San Diego Launches Effort to Rehabilitate Chronic Offenders

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- The City of San Diego joined forced with other agencies on Dec. 5 to launch a pilot program aimed at providing substance abuse help and social services to chronic misdemeanor offenders.

The San Diego Misdemeanants At-Risk Track -- or SMART program -- has been under development for several months and includes partnerships with the San Diego Housing Commission, police and sheriff's departments, Family Health Centers of San Diego and the American Civil Liberties Union, among others.

The offenders targeted by the program, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said, are heavy users of public resources who are resistant to receiving help that would turn their lives around.

``Some are addicted to drugs and alcohol, some have problems with mental illness, some are homeless -- they need our help,'' Faulconer said at a news conference.

City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said the criminal justice system isn't equipped to deal with such people, who continue with their offenses because they don't face consequences for their conduct.

``SMART offers a different approach, an offer of meaningful help -- not just one night in a bed, but up to two years as long as they are (getting) the needed treatment,'' Goldsmith said. ``Our part is to provide the consistency of a bed. Their part is to provide participation and treatment.''

City officials said the population of chronic low-level criminals has risen in San Diego since state Proposition 47, which lowered penalties forcertain crimes, was implemented.

The program, which will start in the San Diego Police Department's Central Division in and around downtown, is expected to focus on people with acute drug addictions and social service needs, particularly those arrested since Proposition 47 took effect in 2014.

Police, prosecutors and social service representatives will offer the SMART program participation during routine contacts, arrests, arraignment,sentencing and while suspects are in custody.

City News Service contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock