Police Chief Warns Against Mass Releases In CA
Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian told Pasadena Now he is concerned that tens of thousands of prisoners may be released back into society early due to both state and federal initiatives and that could lead to unprecedented spikes in the rate of violent crime statewide.
The California prison system could possibly release up to a third of its current prison population of 170,000 inmates out into the streets in the next three years. Though it is not known exactly how many current inmates consider Pasadena home, Melekian said during a recent meeting with members of the press that about 25 to 33 percent of state inmates are from Los Angeles County. Such initiatives would address the state’s problem on overcrowded prisons that are now operating at close to 200 percent of design capacity as well as save $803 million to $906 million each year, according to a federal ruling issued by three judges last February. However, the potential monetary savings do not justify the potential risk to citizens, Melekian says …
Melekian also noted that despite the possible ramifications, it seems that mass inmate release is inevitable given the condition of both the state’s economy and the overcrowded prison system. “The fact of the matter is, the only other solution … that could have some short-term results is the transfer of prisoners to … facilities in other states that have capacity,” Melekian said. “But…there is a cost associated with that and you don’t necessarily deal with the budget issues.” The only alternative Melekian said he envisions is the construction of additional prisons to alleviate the overcrowding. However, he noted that the financial condition of the state, plus the amount of time required to plan, approve, and build new correctional facilities, makes this virtually impossible …
State Senator Carol Liu is concerned about the implications of such plans, and is monitoring any possible cuts regarding public safety very closely, she said through her spokesman Robert Oakes. “The state is in a desperate fiscal situation and needs to look for all potential ways to reduce spending. Nonetheless, public safety must remain paramount,” Liu said in a prepared statement. “I expect the Governor to explain this budget proposal in detail and discuss how we can protect our communities and our citizens while also allowing offenders to leave prison early. I look forward to working with local elected officials and my legislative colleagues as we address the deepening fiscal crisis” …
California Attorney General Jerry Brown has said in a news release regarding the state prisoners’ class action lawsuit that might in part mandate early prisoner releases that he feels federal government is intruding on the rights of states. Brown said the judges’ ruling “is a blunt instrument that does not recognize the imperatives of public safety, nor the challenges of incarcerating criminals.”
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