Ventura County Law Enforcement Ask State To Change $0 Bail Rule After Crime Rates Spike
LAPPL News Watch
May 11, 2020
Ventura County law enforcement leaders requested the state make changes to a temporary rule lowering bail during the pandemic, claiming its effect has increased certain crimes.
The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted several emergency rules from the California Judicial Council, the policy-making arm of the courts system, in order to limit the spread of the virus. The goal of the judicial council has been to balance public health concerns with the rights of people accused of crimes as courts across the state are largely shut down.
Local police have also done their part to reduce the jail population, where conditions are ripe for transmission. Among them include issuing citations then releasing those arrested at the scene, which can be done for certain misdemeanors.
Along those same lines, the judicial council approved an emergency rule April 6 lowering bail to $0 for most misdemeanors and some low-level felonies. It went into effect April 13 and so far leaders of Ventura County law enforcement have seen "serious, negative consequences," of the rule, according to a letter sent to the judicial council May 4.
2 comments:
I suspect that, in much of the country, there will be a buttload of cases to adjudicate that involve multiple, repeat offenses by the same offender who was let out the revolving door multiple times. It is understandable under the circumstances, but I strongly suspect it will turn out to be counterproductive in the long run.
Most of the cities and county law enforcement where I live have given guidance to the patrol officers not to make arrests unless absolutely necessary. It has worked well. Bond reduction orders have not been given. Turns out the street cops have been using discretion well.
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