Cooley Outlines Agenda for His 2nd Term as D.A.

Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley on Monday pledged new efforts to use DNA to bring criminals to justice, a continued crackdown on corruption and a reform of the bail bond industry.

Cooley was officially sworn in to his second four-year term Monday before a crowd of more than 300. In a speech, he recounted his first term and described plans for the second.

The veteran prosecutor said he had reorganized much of the district attorney’s office, creating units to focus on forensic sciences, police shootings and judicial and political integrity.

During his tenure, Cooley said, his office had successfully prosecuted dozens of public officials, and he vowed that his political corruption unit would continue to track down those who violate the public trust.

“We’ll pursue those who use the political system for their own gain,” he said.

Cooley, 57, said a new law requiring DNA testing of convicts, coupled with a new regional crime laboratory, would create the “perfect storm of opportunity” to solve cases.

“If we do this right, it is going to have incredible results,” Cooley said.

He also warned that because some high-volume bail bond companies don’t require security before posting bail, public safety has been compromised. At the same time, he said, the practice has been costing the county millions of dollars in unpaid bail.

“People are getting out knowing they don’t have to come back,” Cooley said. With county losses in recent years as high as $30 million, he said he had helped reclaim about $5 million from insurers.

Cooley, reelected in March with 60% of the vote, was flanked by his wife, Jana, as he took the oath of office from Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ruth Kwan.