Last Updated on May 26, 2024 by BVN
Overview: Proposition 47, which reclassified simple possession and low-level theft crimes as misdemeanors, has not led to a significant increase in crime, according to data. The myth that Prop 47 has made theft under $950 effectively legal is false, and while there was an increase in property crimes, these trends are complex and influenced by various factors beyond Prop 47. The reduction in jail populations has allowed counties more flexibility in managing their criminal justice systems, prioritizing space for more serious offenders. Studies have shown a decrease in recidivism rates among individuals convicted of offenses affected by Prop 47. The Decarcerate Inland Region is a cross-collaborative coalition of member organizations and individuals from the Inland Region who are concerned with over-incarceration and overspending on incarceration, and pushes for a more holistic and equitable approach to community, community needs, and community safety.
By Decarcerate Inland Region Coalition
Proposition 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, passed in 2014 with close to 60% of voting Californians in favor of it. The proposition reclassified simple possession and low-level theft crimes (below $950) from felony to misdemeanor status, resentenced people who were currently serving felony sentences for those offenses and reallocated the savings to fund mental health and substance use treatment, school programs, and victim services.
Unfortunately, those same entities who have a vested interest in continuing the cycle of incarceration are the same who make the claim that Prop 47 contributed to increases in crime. However, the data shows that crime stems from a more complex interplay of influences unrelated to Proposition 47 such as housing and inflation. Addressing these myths is crucial for a balanced understanding of the actual impact of this reform.
Myth 1: Proposition 47 has led to a significant increase in crime. Evidence indicates that Prop 47 did not cause a rise in violent crime. While there was an increase in property crimes, particularly larceny thefts, these trends are complex and influenced by various factors beyond Prop 47 because these were in alignment with national trends. Overall, California’s crime rates remain relatively low compared to historical levels (Spectrum News) (Public Policy Institute of California).
Myth 2: Prop 47 has made theft under $950 effectively legal. Prop 47 reclassified certain non-violent property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, but it did not legalize theft under $950. Theft of any amount remains a crime, and offenders can still face significant penalties (Spectrum News).
Myth 3: Prop 47 has not benefited public safety. By reducing the penalties for low-level offenses, Prop 47 has decreased incarceration rates and redirected resources toward mental health and substance abuse treatment. This shift aims to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, potentially improving long-term public safety (Georgetown Law) (Public Policy Institute of California).
Myth 4: Prop 47 has led to a breakdown in law enforcement effectiveness. The reduction in jail populations has allowed counties more flexibility in managing their criminal justice systems, prioritizing space for more serious offenders. This change aims to enhance public safety by focusing on higher-risk individuals (Georgetown Law).
Myth 5: Prop 47 has had no positive effects on recidivism. Studies have shown a decrease in recidivism rates among individuals convicted of offenses affected by Prop 47. This is partly due to the increased availability of treatment and rehabilitation programs funded by the savings from reduced incarceration (Public Policy Institute of California).
Instead of entertaining these myths, we should be asking why far less than 8% of crimes are solved in our region – a rate far below the state and federal averages. Yet law enforcement and public safety budgets continue to increase, even amidst a period of state and local deficits.
Reforms like Prop 47 are an investment in our values and priorities. Education, health, housing, and safety net investments will result in stronger and healthier communities. Warehousing people and using incarceration to solve societal problems doesn’t improve public safety, it just continues to kick an empty can down the road. Prop 47 remains a giant step in the right direction. We see and live with the improvements that have come about because of it, but it cannot be the only step, or the last step.
The Decarcerate Inland Region is a cross-collaborative coalition of member organizations and individuals from the Inland Region who are concerned with over-incarceration and overspending on incarceration. The coalition believes strong communities are built by planning for and investing in what we want to see more of. Decarcerate Inland Region pushes for a more holistic and equitable approach to community, community needs, and community safety and challenges others to do the same. For more information on the Decarcerate Inland Region Coalition contact: Emma Li, Communications Manager, Starting Over, Inc. Emma@startingoverinc.org.