Bail rule reveals some offenders are booked, released multiple times

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - An emergency statewide bail rule reveals a revolving door for dozens of offenders.

The rule was implemented in April by the Judicial Council of California to reduce jail populations in an effort to prevent the coronavirus from spreading among inmates.

Bail is eliminated for nearly all misdemeanor offenses and some low grade felonies. Those arrestees who meet the criteria are booked and released without having to post bail.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, this has resulted in 34 offenders being booked and released multiple times from the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

In just three weeks, one man has been booked and released six separate times.

“The problem with this scheme is these repeat offenders keep coming back to jail and are more likely to contract and spread the virus than if they stayed in custody in the first place,” said Sheriff Bill Ayub. “It’s frustrating for deputies to arrest the same people over and over again and see them walk out of jail.”

The jail population in Ventura County has made a significant drop, mainly because court cases are on hold and offenders are not being sentenced. Normally averaging between 1400 and 1500 inmates, the jail population is now below 900.

The zero bail rule will remain in effect until 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted by Governor Gavin Newsom.