Despite many in the law enforcement community’s urgent pleas and warnings to vote No on Proposition 57, California voters passed the initiative backed by Governor Gerry Brown. Proposition 57, The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act, allows felons the opportunity for early release from prison. Law enforcement officials spoke out strongly against this Proposition claiming it would cause unneeded strain on already stretched resources. The early release of even “non-violent” felons (see list below) will result in thousands of convicted felons back on the streets and increases the probability for more crime according to police officials.
Gloria Mitchell, President of the California Bail Agents Association, came out firmly against the Proposition. In a statement for the Daily Press she said, “to release hundreds to even thousands of criminals back on the street would be a public safety nightmare.” Victims and the general public could be greatly impacted by the passage of this dangerous initiative.
Here’s a list of “non-violent” crimes that would be eligible for early parole and release into the local communities:
- Rape by intoxication
- Rape of an unconscious person
- Human trafficking involving sex act with minors
- Drive-by shooting
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Taking a hostage
- Domestic violence involving trauma
- Supplying a firearm to a gang member
- Lewd acts upon a child
- Hate crime causing physical injury
- Failing to register as a sex offender
- Arson causing great bodily injury
- Felon obtaining a firearm
- Discharging a firearm on school grounds
- False imprisonment of an elder
- & more
