Keep Bailing

Santa Ana — In continued controversy over early release of inmates, an Orange County Superior Court judge has decided against Sheriff deputy union members, denying their request Thursday to halt the early release of Orange County inmates.

Reportedly, Judge Steven Perk wants the final decision left in the hands of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens stating, “How do I issue an order to the board of supervisors telling the sheriff how to run the jail… if I don’t have jurisdiction over that person, then I don’t have the authority.”

The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs wanted to put a stop to a new law that was put in effect last month.  The new law allows a reduction in inmate sentences by up to half through ‘good behaviour credits.’

Initially, the law was put forth to ease the overcrowding in prisons and save millions of state budget dollars.  But the sheriff’s union argument spoke to how this move could endanger the public. The Crime Victims United of California group filed a lawsuit claiming the new early release law jeopardizes the public and is unconstitutional.

The decision has also created confusion with local law enforcement officials.  The quandry is to whether the law applies to both county jails as well as state prisons. Over 1,500 have been released from California County jails since the new law came to effect on Jan. 25th of last year. The legislation was signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Next month, Judge Perk will have another hearing on whether or not to block any further early releases. 

We’ll have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully, our decision makers won’t make the move that sends the crime makers back on to the streets.