Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council Regular Meeting of July 10, 2018
Title
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH SUPPORTING THE REDUCING
CRIME AND KEEPING CALIFORNIA SAFE ACT OF 2018
(Police Chief Sharon Papa)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council adopt the attached resolution supporting the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018.
Body
Background:
The last several legislative sessions and election cycles have resulted in a series of major reforms to our criminal justice system. In 2011, Assembly Bill 109 shifted significant numbers of State prison inmates to local jails. Shortly thereafter, in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many felony crimes to misdemeanors and lowered penalties on personal drug use and theft. Proposition 57 followed in 2016 and provided more parole opportunities for convicted felons.
In general, the overall intent of these measures has been to increase opportunities for rehabilitation while lowering recidivism and incarceration rates. Most law enforcement officials agree that these are worthy goals; however, the cumulative effect of these policy changes has resulted in a series of unintended negative consequences.
Changes that were meant to keep someone who steals a magazine out of jail, are now allowing individuals to steal up to $950 repeatedly from our local stores and businesses with essentially no consequences. Collection of evidence to solve cold case murders, rapes and robberies has been restricted. Modifications to our parole system designed to apply to non-violent offenders are resulting in violent offenders being released, including serious domestic abusers.
The Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018 is not intending to do away with all of the recently enacted changes and is in no way advocating for a system of mass incarceration. The Act is written to address the unintended consequences that have now negatively impacted public safety throughout the State. I have attached the Initiative Measure to be submitted directly to the voters in November 2018, along with a Resolution for your consideration and approval that articulates the specific areas the Initiative is designed to address.
Fiscal Implications:
None
Attachments:
1. Hermosa Beach Resolution Supporting the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018
2. Proposed Initiative Measure to be submitted directly to the voters
Respectfully Submitted by: Sharon Papa, Chief of Police
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: John Jalili, Interim City Manager