Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper delivered sharp criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers, accusing them of inadequate responses to crime and failing to properly fund voter-approved criminal justice reforms that passed with overwhelming support across the state.
Criticism of State Leadership
In an interview with KCRA 3’s California Politics 360, Cooper expressed frustration with state officials’ handling of crime policy. When asked to evaluate the governor and Legislature’s response, the sheriff responded bluntly: “Not enough. Not enough. It’s just frustrating that people are hesitant to do anything.” His comments come as lawmakers approach the end of the legislative session with approximately one month remaining to advance bills.
Cooper’s criticism extends beyond general policy disagreements. He specifically challenged whether recent crime statistics truly reflect public safety conditions, arguing that California’s reported lowest homicide rate in nearly six decades does not capture the full scope of challenges facing communities and crime victims throughout the state.
Proposition 36 Funding Concerns
The sheriff directed particular attention toward Proposition 36, a 2024 voter-approved measure that increased penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses while offering treatment alternatives. The initiative passed with approximately 70 percent support statewide and carried all 58 California counties, yet Cooper noted that no statewide official endorsed it. He reported early success, particularly among retailers experiencing reduced theft, but emphasized the critical funding shortfall.
“The issue is no funding, no funding came with it. It is working. But without funding, it doesn’t go anywhere,” Cooper stated. While state officials claim this year’s budget includes $375 million for implementation, budget documents reveal only $50 million specifically designated for Proposition 36, allocated toward courts and pretrial services.
Mental Health Diversion and Domestic Violence
Cooper warned against expanding California’s mental health diversion system to include theft offenses, arguing such changes would undermine Proposition 36’s accountability measures. He contended that certain serious crimes should automatically disqualify defendants from diversion programs, citing cases involving felony child abuse and sexually violent predators. Recent legislative reforms tightening oversight remain insufficient in the sheriff’s assessment.
The sheriff also criticized California’s classification of domestic violence offenses, arguing the state refuses to designate them as violent felonies despite severe cases. Cooper described investigations involving extended assaults and catastrophic injuries, including one victim allegedly beaten for three days and another whose attacker gouged out her eyes, emphasizing the daily occurrence of such violence across all socioeconomic levels.
