Yesterday, Governor Jerry Brown’s administration asked a federal court panel to grant a three-year extension to cut its inmate population by nearly 8500 inmates. Since 2011, through AB 109, the state has been making reductions to its prison population by moving inmates to local jurisdictions.
I support Governor Brown’s request to a federal court panel for a three-year extension for the state to cut its inmate population. In the absence of a well-considered plan, the only options become releasing inmates early or dumping them on already resource-stretched counties. Neither option is in the interest of public safety.
While it is my hope that the federal panel sees the efforts of the state, regardless of its decision, the Governor and Legislature must work with counties to ensure we have the funding and resources needed to handle any additional responsibilities we are given to ensure public safety. Whether the Panel grants the extension or not, the County will be impacted and we must be ready for either contingency.