Proposition 196:
--WASTES TAX DOLLARS, a cost largely borne by cities and counties;
--FAILS to address actual causes of violence;
--IGNORES LAW ENFORCEMENT views on the priorities for effective policing of cities and communities;
--This measure does not focus on the real steps needed to reduce violence and crime.
It is clear that the existence of capital punishment in California already COSTS TAXPAYERS MILLIONS of dollars due to the more extensive police work and court proceedings involved--much more than the cost of sentences to life in prison without possibility of parole. Expanding the death penalty would take even more money away from education, recreation, and other programs that actually do keep young people away from gangs and criminal activity. These costs would largely be borne by cities and counties which are already in financial trouble.
There is no evidence to suggest that the threat of the death penalty will stop the gang activity which often leads to a drive-by shooting. Experts recognize that CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FAILS TO REDUCE VIOLENCE. In fact, a recent poll found that although most police chiefs support the death penalty in concept, they do not think expanding its use would reduce violence in their jurisdictions.
When asked about steps which would have a big impact on violence, law enforcement officers most often recommend strengthening families, neighborhoods, and churches; more swift and sure penalties for all crimes; improving control over illegal drugs; allowing greater latitude on rules of evidence; creating more jobs and greater economic opportunities; and getting guns out of circulation. ONLY 2% OF POLICE CHIEFS SUGGEST INCREASED USE of the death penalty as a priority for reducing violent crime.
Church leaders recognize that Proposition 196 is likely to harm suspects at lower income levels. Worse than that, it RISKS WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS of innocent individuals caught in ambiguous circumstances who will not be able to afford to resist a plea bargain. Plea bargains and separate trials also mean that in cases involving several defendants it is not unusual for the most culpable person to be spared the death penalty that is given to others. California voters should not make justice more capricious than it already is.
This legislation fails to take affirmative steps to reduce crime. Vote NO on Proposition 196.
SENATOR MILTON MARKS
Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Procedure
ROBERT P. OWENS
Retired Chief of Police, Oxnard Police Department
RIGHT REVEREND JERRY A. LAMB
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California