September 26, 2009
Contra Costa County leaders urging parole reform
With a recidivism rate for ex-offenders of 65 percent to 70 percent statewide, Contra Costa County communities identified as crime hot spots are seeking ways to improve the parole system.
Leaders of communities such as Richmond, Pittsburg and Bay Point say they may be able to take a huge bite out of the crime rate if they can coordinate health care, job training and placement, housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment for parolees and probationers.
"We have a fragmented and disconnected system now," said DeVone Boggan, who heads the office of Neighborhood Safety in Richmond. "People paroled into Contra Costa get $200 and a backpack…"
LINK - InsideBayArea.com
