The Public Policy Institute of California issued a report, The Impact of Proposition 47 on Crime and Recidivism, today claiming there is “no evidence that violent crime increased as a result of Proposition 47” in its summary. It further asserted that “Recidivism rates decreased due to Proposition 47.” Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), former Chair of the Board of Prison Terms, issued the following statement:

“Californians are being harmed. There are fewer arrests because some criminal activities are no longer defined as crimes; and the Board of State and Community Corrections has redefined recidivism.

“Under Prop. 47, no matter how many times a sexual predator is arrested for possession of date-rape drugs, he will be sentenced as a one-time offender.

“The federal government issued a report last month revealing that an estimated 68 percent of prisoners were re-arrested within 3 years. Also, 79 percent were re-arrested within 6 years, and 83 percent within 9 years. Seventy-seven percent of released drug offenders were arrested for non-drug crimes, and more than a third (34%) were arrested for a violent crime.

“In 2016, only 42 percent of all violent crimes and 36 percent of property crimes were reported, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“These are startling facts that Californians face and know well. And that’s why sales of home security systems and other measures to keep our families safe have been on the rise.”