Blue States Show Broader Embrace for Tougher Crime Policies
A Nationwide Shift
Even traditionally liberal states seem to be moving towards implementing stricter crime policies, backed by results from seven ballot measures in Arizona, California, and Colorado. The surge in retail theft incidents, homelessness, issues with fentanyl misuse, and difficulties in police recruitment and retention could be driving this change, with more conservative approaches rising to the fore.
Public Opinion on Progressive Changes
According to Dan Schnur, a political communications professor and a former Republican strategist from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Southern California, the public appears to be less aggressive in their desire for progressive changes to the criminal justice system. He asserts that voters tend to adjust their policies when they sense that certain reform efforts may be overly ambitious.
Left and Right Unite on Some Policies
This year, political leaders across red and blue states including Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, Louisiana, California, and Vermont have shifted away from liberal policies aimed at curbing police power and rethinking criminal legal systems. They now favor stricter penalties for crimes like retail theft and the possession or selling of certain hard drugs as well as additional felonies and misdemeanors that necessitate cash bail.
Reevaluating Theft and Drug Crimes
In California, Proposition 36, which was overwhelmingly approved, increases penalties for particular drug-related and theft crimes while also reclassifying certain drug offenses as ‘treatment-mandated felonies’. Such a reclassification allows the imposition of mental health or drug treatment requirements by judges.
New Policies and Their Implications
Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig expresses that the aim isn’t to incarcerate a multitude of drug users, but to incentivize them to undergo treatment. Individuals who don’t comply with the treatment requirements could face up to three years in prison. The prop 36 also introduces stricter regulations. People convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, irrespective of the stolen item’s value.
The Future Outlook
While some liberal Democrats and criminal justice advocacy groups argue that these laws could bring back the drug war policies and may result in longer prison sentences, others are of the belief that such measures could help ‘course correct’ and balance public policies on crime. Indeed, crime enforcement appears to be adapting to changing local circumstances and public opnion in US states, irrespective of their default political leaning.
Originally Post From https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/30/even-blue-states-are-embracing-a-tougher-approach-to-crime/
