Local Assemblymen React To Stalled Prison Release Debate

SACRAMENTO – At issue for lawmakers is the creation of a 16-member sentencing commission which would set new sentencing guidelines. Law enforcement opposes it because it could change what’s considered a felony. Democratic leaders removed that provision earlier this week.

But Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande says Democrats haven’t show them an updated bill. He’s worried they might try to slip it in.

“There will be a big disconnect between this body and the citizens of California. There will be no recourse to say, ‘We think your doing a bad job. What do we do about it?,'” Nestande told News Channel 3 from his Sacramento office.

Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco traveled to Sacramento along with other D.A.’s from around the state to voice their concern. Local Assemblyman Manuel Perez met with Pacheco. He hopes to approve a measure he says would help police and reduce the workload for parole officers.

In a statement, Perez says, “Without such services and supports, and without the appropriate parole supervision, we increase the likelihood of re-offending, again, adding burden to a stressed system and threatening public safety.”

The decision to release thousands of prison inmates will likely have a trickle-down effect on counties like Riverside with already overcrowded jails. Captain Ray Gregory of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will soon head the Blythe and Indio jails. He’s concerned criminals will be let loose on our streets.

“If people community crimes start to see that they aren’t gonna spend sometime in jail, then it does tend to lessen that deterrent,” says Cpt. Gregory.

It’s unclear when the house will vote on the issue. A decision could come as soon as Thursday.