February 5, 2010
Assemblyman Hagman calls for freeze of inmate releases
Last week, the state began implementing the worst law in 2009 that aims to cut the state's prison population by about 6,500 inmates over the next year. This law was part of the 2009 budget package that I strongly opposed, yet it passed through with a Democratic majority and was unfortunately approved by the governor. The stated goal of this plan was to reduce overcrowding and save money in the Corrections budget.
Since this plan was first introduced, I have had no doubt that this new policy would jeopardize our public safety. Unfortunately, this has already proven to be too true.
On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department released hundreds of prisoners earlier than scheduled in order to comply with the new standards. The inmates were classified as "non-violent" offenders, some of whom had even earned "good behavior credits." Less than 24 hours later, one of these inmates, Kevin Eugene Peterson, was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual battery, false imprisonment and violating the terms of his probation…
LINK - ChinoHills.com
