UCLA Criminal Justice Law Review

Over the past several years, we have seen significant criminal justice reform efforts on a national level, the most sweeping of which have taken place in California. The impetus behind these changes has been the increased widespread understanding of the drivers of criminogenic behavior coupled with intentional and targeted efforts by lawmakers and the criminal justice system to attempt to reduce recidivism by addressing those drivers. At a local level, Los Angeles County has led the way in these efforts with the implementation of various collaborative programs and initiatives by the court system, local government and law enforcement. By addressing criminogenic drivers, as opposed to focusing on retribution and incapacitation, the region has become smarter on crime. This approach facilitates both rehabilitation for the individual who committeda crime and restoration for the victims, thereby significantly and effectively reducing recidivism. In other words, this approach accomplishes the ultimate goal of improving public safety.