Assembly Bill 109 (AB109), enacted in California in 2011, is a landmark criminal justice reform legislation that aimed to address the overcrowding crisis in the state’s prisons. AB109 sought to realign the criminal justice system by shifting the responsibility of incarcerating certain low-level offenders from the state to the counties. AB109 has sparked debates and discussions on its effectiveness, impact on county probation departments and jails, and its implications for public safety. The law aimed to create a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to criminal justice while promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The primary goal of AB109 was to realign the state’s criminal justice system and shift the responsibility of …show more content…
The law’s realignment of certain low-level offenders from state prisons to local supervision has placed increased responsibilities and demands on these county-level institutions. County probation departments have experienced a notable shift in their workload and responsibilities because of AB109. With the influx of people now under their supervision, probation departments have had to expand their capacity to provide adequate monitoring, support, and rehabilitation services. This includes managing caseloads, conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions, and facilitating access to community-based programs and services. The increased workload has required probation departments to adapt their practices, develop new strategies, and collaborate with various community partners to effectively address the needs of the inmates under their supervision. The county jails have been impacted as low-level offenders are now sentenced to county jail terms instead of state prison. In the article, Public Safety Realignment: Impacts So Far, it states “In September 2014, county jails housed 82,681 inmates, up 15 percent from September 2011” (Lofstrom, Martin). The influx has put a strain on jail facilities, exacerbating issues related to overcrowding and limited resources. County jails have had to manage this increased population while ensuring safety and security of both staff and inmates. The need for additional space, staffing, and resources has been a challenge for many county jails, with some struggling to meet the