INGLEWOOD – Inglewood Assembly member Tina McKinnor (D-61) stands in support of addressing organized retail theft while ensuring civil liberties are upheld.
Assembly Bill 1990 (AB 1990), authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld.
AB 1990 will allow law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting offenses not witnessed by the officer, as long as there is reasonable cause to believe the individual committed the crime.
AB 1990 grants officers the authority to arrest individuals based on reasonable cause, without witnessing the crime firsthand which can lead to negative consequences and possible violations of individual rights. Probable cause is the legal standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected criminal and for the courts to issue a search warrant.
McKinnor finds the bill dangerous with the potential overreach and possible infringement on civil liberties, particularly due process.
“Now is the time to continue our work to make smart changes to the criminal justice system. Smart changes like my AB 2833 which will ensure that any information shared in the preparation for, in the course of, or pursuant to the Restorative Justice process is confidential and inadmissible in any future court proceeding. Restorative justice is an essential pillar of making our criminal justice system more fair, just and equitable.”
In a recent op-ed, McKinnor points to continuing with a collaborative approach between policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses and communities to work together in finding solutions that effectively address organized retail theft without encroaching on individual rights.
“Ongoing evaluation and a commitment to thoughtful consideration will be crucial in navigating this challenge and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all. Balancing the scales of justice to protect businesses while upholding civil liberties demands a comprehensive and conscientious approach from all stakeholders involved.”
McKinnor points to a recent investment by the state for counties to address the ongoing issue of organized retail theft after California distributed over $267 million to local law enforcement agencies across the state, in late 2023, to combat organized retail crime.
“Los Angeles County recently applied for and received a grant for the State of California for $15.6 million dollars to address retail theft enforcement. LA District Attorney George Gascon also recently formed an organized retail task force that partners with LA County Sheriff’s Department, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Torrance and Santa Monica Police Departments to integrate their response to retail theft across the region. These collaborative efforts, such as those seen in initiatives like the organized retail task force in LA County, demonstrate the importance of a united approach to tackling theft while maintaining a balance between enforcement and civil liberties.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recently announced nearly 200 organized retail theft cases involving adult and juvenile defendants have been filed by the office.
“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime, it harms our community’s sense of security while shopping at these retailers, and the ability for local businesses to succeed,” District Attorney Gascón said. “When we saw a rise in organized retail theft crimes, I committed to holding these individuals accountable. Through my partnership with the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we have been able to track down many of the offenders and bring them to justice.
Last month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced charges against the ringleader of an organized retail crime scheme that spanned 21 counties and involved an estimated $8 million worth of beauty products, as well as multiple members of her organized retail crime ring. It is alleged that the ringleader of the scheme paid more than 7 people to steal from Ulta Beauty stores, as well as other retail outlets. The ringleader would then sell the stolen cosmetic items on her Amazon storefront.
“Organized retail crime has significant financial and safety implications for businesses, retailers, and consumers,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, we are addressing an audacious instance of organized retail theft and making it clear that such criminal activity will not be accepted in California. As the leading law enforcement official in our state, my dedication lies in actively pursuing and bringing to justice those who violate the law. Ending crime is a team effort.“
In the end, McKinnor urges her colleagues to strike a balance in laws that will hold people accountable while simultaneously upholding their civil rights.
“Restorative justice recognizes the trauma of victims and perpetrators of crime and provides a constructive space for victims and perpetrators to find healing. Healing that will help victims to find peace. Healing that will help perpetrators find forgiveness. Healing that will break the chains of recidivism.”
1 Comment
Having been a victim of car theft in which multiple similar cars were torn apart and combined to create one that the thief could keep if none of the owners requested parts return. One must consider the victims sense of safety if carjacked will never be restored.
Likewise small business may never emotionally recover the devastation of armed robbery. Often there are those who work their hardest to justify or “understand the victimizers” but think the victims can just go on as if nothing happened.
Consider also the public theft has gone unchallenged and unpunished by the District Attorney’s Gascon’s office.
Could it be elected are more concerned with protecting fellow elected rather than the public they are supposed to serve?
(The former superintendent of Centinela Valley Union High Schools and former Inglewood City Council member has still not been brought before a jury though arrested 12 years ago. -See Daily Breeze expose for a small sampling of his misdeeds at student expense.
Customers (who pay more for products) and students rights should not be left out of the balancing act.
Does anyone remember when all children were taught not to steal, and not to lie and not to hurt others and to treat others the way you wanted to be treated?