event California—State of Change Dec 3, 2014 About the ProgramAfter years of economic turmoil, California has entered a period of reform and reinvention. Electoral innovations, major changes to our corrections and health care systems, and renewed leadership in climate and energy policy—these changes will affect the lives of all Californians. Will they result in a better future for the Golden State? This December, as California's newly elected leaders develop their policy agendas for 2015, the Public Policy Institute of California will host a wide–ranging discussion about the future Californians want and the policy choices needed to achieve it.
blog post Will Proposition 47 Save Money? By Sonya Tafoya, Magnus Lofstrom Nov 20, 2014 Proposition 47 may result in substantial savings because fewer inmates will be housed in county jails. But a closer look suggests expectations may be too optimistic.
blog post A Closer Look at Early Jail Releases By Magnus Lofstrom, Brandon Martin Sep 17, 2014 Almost three years after California’s public safety realignment took effect, county sheriffs have few options for handling jail populations that are approaching historical highs reached in 2007.
blog post Realignment: Progress and Challenges By Magnus Lofstrom Jul 21, 2014 Now that realignment is approaching the three-year mark, has the reform delivered? In some important ways, yes, it has. But a fundamental issue remains.
blog post Evaluating Corrections Reforms By Joseph Hayes, Sonya Tafoya Jun 12, 2014 Three years into public safety realignment, we know little about which programs and services are most effective at reducing recidivism. This is not the first time California has made a major corrections policy change without the tools to evaluate it.
Report Key Factors in California’s Jail Construction Needs By Magnus Lofstrom, Brandon Martin May 7, 2014 Now that California has shifted responsibility for many criminal offenders to the counties, county jail systems face greater capacity challenges. This report highlights two important factors in addressing jail capacity constraints: aging jail facilities and long-term needs. We show that a number of facilities are old and likely in need of costly updates or replacement and that growth in the state’s population is likely to exert significant pressure on the county jail system. Our analysis suggests that a thoughtful combination of further jail construction and decreased reliance on incarceration is needed, given the magnitude of the current and future jail needs.
event Corrections Reform in California Apr 21, 2014 About the Program California is making historic changes to its corrections system, shifting key responsibilities from the state to the counties. This shift has reduced the number of people who are incarcerated and created a renewed interest in rehabilitation programs. Please join us for a wide-ranging panel discussion about corrections reform, from reducing recidivism to improving outcomes for individuals and communities. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. Lunch will be provided.
blog post Testimony: Crime Trends in California By Magnus Lofstrom Jan 30, 2014 As legislators prepare to consider the state budget, the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee took a broad look at public safety realignment at a hearing this week. The committee invited PPIC research fellow Magnus Lofstrom to testify about the impact of this major change in corrections policy on crime in California.
