Cite and Divert should be implemented

Watching the George Floyd trial is heartbreaking. In San Marcos, a group of advocates called Mano Amigo and a supportive city council, passed a new ordinance that could have prevented all this pain and suffering. It is called Cite and Release. It is such a simple and commonsense approach. Basically, it states that if a person is pulled over for a misdemeanor offense, he need not be arrested. Instead, at the officer’s discretion, he may be issued a ticket, and resolve the complaint in court on an appointed date. If Cite and Release is widely adopted, it could greatly improve our trust in the police. George Floyd and so many other black people might still be alive today. This ordinance offers a blueprint that can save lives, increase trust in the legal system, and does not call for defunding the police.

But it gets even better. There is another ordinance that San Marcos has passed. This one is called Cite and Divert. Basically, this states that if a person is found guilty of a misdemeanor or minor offense, he is given the opportunity to keep this off his record by agreeing to either engage in community service or to take classes which the judge mandates. These classes include topics like drug prevention, anger management, etc. This ordinance accomplishes many objectives. It allows people to gain or keep employment without a stain on their public record. It teaches people how to become better and more productive citizens. It also prevents the prison system from being overcrowded by people who have merely committed misdemeanors which, of course, saves taxpayers’ money.

Unfortunately, although these ordinances passed, they have not been implemented. So many excuses! The real reason appears to be an outdated racist agenda designed to punish and harm minorities. Now required to document the use of cite and divert, it is easy to see a pattern of scapegoating minorities. This ordinance is subject to the judgement of the officer involved which, according to these records, appears to be heavily weighted against blacks and Hispanics. How many atrocities must occur before change is realized? The San Marcos police department has an opportunity to gain recognition and greatly encourage trust and respect in our police force! Will they meet the challenge or continue to waffle and delay by clinging to outmoded racist and divisive practices?

Mary Barrows
San Marcos