California Proposition 47: Public and Officers' Attitudes and Perception

• In Event: Exploratory Studies in Gender, Crime, and Criminal Justice

Abstract

California Proposition 47 was voted into law by the people of California in November 2014. The law made changes to drug as well as theft punishments in California. Possession of certain drugs which had been felonies became misdemeanors. It also made petty theft, receiving stolen property, and forging checks misdemeanors if the value did not exceed 950 dollars. We will be focusing on the proposition’s impact on the day-to-day job of policing, specifically how the job changed due to the legislation. How have the officers adjusted, as well as whether they are accepting of the proposition. What the effect on crime has been and whether it is effective and if it should become a part of national policy. The research will examine the public’s knowledge of and attitudes toward Proposition 47. Also, how familiar the proposition is to the public, and what their feelings are towards it. The examination of California Proposition 47 is not only applicable to residents of California, but may have a profound impact on future policing around the country. We will make a recommendation as to whether or not the rest of the country should follow California’s lead and create a proposition of their own. And if this proposition should be banished completely.

Authors

• William Ambrose, Sonoma State University

• Ryan J. Walsh, Sonoma State University