Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says Prop 47, which reduced certain drug and theft penalties, has led to a spike in crime and must be amended. He criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom for opposing the effort to reverse the measure.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has issued a dire warning that crime and drug abuse will continue to run rampant in California unless Proposition 47 is reversed. Prop 47, passed by voters in 2014, reduced the penalties for certain drug and theft offenses, which Bianco believes has emboldened criminals.
"Prop 47 has been a disaster for our communities," Bianco said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "It has led to a significant increase in crime, particularly property crimes and drug offenses."
California Sheriff Warns of 'Rampant' Crime Unless Prop 47 Reversed
Bianco cited statistics showing that property crimes in Riverside County have increased by 30% since Prop 47 was implemented. He also pointed to a 50% increase in drug overdoses in the county.
"We are seeing more and more people stealing and using drugs because they know they won't face any real consequences," Bianco said. "This is creating a dangerous cycle that is only getting worse."
California Sheriff Warns of 'Rampant' Crime Unless Prop 47 Reversed
Bianco has joined a growing chorus of law enforcement officials who are calling for Prop 47 to be amended. A ballot measure, Proposition 17, is currently being considered by voters that would increase the penalties for certain theft and drug offenses.
Governor Gavin Newsom has come out in opposition to Proposition 17, arguing that it would be a step backward in the state's efforts to reduce mass incarceration.
California Sheriff Warns of 'Rampant' Crime Unless Prop 47 Reversed
"We need to focus on addressing the root causes of crime, not simply locking people up," Newsom said in a statement.
Bianco disagrees with Newsom's stance, arguing that Prop 47 has been a "failed experiment" that has made California less safe.
California Sheriff Warns of 'Rampant' Crime Unless Prop 47 Reversed
"It's time to reverse course and put criminals back on notice that there will be consequences for their actions," Bianco said. "We need to restore law and order to our streets and make our communities safe again."
The debate over Prop 47 and its impact on crime in California is likely to continue as the November election approaches. Voters will have the final say on whether to amend the measure and increase penalties for certain offenses.
