$6M grant to help drug abusers, mentally ill after arrest

A $6 million grant to provide services to drug abusers charged with certain misdemeanors crimes under Proposition 47 has been awarded to the city and county of San Diego.

The money, which was approved Thursday by the Board of State and Community Corrections, will help connect offenders struggling with drug abuse and mental health issues with job programs and recovery and rehabilitation groups.

County Supervisor Dianna Jacob said, “With this grant, we’re aiming to further improve public safety and help those who have been on the wrong side of the law become healthy, productive members of the community.”

Prop. 47, which was approved by voters in 2014, reduced penalties for some non-violent crimes including drug possession and petty theft, from low-level felonies to misdemeanors.

One of the provisions of the law says that the state must take the savings from the resulting reduced prison population and divert the money to the grant program.

County officials said the money, being allocated for the first time, will give offenders a better chance at remaining out of trouble and becoming self-sufficient. The ultimate goal is to reduce crime.

According to a 2016 SANDAG report, about 75 percent of the people who are booked into jail for non-violent crimes also test positive for drugs.

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said the funding will support “our ongoing efforts to stop the revolving door to jail.”

It will give people the tools they need to help them improve their quality of life, which will reduce crime and recidivism, Dumanis said.

Through the county’s program, community agencies will reach out to offenders appearing in court for misdemeanor offenses and provide in-person connections, substance abuse treatment and help with housing and jobs.

The city of San Diego will expand the San Diego Misdemeanants At-Risk Track, or SMART, pilot program, which focuses on diverting and engaging individuals with chronic needs for services.

The funds will be allocated at the end of June, officials said.

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