works for everyone,” said BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, who represents District 7. “We need a leader who is prioritizing safety for our communities while staying resolute in working to reduce mass incarceration's harm on Black communities and communities of color. I thank her for her courage and historic leadership.”
District Attorney Becton took office in 2017 as the first woman and first African-American District Attorney in the County’s 167-year history with overwhelming countywide and community support. DA Becton is the only African-American District Attorney in California.
Read more about DA Becton’s accomplishments: www.dianabecton.com.