Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers regarding crime policy, stating that state leaders have not adequately supported tougher enforcement measures despite increasing voter demand. In an interview on California Politics 360, Cooper expressed concerns that California has not done enough to address issues such as repeat theft, drug crime, and domestic violence, arguing that elected officials have prioritized criminal justice reforms over the needs of victims.
Cooper emphasized that the recent Proposition 36, which aims to increase penalties for repeat retail theft and certain drug crimes, passed with nearly 70% support across California counties, despite opposition from Newsom and many Democratic leaders. He noted that while sheriff’s departments and prosecutors have begun enforcing the law, the state has not provided sufficient funding to support its implementation.
Although the state budget includes $375 million to assist with Proposition 36, only $50 million is allocated specifically for courts and pretrial services. Cooper mentioned that retailers are already seeing a decrease in thefts but stressed that without adequate funding, the effectiveness of the measure is compromised.
Cooper also criticized California's mental health diversion program, warning that expanding it to include more theft offenses could undermine Proposition 36 by allowing repeat offenders to evade accountability. He argued that offenders charged with serious crimes should not qualify for diversion programs. Additionally, he highlighted the need for a more serious approach to domestic violence, which is not classified as a violent felony in many cases, despite its severity.
As lawmakers approach the end of the legislative session, Cooper's comments reflect ongoing debates within California regarding public safety and crime policy, as well as the challenges faced in addressing these issues effectively.