Curtis Jackson, aka “50 Cent,” knows a thing or two about the inner workings of the criminal justice system, considering he has been arrested multiple times and rapped extensively about his brushes with the law. So, when 50 Cent recently let loose about Los Angeles reinstating its “zero bail” policy, it definitely caused quite a stir.
In a post on Instagram, Jackson shared a local news story about a Los Angeles judge’s decision to reestablish the “zero bail” policy for those accused of misdemeanors and non-violent felonies via a court injunction.
According to Jackson, “LA is finished watch how bad it gets out there.”
During the pandemic, Los Angeles initiated the “zero bail” policy as a temporary measure to alleviate overcrowding in its overburdened jail system. The policy, which has been praised by progressives and is the brainchild of far-left Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, ended last summer.
But, in late May, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff ruled in favor of an activist group who sued the city claiming cash bail caused undue harm.
In his ruling, Riff wrote, “Enforcing the secured money bail schedules against poor people who are detained in jail solely for the reason of their poverty is a clear, pervasive, and serious constitutional violation.”
“Evidence shows the preliminary injunction will reduce the incidence of new criminal activity and failures to appear for future court proceedings,” Riff added.
In January 2021, Gascon released a statement that sounds quite similar to Riff:
“Money bail is as unjust as it is unsafe. It allows wealthy people who are dangerous to purchase their freedom while those without means who pose no risk to public safety languish in jail awaiting trial. There is no evidence that cash bail provides a sufficient incentive necessary for people to return to court.”
Unfortunately, as law-abiding citizens of Los Angeles are well aware, Riff and Gascon are dead wrong.
Consider.
In February, the YOLO County District Attorney released a comprehensive report detailing the consequences of the “zero bail” policy during the pandemic.
Below are some of the key findings of the report:
“Individuals released on Zero Bail were subsequently rearrested for a total of 163% more crimes than individuals released on bail.”
“Arrested individuals released on Zero Bail reoffended at an average rate that was 70% higher than arrestees who posted bail.”
“The average recidivism rate for those released on Zero Bail was 78% over 18 months, while the average recidivism rate for those released on bail was only 46%.”
“Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new felonies 90% more often than those who posted bail.”
“Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new misdemeanors 123% more often than those who posted bail.”
“Individuals released on Zero Bail were rearrested for two or more new crimes 148% more often than those released on bail.”
“Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new violent offenses 200% more often than those who posted bail.”
YOLO District Attorney Jeff Reisig concluded, “The results of this recent study on the actual impacts of zero bail policies clearly demonstrate that victimization dramatically increases, and public safety is significantly compromised, when bail is eliminated as a tool for use by the courts. A 163% increase in total crime and a 200% increase in violent crime by arrestees released on zero bail, when compared to those released by the courts on traditional bail, is the type of compelling data that should drive future discussion on any contemplated bail reform.”
Clearly, Los Angeles’ decision to reinstate the “zero bail” policy will do more harm than good.
The only question remaining, in line with 50 Cent’s comment, is: How bad will it get?