Prop.
36 Has Cut Prison Costs, Populations
Voters approved Proposition 36 in
November 2000 to reduce the incarceration
of nonviolent drug offenders. This
measure has had all of the predicted
effects, and more, on the state prison
system since it became effective. |
 |
Basic
Facts
The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act is being sponsored by the California
Campaign for New Drug Policies. The
purpose of this initiative is to enhance
public safety by reducing drug-related
crime and preserving jail and prison
space for violent offenders. |
|
The
California Correctional System
According to the State Legislative
Analyst's Office, the Substance Abuse
and Crime Prevention Act will divert
approximately 25,000 non-violent drug
possession offenders per year into
drug treatment instead of prison. |
|
Drug
Courts/Deferred Entry
The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act is a diversion program for non-violent
drug offenders who would be better
served by treatment than incarceration. |
|
The
Judicial System
Judges will play an important role
in the successful implementation of
the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act. |
|
Local
Law Enforcement
The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act will positively impact rank-and-file
law enforcement by reducing the number
of non-violent drug offenders rotating
through the revolving door of arrest
and release. |
|
Minority
Communities
The ravages of drug addiction and
heavy-handed drug enforcement policies
have hit minority communities the
hardest. |
|
Parole
Services
This Act will divert many parolees
who commit non-violent, drug-related
violations into supervised treatment
programs instead of returning them
to prison. |
|
Probation
Services
This Act will appropriate $120 million
annually to divert non-violent drug
possession offenders to supervised
probation and drug treatment. |
|
Public
Safety / Crime Reduction
A number of studies have shown that
drug treatment reduces drug abuse,
drug dealing and criminal activity,
and, as a result, improves public
safety. |
|
California
Taxpayers
The measure would save state and county
governments approximately $1.5 billion
over the next five years. |
|
Effectiveness
of Drug Treatment
Research shows that treatment improves
drug users' health, reduces criminal
activity, and saves precious tax dollars. |
|
Treatment
Providers
The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act will greatly expand resources
for drug treatment in California.
|
|
| |
