Asian American Community Leaders Meet with LA County Sheriff and District Attorneyto Discuss Public Safety and Criminal Justice Issues
AMTV/LOS ANGELES, August 21 – Organized by Joey Chuang, President of the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Asian American community leaders from Southern California convened on August 21 at the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice for a dialogue on public safety with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
During the meeting, Sheriff Luna and District Attorney Hochman provided overviews of their respective departments, outlined current priorities, and responded to questions raised by community representatives. Both emphasized the importance of sustained communication and collaboration between law enforcement, the justice system, and the communities they serve.
District Attorney Hochman described the mission and scope of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which includes approximately 750 prosecutors, 230 investigators, and hundreds of support staff countywide. He explained that his administration has prioritized restoring accountability by eliminating policies not grounded in case-specific facts or law, and by reinstating a case-by-case review approach.
Hochman outlined six enforcement priorities, including organized retail theft, residential burglary, hate crimes, homelessness-related crime, human trafficking, and other serious offenses, noting that wildfire-related crimes have recently been added. These priorities, he said, were shaped through extensive engagement with diverse communities across the county.
Addressing questions on jurisdictional conflicts related to immigration enforcement, Hochman clarified the distinct roles of federal, state, and local authorities, emphasizing that while his office listens to community concerns, immigration enforcement decisions fall under federal jurisdiction.
Hochman also addressed white-collar crime, noting his extensive background in prosecuting and defending fraud cases. He emphasized that white-collar crime is a key priority for his office and that investigative resources have been reallocated accordingly to ensure accountability and consumer protection.
Sheriff Robert Luna expressed appreciation for the community dialogue and stressed the importance of engagement with all communities in Los Angeles County. He highlighted crime reduction efforts, increased transparency through body-worn cameras, and ongoing reforms within the department. Sheriff Luna also encouraged Asian American community members to consider careers within the Sheriff’s Department to better serve diverse communities.
In closing, President Joey Chuang stated that the meeting aimed to foster mutual understanding between community leaders and the justice system, enabling constructive dialogue that supports public safety, fairness, and effective collaboration.
Reporter By: Sandra Tung
