Caroline Chen

Date of Award

Spring 3-1-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

The implementation of Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109) in October 2011 initiated the shifting of responsibility for a substantial number of non-serious, non-violent, and non-sexual felony offenders from state prisons down to local county jurisdictions in the state of California. Although AB 109, also commonly referred to as “realignment,” initially resulted from overcrowding in state prisons, the multidisciplinary collaboration between Probation Departments and Health and Human Services Agencies may affect recidivism rates and the resulting reintegration of offenders back into local communities. The literature review chapter examines the effects of realignment on public safety, offender rehabilitation, rates of recidivism, and the roles that county agencies play in reintegration. This study will primarily consist of qualitative data collection through key informant interviews. Review and examination of the collected data will provide essential information on the value of such collaboration in respect to the realignment population. The research encompassed in this study provides value for the County of San Mateo, as well as other similar organizations by identifying the necessary components of successful collaboration, reduced rates of recidivism, and successful reintegration back into communities. The researcher is currently employed as a Legal Office Services Supervisor in the Adult Probation Department for the County of San Mateo. This study is important because responsibility for public safety now resides with local county jurisdictions. The goals of reducing recidivism rates and ensuring public safety have long been top priorities for Probation Departments. AB 109 has brought about the opportunity for local counties to focus on providing the appropriate type and level of service in order to move one step closer to those goals.

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