California lacks data on outcomes for retail theft arrests ahead of Proposition 36 vote

California's Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made over 1,000 arrests in 2024, but state agencies cannot provide information on what happened to those arrested. More than half of the arrests were cite-and-releases, with many offenders not appearing in court. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that local law enforcement made over 10,000 arrests for various crimes, attributing this to state funding aimed at combating organized retail theft. However, there is no tracking of outcomes for these arrests, raising concerns about accountability. Proposition 36, which aims to strengthen penalties for theft and drug crimes, is set for a vote. Supporters argue it will lead to more arraignments and fewer cite-and-releases, but the governor maintains that this initiative is separate from the current retail theft statistics.