O.C’s Bill Hunt Speaks Out On Keeping Criminals in Jail
March 20, 2010
In an opinion published in the Orange County Register Thursday, Bill Hunt discusses the controversial decision by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to offer criminals early release from jail.
The decision to “cite and release” inmates from Orange County jails has led to over 400 criminals being put back onto the streets without having to post bail or provide any further court guarantees. Many of the inmates who are released this way flee. This ‘unsafe practice’ has been put into action and instituted by the court in an effort to relieve jail overcrowding. However, it is said that the overcrowding issue no longer exists, as there are 1,400 open jail beds.
As a function of the criminal justice system, Hunt states that criminal attorneys and bail bondsman have been put in place to keep problems like this at bay. They are ‘private alternatives’ which provide a much needed public service, contribute to the economy and help save tax payer dollars.
When released on bail, the defendant is held responsible to the bail bondsman who keeps tabs on them until they are seen in court. When released early or cited out, these defendants don’t have an incentive to return to court as no one is keeping bids on them. There are approximately 23,160 felony and 111,690 misdemeanor warrants outstanding without any agency currently being held responsible.
Hunt, who is a candidate for O.C. Sheriff, discounts the decision of Sheriff Hutchens to possibly lease any open jail beds to the federal government in order to house criminal illegal aliens. He states, “How can anyone argue the interim sheriff’s plan is in the best interest of public safety in this county… It is time to stop bailing out the federal government for their failures on illegal immigration enforcement.” Hunt refers to the closing of the Orange County Women’s jail to “sell” space for federal prisoners.
Should the general public be worried that these newly released criminals may soon be lurking in their neighborhoods? Who should carry the burden of this issue? What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know.
