February 2, 2023 - Fresno County District Attorney Lisa A. Smittcamp's response to California Governor Gavin Newsom's remarks at a press conference on Wednesday:
Earlier today, during a scheduled press conference on gun reform, the Governor was asked by a reporter for his thoughts on the comments of Fresno County District Attomey Lisa Smittcamp regarding 
the suspect in the shooting and killing of a Selma Police Officer.
In response, DA Smittcamp said, "Governor Newsom continues to demonstrate his ignorance and lack of understanding of how the criminal justice system works. His arrogant and defensive response is proof positive that he is attempting to deflect responsibility for his failed policies, but he also proves, once again, his lack of understanding of the sentencing structure and process in which criminal cases are handled in the Superior Courts of the State of California."
Smittcamp further stated, "As he often does, Governor Newsom failed to answer the question posed to him. He is the biggest proponent of the early release of criminals, and enhanced time credits for inmates and regulations allowing additional accelerated time credits to be arbitrarily granted to inmates when they are sentenced to prison. These policies are a constant threat to public safety. Furthermore, he also ducked the question about the death penalty being used for people who kill babies/infants suggested by Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux after a mass homicide in his County. Again, the Governor avoided the question and said he believed "we" should find the perpetrator and close the case."
DA Smittcamp went on to say, *"I would like to invite the Governor to my office to have a discussion regarding his policies. Maybe if he would listen to real prosecutors, instead of supporting imposter DAs, he may learn the true ramifications of his failed policies."
DA Smittcamp supports the Assemblymembers who are currently attempting to pass legislation under AB 15, which would provide that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation records pertaining to an inmate's release date and their early release credit are public records and are subject to disclosure under the Cali Public Records Act. Regarding AB 15, Smittcamp said, "it is time to shine a bright light on the time credit and early release laws so that the good people of this state can see how their Governor, and some select legislators are endangering the safety of all Californians."
In closing, Smittcamp stated, "The Fresno County District Attorney's Office is committed to pursuing justice and improving public safety for the people of the County of Fresno. Despite our best efforts, police and prosecutors can only do that if we have state laws and policies that are centered around accountability and responsibility for criminals. We need reform to promote public safety. Our state deserves better, and we must continue to demand that those with the authority to implement change do so with public s as their highest priority."
Source: Fresno County Sheriff's Office
