Here’s How Alameda County’s Next District Attorney Wants to Shape the Office

While working for Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, who served from 2009 to 2023, Judge Ursula Jones Dickson said the office prioritized collaborations and partnerships, which she described as “a little more political” at the time.

“I like the fact that Nancy absolutely broadened the horizon for district attorneys. I think a lot of the programs that are in place now and a lot of the things that we saw from some of the community-based organizations that they wanted from a D.A., Nancy was already engaging in,” said Jones Dickson, who county supervisors selected Tuesday as Alameda County’s next district attorney. “So I think we’ll continue that work.”

Jones Dickson plans to leverage her experience as she takes charge following months of controversy under Pamela Price, the office’s former leader who was recalled in November’s election. O’Malley, who endorsed the recall, had a fraught relationship with Price.

Despite all the challenges, Jones Dickson was drawn to the role because she no longer wanted to remain on the sidelines, though she said she had enjoyed her nearly 12 years as a superior court judge, she told KQED on Thursday.

“I think that the D.A. is to be fair and impartial and that you represent the people of the state of California, specifically here, Alameda County,” she said. “And that’s the one thing I always missed about leaving the D.A.’s office.”

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been mired in controversies in recent years. A 2023 grand jury investigation found O’Malley violated multiple county policies during her 2018 reelection campaign.

Meanwhile, recall supporters accused Price of fueling rising crime in Oakland and criticized her lack of experience, noting her background as a civil rights attorney with no prior district attorney experience.

Jones Dickson, who described Price more as an “activist,” said she plans to refocus on fundamentals, such as staff recruitment and training.

“Those individuals who have been hired, I’d say at least 40 or so, may not have ever had any real district attorney experience,” she said. “We need to go back to the drawing board and train them up.”

Jones Dickson aims to establish a “victim-centered system” that not only encourages crime reporting but ensures people feel heard and supported throughout the criminal justice process.

Jones Dickson is set to be sworn in at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 4, serving until 2026, when voters will elect a district attorney to complete the remainder of the term that ends in 2028. She has said she plans to run.

KQED’s Alex Emslie contributed to this report.