(ConservativeHub.com) – The Sacramento City, California legal department allegedly threatened to fine a Target store for public nuisance after the store repeatedly called the police to report thefts in its Land Part location.
According to a report by the Sacramento Bee, a person who opted to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation stated that Sacramento officials had warned about the possibility of a public nuisance charge against the Land Park Target due to their reports of thefts in the past year.
A police spokesperson reportedly said this related to the Target at 2505 Riverside Blvd., after being asked about the warning.
Following the report regarding the warning, state lawmakers amended a retail theft bill in order to ban such activities from authorities against businesses.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and state Sen. Mike McGuire are promoting a legislative package that includes 14 bills aiming to strengthen fines for retail theft. The initiative is an alternative to implementing changes to the 2014-passed Proposition 47.
Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher and criminal defense attorney Nicole Castronovo criticized the government, highlighting the negative impacts on businesses and public safety. They argue that the current policies are failing and that threats against businesses reporting crimes are exacerbating the issue.
The California Police Chiefs Association and criminal justice experts stressed the importance of responsiveness to crime reports, warning against discouraging businesses from reporting crimes. Criminal justice professor Blake Randol went so far as to claim officials could issue warnings to make it appear that crime statistics are declining. He added that the city is responsible for being more “responsive” to the public’s needs.
Copyright 2024, ConservativeHub.com
