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VP Harris: 'Top Cop'?

Kamala Harris may not be a law enforcement officer—but don't be fooled. In her previous role as California's attorney general, Harris was the state's top cop.

Published August 9, 2024 at 6:01am by Brandi D. Addison

Following Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race and Kamala Harris' subsequent candidacy, a [meme circulated](https://www.reddit.com/r/ facepalm/comments/13jffi9/republicans_in_a_nutshell/) calling out the irony of Republicans backing a "felon" (Trump) while rejecting a "law enforcement officer" (Harris).

The Nuance: Harris was California's "Top Cop," not a police officer.

Prosecutor vs Felon: The crux of the Democratic argument.

Why the 'Top Cop' Title?

Harris served as California's Attorney General from 2011-2017, earning the "Top Cop" moniker as the state's chief law enforcement officer. Her work included:

Overseeing the California DOJ and divisions like criminal law and civil rights enforcement.
Fighting transnational gangs, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Launching reforms like the Open Justice initiative for transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Prosecuting mortgage fraud during the foreclosure crisis, securing a $20 billion settlement for homeowners.
Defending California's climate change law, AB 32.
Advocating for police to wear body cameras, implementing bias-reducing training, and creating the "Back on Track" program to reduce recidivism.

[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/09/us/politics/kamala-harris-policing.html]("Harris Policing the Police" - NY Times)