In his first-ever “State of Public Safety” address, Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho outlined his goals for the future in addressing crimes. With his second year in office underway, Ho emphasized his commitment to protect people, connect communities, and preserve promises.
Among his plans for the future, Ho announced the development of a rapid response fentanyl team within the next 60 days. Since January 2021, more than 600 people in Sacramento County have died from fentanyl overdose. With the help of local and federal law enforcement agencies, the team will work on investigations and prosecutions in an effort to stop the spread of this deadly drug.
Laura Didier, a mother who lost her son to fentanyl poisoning in 2020, expressed her support for Ho’s plan, citing the importance of education, Didier has been advocating for awareness and prevention in schools and through nonprofit initiatives.
Ho also addressed the issue of homelessness, stating it as his top priority. He is pushing for stricter regulations on camping in the community, including a daytime camping ban. While some city council members have proposed a similar ban, it was met with strong backlash from homeless advocates.
Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness Executive Director Bob Erlenbusch condemned the idea of a daytime camping ban, calling it “mean-spirited” and “counterproductive.” Instead, Erlenbusch advocates for more safe parking programs, shelters, and tiny home communities.
In regards to crimes, Ho announced the creation of an organized retail theft prosecution unit in his office, which has already charged 35 people in the past few months. He also expressed a desire to go after repeat offenders and focus on retail theft rings and fencers.
While violent crimes and homicides have decreased in Sacramento according to the latest data from Sacramento police, Chief Kathy Lester stressed that there is still work to be done. She highlighted the department’s efforts in outreach, intervention, and targeted enforcement to combat violence in the city.
As he looks towards his second year in office, Ho remains steadfast in his commitment to public safety and vows to continue working with partners at the local and federal level to tackle issues such as fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and organized retail theft.