New Tough-on-Crime Measures Caught on Camera: 'OH S---!' California Criminal Suspects.

In California, a video recording of suspects being arrested reveals their shocked expression upon learning they will be taken to jail rather than given a citation and released, a practice that has been criticized by residents and lawmakers for promoting harmful behavior and jeopardizing public safety.

A montage of footage from the Seal Beach Police Department's bodycams depicts officers being questioned about receiving a citation for their alleged wrongdoings.

An officer is heard saying off camera, "Welcome to Orange County."

Other suspects were heard asking to be transferred to Los Angeles County under former District Attorney George Gascon, who was voted out in November after a tumultuous first term in office. Gascon's criminal justice reforms resulted in suspects being treated differently than in neighboring Orange County.

In 2020, Todd Spitzer, the District Attorney of Orange County and a critic of Gascon and other lenient prosecutors, launched a billboard campaign reminding criminals that committing crimes is not profitable in his area.

In November, voters in every California county, including over 75% of voters in Orange County, supported public safety and approved Prop. 36 to hold repeat thieves accountable. As a result, we are fulfilling our commitment to upholding public safety. Orange County stands out.

"The police officers who arrest criminals are aware that they will be prosecuted," he stated.

In November, California voters passed Proposition 36, which amended some of the state's contentious criminal justice policies by enhancing penalties for theft and drug trafficking offenses.

An individual inquired of an officer in the Seal Beach police video whether they would be receiving a citation for suspected petty theft.

An officer remarks, "If you visit Orange County, it's likely you'll end up in the county jail."

Another person is saying, "Can't we go to Los Angeles County?"

In Orange County, criminals are prosecuted, and it's stated that "You're in the wrong county to be in."

In December, a video was released by Seal Beach authorities, depicting three individuals who were caught stealing $650 worth of merchandise from an Ulta Beauty store. The footage showed them in the store before the alleged theft.

Nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise was allegedly stolen by women who entered a Kohl's department store, as shown in a video.

The police bodycam footage reveals the police officers pursuing the women and eventually apprehending them.

"Is it a felony?" one of the women inquires the other in the patrol car.

"B---h, new laws," the partner responds. "This Orange County doesn't play. Stealing is a felony."