Local Sheriffs Support Governor’s Prison Proposal

Gov. Jerry Brown wants state lawmakers to approve spending $315 million to rent cells in private prisons and county jails as an alternative to releasing thousands of inmates.

The reduction in crowding is needed to comply with a federal court order by Jan. 1.

The order was designed to improve medical care for inmates.

Brown is appealing the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court but wants to avoid a mass release of inmates in the meantime.

Local sheriff’s support his plan.

San Luis Obispo Sheriff Ian Parkinson said, “I have stated previously that I support the governor’s prison plan in concept. To do otherwise would mean California would be forced to release inmates from state prison who are simply not ready to be released. I am against the arbitrary release of 10,000 inmates into our communities because of the inherent safety risks to the public.”

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said, “I believe Gov. Brown’s action to rent prison space is in the best interest of the safety of the community. Releasing 10,000 inmates before they have served their sentences will guarantee an increase in crime in our neighborhoods.”

And Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, “I strongly support Gov. Brown’s approach to deal with this trying and complex problem.”