AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution in Support of Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (PD)
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MEETING DATE:
October 2, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Candice Alaniz, Management Analyst
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution in Support of Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, which reclassified certain crimes from felony to misdemeanor levels. While Proposition 47 successful reduced California’s prison population and made the criminal justice system more equitable, Proposition 47 had unintended consequences over the past decade.
The following is a list of criminal activities were reclassified as misdemeanors under Proposition 47:
• Shoplifting, where the value of property stolen does not exceed $950
• Grand theft, where the value of the stolen property does not exceed $950
• Receiving stolen property, where the value of the property does not exceed $950
• Forgery, where the value of a forged check, bond, or bill does not exceed $950
• Fraud, where the value of the fraudulent check, draft, or order does not exceed $950
• Writing a bad check, where the value of the check does not exceed $950
• Personal use of most illegal drugs below a certain threshold of weight.
The data below is taken from the Lodi Police Department for 2014, 2019, and 2023. The data shows the significant increase in crime for activities that were downgraded by Proposition 47 from felony to misdemeanor since its implementation.
|
Crime |
2014 |
2019 |
2023 |
% Increase (2014 to 2023) |
|
Thefts |
1,170 |
989 |
1,605 |
37.4% |
|
Forgery |
60 |
46 |
83 |
38.3% |
|
Fraud |
240 |
141 |
243 |
1.2% |
|
Drugs or Drug Related |
538 |
425 |
922 |
71.3% |
|
Possession of Stolen Property |
47 |
23 |
82 |
74.5% |
These unintended consequences can only be corrected by the voters at the ballot box with amendments to Proposition 47.
Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is a bi-partisan measure that provides common sense, targeted reforms to Proposition 47 that, with the recently adopted legislative Retail Theft Package, provide more tools to increase safety in our communities.
Proposition 36 will define fentanyl as a hard drug, hold individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl accountable, grant judges greater discretion in sentencing drug traffickers, and allows critical behavioral health services, drug treatment, and job training within our justice system for people who are homeless and suffering from mental illness or struggling with substance abuse.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7H. Public Safety: Address strategic safety problem areas in the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to approving this resolution.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable.
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Ricardo Garcia
Police Chief
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Scott R. Carney
City Manager