Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper has sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, alleging that current policies inadequately address crime and put public safety at risk.
Cooper expressed frustration that despite voters demanding tougher consequences for repeat offenders, state leaders have been hesitant to implement effective measures. He stated that California leaders "have not done enough to address crime." While the state has reported a decrease in its homicide rate, Cooper contends that the statistics do not reflect the full reality for victims, who he believes are disproportionately affected by policies favoring diversion and early release over accountability.
A significant point of contention for Cooper is Proposition 36, a voter-approved initiative passed in 2024 with widespread support. The proposition aimed to increase penalties for certain crimes, including repeat retail theft and drug offenses, while also allowing eligible offenders to have felony charges dismissed upon completing court-ordered treatment. Cooper noted that "not one statewide official supported it" and criticized the lack of dedicated funding, stating, "The issue is no funding, no funding came with it." He argued that while the law is showing positive results in retail theft declines, its success is hampered by insufficient financial support.
State officials have indicated that the current budget includes $375 million for public safety initiatives, with $50 million specifically allocated for Proposition 36-related court and pretrial services. However, Cooper suggested that proposals to expand mental health diversion for more theft offenses would undermine the intent of the voter-approved measure and stated, "It would water it down."
Cooper also voiced concerns about the expanding mental health diversion system, arguing that some lawmakers "don't want anybody held accountable." He believes that offenders accused of serious crimes, such as felony child abuse or those involving sexually violent predators, should not be eligible for mental health diversion, asserting that "some crimes are so shocking... you shouldn't be eligible."
Furthermore, the sheriff renewed his criticism of California's domestic violence laws, stating that many felony domestic violence offenses are still not classified as violent felonies despite the severe injuries victims sustain. "Domestic violence goes on every day... We have to treat it seriously," Cooper said. He characterized legislative opposition to reclassifying these offenses as a simple refusal to vote in favor, stating, "They have no argument. They just vote against it."
Cooper's critique extends to California's youth offender and elderly parole policies, which he believes have led to reduced accountability for violent offenders. He pointed to cases where the emphasis on an offender's age, rather than the severity of the crime or the harm to victims, results in earlier release.
He also criticized the state's compassionate release program following an incident where an individual convicted of attempted cop killing, who had been released early, was later arrested on new weapons charges. Cooper accused lawmakers of disregarding warnings from law enforcement and prosecutors, stating, "The experts in the room saw the risks and they were ignored. This is what happens when ideology outweighs public safety."
Cooper concluded by emphasizing a need to refocus on victims, stating, "We've got to get back to the victims."