Golden State Today

New analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals a significant decline in both violent and property crime rates over the past three decades. The report highlights that "violent and property crime rates are less than half of what they were, and property crime is at pre-pandemic levels," with additional benefits from reduced incarceration costs.

Property crime in California decreased in 13 out of 17 years between 2007 and 2023, now standing at 44% lower than in 2007 and 55% lower than it was 30 years ago. Violent crime also saw a reduction in nine of those years, currently being 4% lower than in 2007 and slightly less than half of what it was three decades ago.

The decrease in the incarcerated population has resulted in substantial savings for state and county governments. State correctional system spending dropped from representing 9.4% of the General Fund in 2007 to just 6.7% in 2024.

Governor Gavin Newsom commented on these findings: "California’s comprehensive effort – utilizing effective and proven tools and strategies – have continually driven down crime rates and saved taxpayer money. We’ll continue to work collaboratively for real results to keep Californians safe."

Additionally, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received more funding to combat sideshows as part of broader public safety efforts. Governor Newsom announced a CHP partnership with San Bernardino, leading to over 10,000 arrests under the state's Organized Retail Theft grants.

Since 2019, California has invested over $1.1 billion into resources aimed at fighting crime, aiding local police hiring, and improving public safety measures. In alignment with this commitment, Governor Newsom recently announced an unprecedented investment targeting organized retail crime within the Real Public Safety Plan.

This year also saw the signing of major bipartisan legislation designed to tackle property crime more effectively through new penalties and tools for prosecuting serial offenders. These laws aim to enhance law enforcement capabilities against activities like drifting, street racing, and blocking intersections.