Police messaging on Prop. 47 draws suspicion from supporters

Proposition 47, a landmark law that was passed on the November ballot, is designed to ease California’s overcrowded prisons. The law is a flashpoint between common opponents: prison reform advocates and law enforcement officials. In Long Beach, local police officers have appeared at community meetings to report upticks in crime and drug usage, warning residents to beware of dangerous criminals being released into the streets as a result of the law; supporters of Prop 47 say some officers are playing on the public’s fear and distorting the potential effects of the law. “[Police are] suggesting more people are getting out and creating harm in our communities. We have to remember the Prop. 47 crimes are not violent crimes.” The story is on Voicewaves.