More than a decade ago, some 70 in 100 offenders on parole returned to prison, now that number has decreased to 55 in 100. This trend is even more dramatic when looking at the crime rates being posted by communities throughout the state. According to the Department of Justice, the crime index has plunged to its lowest level since 1966. Decreases were logged in every category from murders to assaults to burglaries. This drop has enabled officers and detectives to reopen old cases and reinforce community policing projects such as bike teams and walking units.
Law enforcement is, for the first time in years, now able to be proactive versus merely reactive.
Though crime is falling and our prison population is decreasing, it is important to not sit back and take our strides against crime for granted. We must continue to support California's aggressive crime-fighting measures to ensure that the documented progress is not undermined.