Since Proposition 47 passed in 2014, it has sparked numerous questions, discussions, and criticisms regarding its impact on crime in our communities. To gain a clearer understanding of its true effects, I requested an audit of Proposition 47. The findings from this audit were released on July 25, 2024.

The audit of Proposition 47 was conducted in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. This review offers valuable insights into the areas where the proposition has been successful, highlighting the positive outcomes and effective measures currently in place. Additionally, the audit identifies specific areas that require improvement, providing a roadmap for necessary adjustments. By understanding these strengths and weaknesses, we can develop more targeted strategies to address crime in our communities, ensuring a balanced approach that enhances public safety while supporting rehabilitation and prevention efforts.

Prop. 47: Goals and Results

Proposition 47 reclassified certain nonviolent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. The goals were to reduce the prison population, decrease costs, and redirect savings to community programs like mental health services and substance abuse treatment.

Key findings:

Prison Population Reduction: Significant decline in arrests (30%-67%) and a reduction in average sentence lengths by over 40%.

Increase in Repeat Offenders: While the overall recidivism rates decreased slightly, the audit highlighted an increase in repeat offenders with four or more convictions, including one individual with seven convictions.

Community Programs: Funded programs are helping to reduce recidivism, homelessness, and unemployment among participants, but there is still a long way to go. Continued efforts and improvements are necessary to achieve more substantial results.

Strengthening Prop. 47:

Expand Preventative Programs: Increase funding for mental health, substance abuse treatment, and job training. Ensure these programs are accessible to all affected individuals. However, we must also recognize the importance of starting these efforts earlier. Implementing proactive programs in K-12 schools can address the root causes of criminal behavior before they manifest, fostering a safer and healthier society.

Tougher Measures for Repeat Offenders: Stronger actions are needed to hold people accountable for their crimes. We need stronger accountability measures for repeat offenders, considering tougher sentences to deter repeated offenses. Consider stricter penalties for repeat offenses to serve as a stronger deterrent.

Conclusion

The need to address the issue identified in the audit, where arrests doubled pertaining to individuals with four or more convictions of Proposition 47 offenses, shows a great need for accountability. The audit of San Bernardino and Riverside counties is clear: for repeat offenders, there needs to be accountability in the form of harsher penalties.

On the support side, we need to be more proactive in addressing the underlying conditions and focus more support on early intervention. By putting a focus on K-12 ages and providing resources for areas of substance abuse and mental health, these could prove to be a lifesaving investment in our youth, rather than later in life.

Regular reviews of laws, such as this audit of Proposition 47, provide essential feedback on their effectiveness or failures, guiding necessary adjustments going forward. I am committed to working with my colleagues to promote safety, justice, and pathways for individuals to rebuild their lives. By doing so, we can create a more effective and equitable criminal justice system that better serves our communities.

James Ramos serves in the California State Assembly