Norton wants DC to have its own district attorney

WASHINGTON (AP) - Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is pressing for a change in how local crimes are prosecuted in the District of Columbia.

On Tuesday, Norton introduced a bill in Congress that would allow D.C. residents to elect their own district attorney. It's her latest effort to pursue full autonomy for the city, which is subject to unique oversight from Congress.

Norton recently recommended a candidate for U.S. Attorney to President Barack Obama. Currently the U.S. Attorney's office handles both federal and local crimes.

But Norton says the city needs its own chief law enforcement officer who would be directly accountable to local residents, similar to other cities.

D.C. voters overwhelming approved a referendum in 2002 calling for a locally elected district attorney.

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