Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for September 27, 2024. This is Dr Currie Myers with some interesting criminal justice news and events that have occurred in the United States recently. My Podcast is brought to you by the Howard Wagyu Ranch. Raised on a family ranch in Central Kansas, Howard Wagyu serves Wagyu beef with the highest quality and excellence. Just go to their Facebook Page and go to Howard Wagyu!
My new book, “The Advent of Feral Man” is now available on Substack drcurriemyers.substack.com. In this book, I present compelling evidence that within the last decade, America is going into a quick decent into the “wilding” of human beings. A phenomenon that is perpetuated by the lack of faith, family, and formation in our human development. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I was on some great radio show this week including the Lou Desmond Show in San Bernardino CA where I as the guest host and my guest was retired FBI SA Thomas Baker. I was also on various shows this week discussion the spurious crime stats which I am going to get into more here in this podcast. The show includes the Hammer and Nigel Show in Indianapolis, the Mike Ferguson Show in St Louis, the Terry Lowry Show in Houston and tomorrow, I am on the Gary Nolan Show in Central Missouri
My podcast also available on Spotify on America’s Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers.
Please join me on X. This is a very important platform for distributing my work. @drcurriemyers
Dr Myers Recent Study on the Consequences of Proposition 47 in California
Proposition 47 represents a continued progressive significant shift in California's approach to criminal justice. As this study has shown, the consequences of such reforms must be carefully considered to ensure that they achieve their intended goals without compromising public safety.
Proposition 47's reclassification of drug and property crimes led to an increase in these offenses across the state. By reducing penalties, the deterrent effect weakened, and many criminals found themselves repeatedly cycling through the system. The promise of rehabilitation through community programs has not been fully realized, as many of these initiatives remain underfunded and overwhelmed, unable to meet the demand created by the policy.
The shift in focus from incarceration to community-based treatment and support systems was not matched by adequate resources. Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, for example, have struggled with insufficient funding, leading to long waiting lists and unmet needs. The lack of effective treatment has contributed to a rise in homelessness and repeat offenses, as individuals who might have benefited from more intensive interventions continue to slip through the cracks. And homelessness as increased exponentially year over year since the implementation of the act.
Poorly executed criminal justice reforms have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. While the intent of policies like Proposition 47 was to reduce the negative impact of the justice system on these groups, the reality has often been the opposite. Increased crime rates have led to higher levels of victimization within vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. Communities that were already struggling have borne the brunt of these policy failures, with rising crime and declining public safety becoming everyday concerns.
As crime rates have risen and public services have failed to meet the needs of those affected by these policies, trust in the criminal justice system and government institutions has eroded. Many Californians feel less safe in their communities and are increasingly skeptical of reforms that seem to prioritize the rights of offenders over the safety of law-abiding citizens. This erosion of trust poses a significant challenge for policymakers, as public support is crucial for the success of any reform effort. Proposition 47 has profoundly impacted victims of crime, particularly those who experience the "revolving door" of criminality. As the proposition reduced penalties for various nonviolent offenses, many offenders face minimal consequences, leading to repeated offenses and continued victimization. Victims often feel disillusioned and frustrated, as they see the same individuals reoffend without significant intervention. This cycle undermines the sense of justice and safety, leaving victims with lingering trauma and a lack of faith in the criminal justice system's ability to protect them.
Proposition 47 has significantly impacted police officers' job outlook and expectations. The reclassification of certain felonies to misdemeanors has changed how officers approach crime, as many lower-level offenses no longer result in arrest or incarceration. This has led to frustration among law enforcement, as they perceive that their efforts are often undermined by policies that prioritize decriminalization over accountability. The reduction in deterrents has also contributed to an increase in property and drug-related crimes, further complicating officers' ability to maintain public safety.
Moreover, the shift towards community-based treatment rather than incarceration has increased the burden on police officers, who often encounter repeat offenders in the community. This has affected morale, as officers may feel their work is less effective in preventing crime and protecting the public. Additionally, the lack of resources for rehabilitation programs means that officers frequently encounter individuals who continue to struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues without receiving adequate support.
The changing landscape of law enforcement under Proposition 47 has also influenced job expectations. Officers are now expected to adopt a more community-oriented approach, focusing on de-escalation and rehabilitation rather than traditional enforcement. While this shift aligns with broader criminal justice reform goals, it requires a significant adjustment in training, mindset, and resources for law enforcement agencies.
Proposition 47 has created challenges for police officers by altering their role in the criminal justice system, increasing the complexity of their work, and sometimes leading to feelings of frustration and diminished effectiveness in maintaining public safety.
