Standing before images of abused toddlers, Sacramento County’s law enforcement leaders warned that California’s mental health diversion program is allowing too many defendants to escape punishment.

At a town hall in south Sacramento attended by about 50 people, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper and District Attorney Thien Ho urged residents to push lawmakers for more restrictions on the statewide program, which was established in 2018 . Under the law, defendants who present a mental health diagnosis usually have their charges dismissed and records cleared after completing a treatment plan.

“Pretty much anybody can qualify for mental health diversion,” Cooper said.

The event’s panelists — Cooper, Ho, Undersheriff Mike Ziegler and Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Sydow — repeatedly pointed

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