Sacramento Sheriff Says California Law Benefits Criminals, Endangers Communities

At issue is Proposition 47, known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, passed by voters in 2014 downgrading some crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.

The California state capitol building in Sacramento, Calif., on March 11, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Frustrated with a lack of legal options available when detaining criminals caught stealing, Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper blamed state laws for contributing to retail theft crimes during a press conference Dec. 5—saying California voters need to fix the problem if given the chance on the ballot in November 2024.

At issue is Proposition 47, an initiative also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act—passed by voters in 2014 changing some theft and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.