Proposition 47 has contributed to increased resignations and retirements among law enforcement officers, although it is one of several factors influencing this trend. The reduced penalties for certain crimes have led to a perceived decrease in the effectiveness of police work, which can diminish job satisfaction and morale. Many officers report frustration with the revolving door of criminal justice, where offenders are quickly released and reoffend, making it difficult for law enforcement to maintain public safety. This environment, combined with other challenges such as increased scrutiny and limited resources, has led some officers to leave the profession earlier than they might have otherwise.
The unintended consequences of poor criminal justice policy decisions in California highlight the complexities of reform. While reducing incarceration rates and promoting rehabilitation are laudable goals, achieving these outcomes requires careful planning, adequate resources, and ongoing evaluation. Without these elements, policies like Proposition 47 risk exacerbating the very problems they aim to solve, leading to higher crime rates, strained public services, and a loss of trust in the criminal justice system. As California continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for balanced, evidence-based policy decisions has never been more critical. Proposition 47 has been a failed experiment on criminal justice public policy and needs to be repealed before further damage can occur to the citizens and visitors of the Golden State.
NO CRIME IS NOT AT AN ALL TIME LOW
Reason why: The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, primary source for nationwide crime data. 25-35% depending on the year of agencies since 2020 have failed to provide data.
Focused Deterrence: Less police officers on the street and a lack of the use of police to enforce the law. 44% increase in police officer retirements.
The reduction in consequences for drug and property crimes, which has led to a broader sense of lawlessness.
The proposition's reclassification of crimes has led to fewer offenders being incarcerated, which has contributed to the increased criminal activity. California: 2014 to 2023, violent crime rose by 23%, while arrests for violent crime dropped by 9%, property crime by 38% and drug crime by an incredible 86%. Additionally, the data shows that 63.8% of violent offenders nationwide reoffend after being released from prison. California recidivism rates need a significant study completed but a look into a specific county (Yolo) indicates that recidivism rates average between 75-78% which is 10-15% above the national average.
ZERO Bail Effects: In California those rearrested totaled 169% more crimes than individuals released on bail. The average recidivism rate for those released on zero bail was 78% over 18 months, while the average recidivism rate for those released on bail was only 33% to 44%. That is a model than can be applied in most jurisdictions that followed the same zero bail policies.
Unreported Crime: National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), in recent years, only 47% of violent crimes and 35% of property crimes were reported to police on average. 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police (RAINN). 70% of cases go unreported (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). 50% of burglaries go unreported. (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). Crime Reporting Apathy: This occurs when victims or the public no longer report crimes because they feel it's futile—or from the perception that crime is normalized. Estimations that there are 14 million illegal aliens in this country at present. Many of those cases are not reported, underreported and law enforcement must also now focus on these issues. Recidivism rates w illegals.
National Clearance Rates for Crimes Committed: murder 52.3%; rape 26.1%; robbery, 23.2%; and aggravated assault, 41.4%. Of property crimes, burglary, 13%; larceny-theft, 12.4%; and motor vehicle theft, 9.3%. For cybercrime, it's estimated that 90% goes unreported.
Ferguson Effect: the reluctance of police to engage proactively = Increased Crime Rates and Decreased Officer Morale.
Conclusion: These contradiction points to the fact that the lower arrest rates are not a reflection of an actual decrease in crime but are instead a result of reduced enforcement, legal reclassifications, and societal attitudes toward reporting crime.
Causal Reasons for Crime
1. Lack of Focused Deterrence
2. General Misuse of Bail (Cashless Bail Uniformly)
3. Ignoring Criminal Statutes Passed by Legislative Authority (This is not discretion)
4. Failing to Apply Recidivism (Violent Offenders 63%-67% under 25 80%)
5. Destroying Police Credibility (Defund—Demote—Deny)
6. Crime Data is Spurious Actually Higher (FBI 25-35% Off)
7. Impact of illegal Immigration ($12m/5% criminals = 600,000) This is a conservative estimate.
8. The Lack of Faith, Family, and Formation
9. Increase in Mental Health (Country of Enablers and not Treaters)
10. Failure to embrace Evidence Based Policing
11. Failure to embraced Outcomes-Based Education/Training.
My podcast also available on Spotify on America’s Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers. And please join me on X @drcurriemyers
This is Dr Currie Myers, America’s Criminologist. To view my work please visit drcurriemyers.substack.com and please share and like our page! And please remember my friends at Howard Wagyu for some of the best beef in America. Howard Wagyu, Kansas homegrown Wagyu Beef so tender you can cut your steak with a fork!
Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Dr C
America Criminologist Podcast for September 27, 2024