Lucy Lang Releases Comprehensive 59-Page Policy Book to Transform the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office: ‘A Roadmap for Justice in Manhattan’

Lang Has Most Comprehensive Policy Platform of Any Candidate for District Attorney, With 27 Plans to End Mass Incarceration, Prioritize Public Safety, Promote Accountability, & Foster Community

April 20, 2021

Today, Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Lucy Lang outlined her vision to transform the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in her 59-page policy book, A Roadmap for Justice in Manhattan. Developed in close collaboration with community advocates, subject matter experts, and system-impacted people, A Roadmap for Justice in Manhattan includes 27 plans that Lang will implement to end mass incarceration, prioritize public safety, promote accountability, and foster community as the next Manhattan District Attorney.

The plans include: Racial Justice, Restorative Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Gun Violence, Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, Hate Crimes, Financial Crimes, Cybercrimes, Tenants’ Rights, Worker Protection, Human Trafficking, COVID-19 Task Force, Building Community, Inclusive Workforce, Homelessness, LGBTQ+ Communities, Successful Reentry, Equal Access, Prosecutorial Ombudsman, Prosecution and Defense, Police Accountability, Public Corruption, Retroactive Review and Conviction Integrity, Mission-Aligned Metrics, and Legal Training.

*The policy book is attached and available HERE. *

As a national criminal justice reform leader and former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, Lang understands that the role of District Attorney encompasses much more than just prosecution – it requires deep consideration of communities, prevention, and rehabilitation. A Roadmap for Justice in Manhattan demonstrates Lang’s commitment to realizing the potential of what a District Attorney can do: promote the dignity of every New Yorker, uphold racial and gender equity, and prioritize the safety of our communities.

“The roadmap for justice we’ve released today makes one thing clear – I’m ready to step in and lead on day one to implement the long overdue reforms that our communities are calling for,” said Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Lucy Lang. “I’m grateful to the many community partners, advocates and experts who partnered with me to build these plans – a policy approach that will fundamentally rethink our approach to justice and uplift the dignity, equity and safety of every New Yorker. This policy book is just the start – it’s a detailed, actionable map for reform as well as a report card for when I’m district attorney, so that Manhattan voters know where I stand and can hold me accountable to deliver on the bold vision we’ve laid out today.”

Lang has earned the endorsement of a dozen leading progressive prosecutors from across the country, survivors of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse, as well as police reform activists and family members of those who have lost their lives to police violence.

“Lucy treats everyone she meets with dignity, and really cares about the most vulnerable communities in New York. I have seen that she has the strength to hold the powerful accountable, but also the heart to show crime victims grace in their darkest hours. Lucy has fought to change the system from the inside and out, working with victims, incarcerated people, and their families to push for reform. She has my unquestioned endorsement,” said Valerie Bell, activist and mother of Sean Bell, who was shot to death by police in November 2006.

“I’m proud to stand with Lucy – someone I’ve known for years, have worked with on these issues, and who I know will be a fierce advocate and ally to survivors as the next Manhattan District Attorney. Lucy listens, she cares, and she’ll fight for a trauma-informed system that empowers survivors and holds predators like Harvey Weinstein accountable,” said Jasmine Lobe, writer, actor, model and Silence Breaker.

“In a historic moment with millions of people crying out for change, New Yorkers deserve a District Attorney with the vision, experience and courage to turn bold ideas into action. I know Lucy is the candidate who can deliver on that vision and help transform the criminal justice system from one based on permanent punishment to one centered on the dignity and safety of every New Yorker. Lucy is smart, compassionate and a fierce champion for everyone impacted by the justice system – I’m proud to support her to be the next Manhattan District Attorney,” said Scott Colom, District Attorney for Mississippi’s 16th Circuit Court District.

“I know that Lucy is the right candidate to bring change to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office – and I know it firsthand because her college-in-prison class has already changed my life. A lot of people talk about criminal justice reform, but what sets Lucy apart is that she’s actually done the work – she’s gone into prisons, worked with formerly incarcerated people and understands our concerns,” said Jarrell Daniels, Program Manager at Justice Ambassadors Youth Council and former Inside Criminal Justice student.

“Manhattan needs a District Attorney who understands the need to partner with community organizations and interfaith leaders to respond to crises on the ground. Lucy’s plan will build upon the work that nonprofits, interfaith leaders, and support groups are already doing when it comes to substance misuse and mental health support, and I look forward to collaborating with her to ensure that public health remains at the forefront of public safety,” said Hussein Rashid, Imam and Professor of Religion at Columbia University.

To learn more about Lucy’s priorities, visit her plans page.