Even Blue States Adopt Tough Stance on Crime

The recent outcomes of seven ballot measures across Arizona, California, and Colorado highlight a growing trend towards stricter crime policies, reflecting public concerns over retail theft, drug misuse, and police recruitment challenges.

Political analyst Dan Schnur noted that voters often adjust their stances on criminal justice reforms. “They’re course correctors,” he explained, indicating a preference for moderation rather than the full embrace of progressive initiatives. This year, across various states, local leaders pivoted from liberal approaches to endorsing tougher penalties for serious offenses, including drug trafficking and shoplifting.

In a decisive vote, residents of Arizona, California, and Colorado supported measures aimed at increasing prison sentences for certain crimes, revoking bail for others, and addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Despite a noted decline in national crime rates, some communities continue to grapple with elevated crime levels, influencing public perception.

According to Gallup’s annual crime survey, more Americans perceive crime less seriously this year; however, a majority still view it as a significant issue. Notably, opinions often diverge along political lines, with 60% of Democrats believing crime has decreased, compared to 90% of Republicans who think it has risen.

In California, voters approved Proposition 36, which raises penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. This legislation reclassifies certain offenses as “treatment-mandated felonies,” allowing convicted individuals to opt for treatment instead of prison. Those successfully completing treatment could see their charges expunged, while those who fail may face significant prison time.

Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, a proponent of the measure, expressed the intent to encourage treatment rather than punishment. The law’s provisions include stricter consequences for repeat theft offenders, and those distributing fentanyl while armed could face up to four years in prison.

While the measure received support from law enforcement agencies, critics fear it may lead to longer sentences without addressing root issues related to drug use. Proposition 36 notably reverses some elements of Proposition 47 from 2014 that decriminalized certain thefts and drug offenses.

Meanwhile, California voters narrowly rejected Proposition 6, which aimed to prevent inmates from being forced into labor as punishment. Schnur suggested that the failure of Proposition 6 may stem from voters’ shifting sentiments towards a more punitive stance due to the passage of Proposition 36.

In Colorado, voters approved amendments that deny bail to first-degree murder suspects if prosecutors can sufficiently establish a case. This change reestablishes bail guidelines previously in place before the abolition of the death penalty. Additionally, measures requiring violent offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentences before parole were approved, along with funding for hiring new police officers.

Arizona voters enacted two significant measures targeting serious crimes, including mandatory life imprisonment for child sex traffickers. Another law allows more aggressive policing of illegal immigration, authorizing arrests of noncitizens without legal status attempting to enter the state unlawfully.

This law poses a challenge, as its implementation requires clarification on its constitutionality once related cases reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Critics express concerns over potential racial profiling and the burden it places on local police departments.

The Phoenix Police Department stated their enforcement policies remain unchanged, focusing on not inquiring about immigration status during routine interactions unless mandated by law. Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as the ACLU of Arizona are preparing to contest the new law, emphasizing its potential unconstitutionality.