California turns the criminals loose
In the November midterm elections this year, California voters approved Proposition 47, the "Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative." Described as the "Catch and Release Law" by the Modesto Bee, the passage of Prop 47 will most likely have dire consequences for Californians; and, in the long term, could impact other nearby states, including Idaho.
Supporters of the initiative sold voters on the idea that reclassifying certain felony crimes as misdemeanors would save taxpayers money by reducing prison and jail populations. The crimes of Receiving Stolen Property, Grand Theft, Forgery, Fraud, (as long as the property value is below $950 dollars) and the possession of illegal drugs for personal use such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are now classified as misdemeanors in California.
While the intent of Prop 47 may seem noble, there are a number of significant shortcomings regarding drug treatment options for inmates, community transition programs, business and insurance costs due to forecasted crime rates, to name but a few. However, the focus of this article will be on the potential crime epidemic facing Californians in the near future.
Since many felonies are now misdemeanors, more than 10,000 inmates currently serving time in state prisons are eligible for release. Add to this list the thousands of prisoners being released from county jails throughout the state due to Prop 47. In short, a small army of hardened criminals, many of whom are gang members with extensive criminal records, will be heading back to local communities to wreak havoc.
Most inmates being released from prisons will not get jobs working at the local pet store or as a "greeter" at Walmart. They will revert back to what they know and are good at; being gang members, selling drugs, using drugs, and committing crimes.
Law enforcement officers get a first-hand view of the thought processes and mindset of career criminals. The hard truth is that career criminals are predators. They do not view the world rationally as most people do. Most have grown up in tough neighborhoods. They have been influenced by gangs and criminals (often other family members). Their minds have been numbed by years of drug abuse; and hardened by violence, crime, and doing time in prison. Sadly, career criminals look at people like a lion looks at a herd of zebra. They focus on the weak, the old, the young, and the vulnerable, waiting for the opportunity to strike.
These same career criminals commit the majority of crimes. In fact, active criminals regularly commit several crimes everyday of the week; usually to support their drug habit. Modern police crime fighting strategies are based on the premise of identifying and incarcerating career criminals. It's a common sense approach. If the "bad guys" are in jail, they cannot commit crimes. Crime rates go down, communities are safer, the police and politicians look good, and people are happy. However, with the passage of Prop 47, law enforcement agency hands will be tied since they will not be able to arrest many active criminals. Offenders will usually be issued a citation with a date to appear in court and then released. Most will not even show up to their court date. More important is that criminals will not go to prison when they are convicted of these crimes. In short, criminals will be set free to get "high" on the drug of their choice and commit crimes with minimal risk of incarceration.
The most likely scenario for California is not pretty. Crime rates will go up significantly. Business and insurance costs will rise to offset losses due to increased crime. Drug abuse and crimes directly related to drug abuse such as driving while under the influence (DUI) will also go up. Don't believe for a minute that a DUI conviction or a suspended license will keep criminals from using drugs and driving a car. That approach only works for the law-abiding citizen. Substance abuse is also a factor in the majority of domestic violence and child abuse cases. There are no "happy endings" when innocent children are repeatedly exposed to drugs, violence, and victimized by their parents. Lives are destroyed, and for the children that do overcome the trauma, they carry the emotional scars into adulthood.
Another tragic consequence of Prop 47 is the impact on the less affluent communities. Large businesses and the wealthy have the resources to implement security measures and offset losses due to property crimes. However, most felons will relocate to poor neighborhoods where they terrorize local residents who do not have the resources to move. Oftentimes, residents are forced to put bars on the windows of their homes (if they can afford it); park their car outside their bedroom window at night so they can hear when someone is breaking into it; and pray that their children are not victimized or influenced by the hardened criminals living nearby. It's a "lose lose" situation for those folks.
How will the passage of Prop 47 impact California's neighbors? Not all felons released from prison will stay in California. A small percentage will move to other states and their arrival translates into criminal activity for local communities. However, the most likely outcome will be the continued exodus of Californians moving to other states. Some will move to Idaho, seeking a better quality life here, similar to the one they had years ago in California.
Wade Engelson served in the United States Marine Corps before embarking on a 20 year career in law enforcement. During that time he held a number of challenging assignments, including SWAT entry team leader, undercover narcotics work, and as commander of the Special Investigation Bureau with the Fresno Police Department. Wade retired as Deputy Chief of Police with the Vacaville Police Department. Wade has a Bachelor's degree in Business & Economics; a Master's degree in Public Administration; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He has taught at community colleges, the university level, and has written several articles that have been published in professional and academic journals.