Proposition 36, the voter approved initiative to address theft, drug crimes and homelessness, has been in effect for one month. In the first 30 days of implementation, there have been 540 bookings by Orange County law enforcement agencies into the Orange County jail on Proposition 36 charges, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
A total of 105 of those bookings were from cities patrolled by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Their deputies patrol the unincorporated areas of Orange County and also several cities that have contracted with them for police services.
The Orange County Jail continues to have vacant capacity and those who violate the law can fully expect to be booked and stay.
The Orange County Sheriff, Don Barnes, hopes that those in his custody will use the programs available to help them be successful upon the conclusion of their sentence. Prop. 36 included measures to help criminals get off drugs.
Sheriff deputies and police officers in our county will continue to utilize Proposition 36 and am confident it will result in a safer community for all.
