Chief Stevens, Mayor Clarkson warn Zero Bail will handicap law enforcement

SAN RAMON – During San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson’s May 1st “Mayor’s Breakfast,” he and San Ramon Chief of Police Craig Stevens discussed a recent order from the California Judicial Council, dubbed “Zero Bail.”

The Zero Bail rule was adopted on April 6 by the state judicial council. It established a statewide emergency bail schedule at $0 for most misdemeanor and low-level felony offenses and is set to expire 90 days after California’s State of Emergency is lifted.

In a meeting with the Town of Danville, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Anderson explained how the order was affecting the county’s jail capacity, “we significantly reduced the number of inmates in our jail to about 35%.” She said bookings into the jail are down to about ten a day compared to the normal sixty a day. “The purpose of that, of course, is to protect the inmate population and have as few people in there,” she said. Supervisor Anderson also explained the criminals who are still incarcerated are there for serious offenses.

During the meeting, Chief Stevens addressed two cases which he said highlighted the impacts of Zero Bail but caused misunderstanding and frustration from residents. He cited unfair media coverage of both cases, saying it contributed to citizens’ frustration.

In April, San Ramon Police officers successfully arrested a stolen vehicle suspect after a wrong-way vehicle pursuit. The suspect was transported to the county jail but was cited and released upon arrival. Later that month, deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect in San Ramon who was wanted for carjacking a motorist. He had been released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin only hours earlier after being held for vehicle theft.

Chief Stevens explained the emergency Zero Bail rule requires law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Office, to cite and release criminals whose offenses are outlined in the rule. He added the Sheriff’s Office no longer has the authority to incarcerate suspects accused of those offenses. “I want people to know that it’s not just the police department or the Sheriff deciding not to make arrests. We are simply complying with this judicial order,” Chief Stevens explained.

He explained the anticipated consequences of Zero Bail, “I’m fully expecting that in conjunction with this order that we’re going to see a crime rate that is going up.”

Mayor Clarkson also expressed his frustration with Zero Bail, “A lot of residents, including myself, are not happy with how we’re handicapping our police… the reality is that we are seeing a huge uptick in property crimes.” He added that surrounding cities share the same frustration and he has reached out to state representatives to share his opinion.

When asked how his department is working to prosecute cases during the crisis, Chief Stevens explained that few criminal courts are in session due to COVID-19, saying, “the judicial process is falling behind.” He noted that his department is working with the District Attorney’s Office to find ways to bring justice.

Chief Stevens noted his department has already seen an increase in domestic violence cases along with a “significant increase” in mental health commitments. He assured the mayor he would be monitoring those trends during the shelter-in-place order.

“We know the frustration you’re experiencing as you literally chase down bad guys and you’re unable to book them,” Mayor Clarkson said to Chief Stevens. “Don’t let that discourage you; we so appreciate what you guys do.”