How Sacramento sheriff's deputies are already putting people in jail under new Prop 36
A new California law that had overwhelming support from voters is now on the books. Proposition 36 cracks down on repeat offenders, taking aim at certain drug offenses and shoplifting.
Law enforcement is already making arrests and putting people in jail.
Prop 36 charges people with a felony after a third arrest.
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies in the organized retail theft unit are undercover this week for "Operation Ugly Sweater."
The team of deputies undercover inside two businesses and outside in the parking lot are searching for shoplifters showing up in stores, alongside paying shoppers buying gifts for the holidays.
"After the passage of Prop 36, we now have the ability, with two previous convictions, even if they're misdemeanor convictions, to be able to charge someone with a felony, regardless of the dollar amount," said Det. Andy Cater.
Before Prop 36 went into place Wednesday, suspects arrested for stealing merchandise under $950 only faced a misdemeanor.
It didn't matter how many previous tickets they had; they didn't spend time in jail and could keep shoplifting.
"Suspects are very open about the fact that they know theft in the state of California under $950 is a misdemeanor," Cater said. "They have no problem telling us, 'Why? I didn't steal a felony amount.'"
As deputies prepare for another day of stopping retail theft, they have more ammunition to keep repeat offenders out of stores.
"Our officers are feeling more empowered," Cater said. "We're not just racking up another citation. Our officers feel like what they're doing matters and that they want to do the extra legwork to make sure that we get a good conviction."
Outside a retail store, deputies arrest a woman they say changed clothes inside the store.
She told the deputies she has been arrested before and they explained the new law and how she will be going to jail, instead of getting a ticket.
The law also says a previous misdemeanor in another state counts toward the two previous charges.
Detectives said it will be a while before they know the impact Prop 36 will have but hope, eventually, it will help bring down prices in retail stores for paying customers.
In one day of Operation Ugly Sweater, deputies arrested 31 people, including three now facing Prop 36 felonies.
They said one person had counterfeit money, and they caught a suspect on parole carrying a loaded weapon and methamphetamine.
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