[OpsLens] Proposition 47, issued in 2014 in California, lowered criminal sentences for drug possession, theft, shoplifting, identity theft, receiving stolen property, writing bad checks, and check forgery from felony charges that can bring prison terms to misdemeanors that usually come with minimal jail sentences, if any. Since that time, the Public Policy Institute says that larcenies increased by 9 percent, and thefts from vehicles had a three-quarters increase.
Overcrowded prison systems and a seemingly racist or unfair targeting of minorities created calls for reforms, especially on nonviolent crimes like stealing and drug possession. But even the noblest of intentions have unintended consequences. The consequences from this action weren’t very hard to foresee though. In economics, when something is more expensive you get less of it and when something is cheaper you buy more of it. There is never a shopping frenzy on Black Friday because of higher prices. Human behavior is the same way; when you lower penalties for crime, you get more of it.
Moreover, these types of crimes tend to be connected and sometimes light sentences make them worse. While it is not the most effective method, drug addicts who are usually convicted for drug possession or for stealing to support their habit, often receive treatment in jail. The lack of jail time for these crimes means there is less chance of addicts receiving the help that solves the addiction, which is the root cause of their criminal behavior. Instead, the San Louis Obispo County chief probation officer reports that drug users are fueling the rise in crime, especially car thefts, to support their drug habits.
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