Public Safety – Protecting California Communities

“Protecting the safety of citizens is government’s first duty, and I am committed to ensuring that California families are thoroughly protected, secure from natural and manmade threats and free of environmental hazards.”  –Phil Angelides, April 2006

Public safety is a priority for every Californian, and Phil Angelides will fight to make California a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

Today, California is well below the national average of police officers per capita. As Governor, Phil Angelides will put more officers on the street and ensure they have the resources they need to protect California families. Phil will enable local governments to customize public safety to the needs of each community.

Unlike Governor Schwarzenegger, Phil Angelides will invest in all levels of education to expand opportunities for Californians because the more opportunities people have in life, the less likely they are to turn to crime, including gangs.  

Jessica's Law and Additional Safeguards to Protect California Families

Phil Angelides supports Jessica’s Law - Proposition 83 on the November ballot. Phil has a comprehensive plan that strengthens the law against sexual predators and remedies the Schwarzenegger administration's failure to adequately protect our children and families from violence and sexual abuse.  »Click here to learn more.

Disaster Preparedness

Unlike Schwarzenegger, who vetoed flood protection legislation, Phil Angelides is committed to ensuring our communities are prepared for a disaster, and that all of our first responders are equipped to respond quickly, decisively and effectively to protect the public. »Click here to learn more.

Illegal Immigration

Phil Angelides believes that the federal immigration and border security system needs a comprehensive, top-to-bottom reform that protects our borders, strengthens our economy and honors our values. »Click here to learn more.

Honor the National Guard

As Governor, Phil Angelides will honor the California National Guard by supporting the education, health and family benefits they deserve.  »Click here to learn more.

Prison Reform

California's prison system is the nation's most expensive, most violent, most crowded, and the least effective in reforming and rehabilitating criminals. Phil Angelides will protect public safety and fix Governor Schwarzenegger's prison mess. »Click here to learn more.

Gun Control

Phil Angelides believes citizens have a legal right to own guns for their own safety, hunting, target practice and collecting. California’s strong laws barring dangerous weapons, requiring background checks, and regulating gun safety have saved lives and kept guns out of the hands of criminals. Phil Angelides favors tougher penalties on using a gun to commit a crime and would support measures making it easier for police to track down and convict criminals who use guns in crimes.

The Death Penalty

Phil Angelides supports capital punishment, as enacted by California voters in 1978, and believes that we must take every precaution to make sure the law is fairly applied.  Phil Angelides believes that when making life-and-death clemency decisions, it is the solemn obligation of the governor who sits in judgment to gather all the facts and proceed thoughtfully and deliberately in accordance with the law.

Three Strikes

Phil Angelides supports the current Three Strikes law, as enacted by California voters in 1994.  As Governor, he will work collaboratively with law enforcement leaders and victims rights groups to consider sensible adjustments that might be in the public interest.