How many arrests have been made in San Diego since Prop 36 went into effect
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Proposition 36, a measure to stiffen penalties for certain crimes that was approved by voters in November, officially went into effect across California in December. The San Diego Sheriff's Department says it's already seeing an impact.
The proposition reversed lower penalties created by a 2014 measure, Proposition 47, for repeat offenders of drug and theft-related crimes, including recategorizing shoplifting less than $950 worth in merchandise as a felony for those with two or more prior theft convictions.
The proposition also established a mandated treatment option for those charged with felony crimes who have two prior drug convictions — essentially allowing them to clear their record upon successful completion of treatment.
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As of Wednesday, Dustin Lopez, assistant sheriff with SDSO, said 429 people have been arrested and booked on charges impacted by Prop. 36. Out of those, he noted 75% were drug-related crimes and the other 25% were related to theft.
'We believe as people are arrested, put into our custody and routed into those treatment related facilities that basically the numbers will probably go down,' said Lopez.
Owner of Southern California Comics, Jamie Newbold, says he is relieved Prop. 36 is in place. His store has been the victim of multiple attempted burglaries, but he was concerned the thieves would come back and not end up serving time.
'That was what Prop. 47 delivered to me. Now, Prop 36 reverses 47 and criminals are going to do real time,' said Newbold. 'Let's hope that it puts the fear of God into the thieves who casually and cavalierly walk into a business and pluck something and walk right out.'
With Prop. 36 now in effect, Lopez says business owners are encouraged to maximize its impact by reporting crimes and educating employees about the new laws.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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