The Region : Reiner Sees Legal ‘Gridlock,’ Asks Help

The criminal justice system in Los Angeles County is “rapidly approaching gridlock,” Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner warned the Board of Supervisors as he appealed for an extra $7.4 million next year to help speed prosecutions. About $4 million of the funds would bolster Reiner’s plan to step up investigations of environmental crimes, child abuse, nursing homes and organized crime. The request, one of a series received during hearings this week on a proposed $6.2-billion 1985-86 county budget, would add about 140 attorneys, investigators and support staffers to the district attorney’s staff of 1,300. The board took no action on the request. It will decide next month on $200 million in additional spending requests by various departments.