Gov. Jerry Brown over the weekend vetoed a bill written in response to the killing of Whittier police Officer Keith Boyer, saying it was too reminiscent of the state’s abandoned three-strikes law.

The bill, penned by Assemblyman Ian Calderon, D-Whittier, would have required jailing probationers who violate the terms of their supervision at least three times.

The suspect in Boyer’s killing, Michael Christopher Mejia, was on probation Feb. 20 the day police believe he crashed a stolen vehicle on Colima Road, then engaged in a shootout with Boyer and Officer Patrick Hazell, who survived. Mejia is now awaiting trial on murder charges.

Mejia cycled in and out of county jail in the months before the shooting after repeatedly violating the terms of his probation, according to police.

Anti-three strikes

“Three strikes” often refers to the law California voters overwhelmingly approved in 1994 ballot as Prop. 184. It required individuals previously convicted of serious felonies to be sentenced to longer prison terms.

Under Prop. 184, a third conviction often resulted in a sentence of 25 years to life. Voters amended the law in 2012 to allow for lighter sentences if the third conviction was for a less serious or nonviolent felony.

“I do not agree with a three-strikes-and-you’re-out approach is the correct solution,” Brown said in his veto message. “This would undermine the sound discretion of local probation authorities, who by training and sworn responsibility, are in the best position to make determinations on what types of sanctions or punishment should be imposed.”

Calderon’s bill, A.B. 1408, also would have required the Board of Parole Hearings to consider inmates’ entire criminal history, not just the most recent offense, when considering them for release from prison. Under current law, the board may consider the entire criminal history of an inmate prior to granting parole, but they are not required to.

The risk of unintended results

In vetoing the bill, Brown acknowledged it was written in sincerity “as a response to the senseless and horrifying murder of a Whittier police officer, an event that shocked and saddened our entire state.”

However, he added, history shows “legislative responses to specific, individual crimes often do not produce the intended results, and more often than not are found to be counterproductive once they are implemented.”

Local reaction

Whittier officials actively pushed for reform of laws they blame for Boyer’s death, including A.B. 1408. Mayor Joe Vinatieri was “bitterly disappointed” to hear of Brown’s veto, he said.

“This was a very measured bill that would have helped greatly, especially the portion where the state could have looked at a felon’s complete history of violence, which they’re not allowed to do now,” Vinatieri said.

The bill also had bipartisan support, he added. Not one Democrat or Republican voted “no” in the Assembly or state Senate.

“In light of the overwhelming support for this measured response, it’s time for an initiative,” Vinatieri said. “It’s time for the people to stand up and say enough is enough.”

Calderon didn’t return two phone calls Monday seeking comment. At an earlier press conference in front of Whittier City Hall in March, he said the bill would “help prevent tragedies like what we witnessed on Feb. 20.”

City Manager Jeff Collier also was disappointed in Brown’s veto.

“It’s a slap in the face to all Californians as we all realize that crime is increasing,” Collier said. “This seemed like a very measured bill that focuses on the worst of the worst criminals.”