Top Cops Debate Three Strikes Impact on Crime #VB21
Los Angeles, CA. February 12, 2006 Has the Three Strikes law in California had any impact in the reduction of crime? In an eight-minute video news blog Sheriff Leroy Baca and LAPD Chief William Bratton strongly disagree. The Full Disclosure Network(R) has produced the debate between the two TOP COPS in L. A. and which is available “Free On Demand”, 24/7 as a public service below. Also featured in the video blog is Three Strikes author, former California Assemblyman Bill Jones and L. A. Mayor Antonio Villargairosa.
Baca tells Full Disclosure Network(R) host Leslie Dutton, that the Three Strikes law has been tremendously important and effective, resulting in the downside of serious and violent criminal behavior. In contrast LAPD Chief Bratton attributed the drop in crime to “good police work” saying he opposes the Three Strikes law, favoring supervised judges and prosecutors to deal with the sentencing of criminals. When asked if the Three Strikes law had any impact at all on crime reduction in the City, Bratton said no.
According to the California Legislative Analyst’s study 80,000 second strikers and 7,500 third strikers have been prosecuted under the Three Strikes law, resulting in 43,000 inmates incarcerated, representing 26 percent of the total prison population.
Former Assemblyman Bill Jones explains the history of the Three Strikes law and its intent to stop the revolving door for repeat offenders who were responsible for 60 to 70 percent of violent crimes.
Over the past thirteen years Full Disclosure(R) programs have been featured on 43 cable systems and the Internet. The programs have explored police policies, politics, corruption and reform, interviewing all the LAPD Chiefs from Ed Davis to William Bratton as well as the Southern California County Sheriffs and most U.S. Attorneys General and Special Prosecutors involved in Presidential investigations. Cable channels are listed by community and air times on the website. In 2002 the program was presented with a public affairs EMMY Award for the series “L. A.’s War Against Terrorism”