Police blame sentencing overhaul for increase in California crime

[Disir]

California communities may be feeling the fallout from a controversial measure that reduced penalties for a range of crimes, as law enforcement report an uptick in everything from robberies to auto theft – and point the finger squarely at what’s known as Prop 47.

The measure was approved at the ballot box in 2014 and downgraded many nonviolent offenses like property crimes and simple drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, part of an effort to reduce prison over-crowding in the state.

But as the measure has been implemented, several police departments have reported a spike in shop-lifting and auto theft, among other crimes, and in part blame Prop 47.

"In the past year and a half, we've seen an increase in theft-related crimes, including robbery, burglary, and identity theft," said Sgt. Tasha Descosta, with the Hayward Police Department.

Since the law went into effect, major cities have seen an increase in more serious crimes as well.

Recent press reports show that in San Francisco, robberies are up 23 percent; in Los Angeles, violent crimes are up 20 percent; and in Sacramento, homicides are up 23 percent.
Police blame sentencing overhaul for increase in California crime | Fox News

And the results start coming in.

 

[Agit8r]

Excuses are like dirt-buttons. Everyone has one.

 

[Disir]

Shit doesn't get better until you honestly address issues.

 

[Mad Scientist]

The Police Industrial Complex is losing money and some people (Who make money off it) don't like it.

Californians don't like the "Three Strikes Law". They should be happy:

Prop 47 marks a pivot from 1994's landmark "Three Strikes and You're Out" sentencing policy that sought to get tough on repeat offenders. Indeed, The Washington Post called Prop 47 "an experiment in mass forgiveness."

Why does this not make you feel good? It's called the Justice System NOT the Incarceration System.

Ingrid Archie, a 34-year old single mom initially busted for shop-lifting and then for violating probation, says Prop 47 enabled her to get out of jail a year early -- just before her daughter's 14th birthday. She now has a job and attends community college.

Oh but see, we don't get to read about who is REALLY upset about this until the end of the story.

And this month, the California Bail Agents Association called on lawmakers to analyze recent crime data and "to at least attempt to understand the underlying causes," association president Maggie Kreins wrote in a recent op-ed. "We spend millions of taxpayer dollars on police, law enforcement, and our criminal justice system. California citizens expect to be kept safe."

The Bail Bondsmen Union! They're losing Money!
Why, this Law is driving Jobs OUT of California! End it NOW!
Put MORE people BACK in the For Profit Prison System!

 

[Disir]

I absolutely agree that three strikes laws are wrong because it removes the ability of judges to make calls and they have more knowledge about those cases. I dislike cookie cutter approaches to begin with. I also dislike all or nothing approaches. Ingrid Archie didn't go in for just shoplifting. It was for violation of probation. Be honest. It's wonderful that we have a shining example. And they do exist.

When we make a list of all of the "non-violent" offenses we find that there is still someone that is harmed. What has been said in this grand experiment is that you will have no justice if you fall at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale. It's not just in California, it is happening in many states.

Mayhap you should begin to investigate the ankle monitor companies.