With the General Election less than two weeks away we, the
undersigned, urge you to vote NO on Proposition 47. As sheriffs, we
can tell you that this measure threatens the safety of our communities
and puts our families at risk.
Despite being referred to as the “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools
Act,” this measure will actually make our neighborhoods and schools
less safe. Reducing the penalties for many serious crimes like gun
theft, possession of date rape drugs, and identity fraud will lead to
more crime and more criminals in our neighborhoods.
Every sheriff in this state took an oath to protect the people and the
public safety. If Proposition 47 passes, our ability to protect our
communities will be impaired. Dumping thousands of prisoners onto
our streets can only make our problems worse.
Proposition 47 is a collection of bad ideas. Supporters will tell you
that this measure only affects petty criminals. The reality is, low level
criminals rarely go to prison; the people let out will have
dangerous criminal histories.
Sheriffs of the State of California respectfully ask that you stand with
law enforcement, crime victims, the business community, and your
local governments in opposition to Proposition 47. Please vote NO.
Organization Founded by the Sheriffs in 1894
California State Sheriffs’ Association
Proposition47SheriffsOppositio
Officers President Adam E. Christianson Sheriff, Stanislaus County 1st Vice President Martin Ryan Sheriff, Amador County 2nd Vice President Donny Youngblood Sheriff, Kern County Secretary Bill Brown Sheriff, Santa Barbara County Treasurer Steve Moore Sheriff, San Joaquin County Sergeant-at-Arms David Livingston Sheriff, Contra Costa County Immediate Past President Gregory J. Ahern Sheriff, Alameda County Directors Tom Bosenko Sheriff, Shasta County Geoff Dean Sheriff, Ventura County Mike Downey Sheriff, Humboldt County Steve Durfor Sheriff, Yuba County Tom Ferrara Sheriff, Solano County Steve Freitas Sheriff, Sonoma County Dean Growdon Sheriff, Lassen County Sandra Hutchens Sheriff, Orange County Margaret Mims Sheriff, Fresno County Ian Parkinson Sheriff, San Luis Obispo County Ed Prieto Sheriff, Yolo County David Robinson Sheriff, Kings County Presidents’ Counsel Ed Bonner Sheriff, Placer County Robert Doyle Sheriff, Marin County Keith Royal Sheriff, Nevada County Laurie Smith Sheriff, Santa Clara County M. Carmen Green Chief Operations Officer Nick Warner Policy Director Martin J. Mayer General Counsel  |