Law Enforcement Appreciates the Backup

On behalf of Orange County law enforcement, I would like to take a moment to applaud Gov. Pete Wilson for his support of Senate Bill 1760 and Assembly Bill 3229.

It is the government’s primary responsibility to protect its residents. Most citizens will agree that public safety should be one of the state’s top priorities because it affects every community. Recently, Gov. Wilson signed two bills that will make California safe.

Crime rates have dropped dramatically all over the state since he signed “three strikes, you’re out” into law two years ago. Since 1994, Orange County’s crime rate has decreased by 6.9%. However, a reduction in crime rates does not mean the entire problem is solved. For this reason, the governor put into law SB1760 and AB3229, which provide an additional $150 million to add more police to our streets and increase juvenile crime prevention programs.

These funds are desperately needed to crack down on crime and prevent it at the local level. For instance, in the governor’s 1996 State of the State address, he referred to Los Angeles County’s problem with gangs: Their members exceed the number of officers by “more than six to one.” Obviously, more police officers are needed so they can gain control of the county.

$110 million will be set aside for public safety use throughout the state. Funds will be distributed based on population. This fair distribution will allow counties with larger populations, and as a result, higher crime rates, to be more effective in their law enforcement practices.

$75 million will help in all areas of crime prevention, including a significant increase in the number of police officers. Also, these dollars will be used toward much needed equipment and computer systems that will help fight crime. Without these dollars, it is virtually impossible to go any further in reducing the crime rates all over the state.

The $12.5 million to be allocated to the sheriffs of local counties will allow for expansion of the criminal justice system so it can be carried out more efficiently at the local level. Another $12.5 million will be given to the district attorneys’ offices for criminal prosecution.

The new bills provide $50 million to communities for local juvenile justice programs, including ones focusing on prevention, early intervention, and incarceration when necessary.

California can only benefit from these bills. It is obvious that additional funds will allow for much needed services in our communities. Gov. Wilson and the Legislature have both made statements of zero tolerance concerning crime by creating and signing these bills. It is their hope and mine that the implementation of these funds will serve to protect our communities and reduce crime. Without them it seems impossible to move forward with the state’s ongoing process of reduction in crime at the local levels. I applaud Gov. Wilson and the Legislature for devoting these funds to help our communities.