Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper has sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, accusing them of failing crime victims and delaying reforms supported by voters. Cooper voiced his frustrations in an interview with KCRA 3’s California Politics 360, asserting that state leaders have not done enough to address crime, specifically mentioning concerns about mental health diversion programs, domestic violence policies, and the implementation of Proposition 36.
Despite California reporting its lowest homicide rate in nearly 60 years, Cooper questioned whether these statistics fully represent the situation, arguing that more action is needed to protect communities and aid victims. His remarks come as the legislative session nears its end, with bills requiring final approval from Newsom.
Cooper highlighted Proposition 36, a voter-approved measure from 2024 that increased penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses while allowing eligible individuals to avoid felony charges by completing substance abuse or mental health treatment. While the measure garnered approximately 70% of the statewide vote, Cooper noted that no statewide officials publicly supported it. He stated that the initiative shows early signs of success, particularly in reducing retail theft, but criticized the state for not providing sufficient funding to ensure its effectiveness.
"The issue is no funding, no funding came with it," Cooper said. "It is working. But without funding, it doesn’t go anywhere."
State officials have indicated that the current budget includes $375 million for Proposition 36 implementation. However, budget documents show only $50 million specifically allocated to the measure itself, primarily for courts and pretrial services, according to KCRA.
The sheriff also expressed strong disapproval of California's mental health diversion system, which permits certain defendants to undergo treatment instead of facing criminal penalties. He warned that extending eligibility to theft offenses could undermine Proposition 36 and lessen offender accountability.
"It would water it down," he stated, suggesting some lawmakers are resistant to holding individuals accountable. Although the Legislature and Newsom recently enacted changes to enhance oversight of the diversion program, Cooper contended that these reforms remain insufficient. He argued that certain severe crimes, including felony child abuse and offenses involving sexually violent predators, should disqualify individuals from mental health diversion.
Cooper further criticized the state's classification of domestic violence offenses, arguing they are not consistently treated as violent felonies despite the severity of many cases. He recalled investigations involving victims who suffered prolonged abuse and severe injuries. "Domestic violence goes on every day. Doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor. Happens in every neighborhood. We have to treat it seriously," Cooper said.
When asked about opposition to classifying domestic violence as a violent felony, Cooper dismissed the reasons as lacking merit. He concluded the interview by urging California leaders to shift their focus from offenders back to the victims of crime.
"We’ve got to get back to the victims," he said.