Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones praised the passage of Proposition 36, the California Substance Abuse Treatment and Crime Reduction Initiative, which allows for the option of drug treatment in lieu of incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
“The voters have spoken, and they’ve sent a clear message that we need to prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over punishment,” Jones said in a statement. “Prop 36 is a critical step in the right direction, and I’m grateful to see our state taking a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing addiction.”
The proposition, which was passed with 68% of the vote, will allow judges to sentence non-violent drug offenders to treatment programs instead of jail time, if the offender meets certain criteria and if the court deems it appropriate.
“We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects that addiction can have on families and communities, and we know that treatment is the most effective way to get people the help they need,” Jones said. “By providing a pathway to treatment, Prop 36 will help reduce the number of people behind bars, reduce recidivism rates, and ultimately make our communities safer.”
Jones emphasized that the new law will not only benefit those struggling with addiction, but also the broader community.
“Addiction is a public health crisis that affects us all, and we need to address it as such,” Jones said. “By investing in treatment and support services, we can reduce the financial burden on our criminal justice system, improve public safety, and create a healthier, more prosperous society for everyone.”
