Parole Board may make early release programs permanent; Public, Senator chime in

NORTHSTATE AREA, Calif. — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is considering a permanent expansion of its early release programs centered around a credit-earning system.

The proposition was put before the public in an open conference call Thursday morning. 77 people attended, and their feedback was a mixed bag. Some ex-convicts or mothers of convicts spoke up in favor of the idea, noting the incentive nature of these programs and their ability to help rehabilitate those that are willing. On the flip side, many felt it put the public at risk, including a retired corrections officer, who believes it's a flawed concept.

Under these possible changes, an inmate who committed a "serious" or "violent" felony could see their original sentence reduced by up to 33%, an increase from the current regulations of 20%. And for inmates that aren't deemed violent and who were sentenced under the state's Three Strikes Law, they could earn 66% time off of their sentence, up from 50%.

Here are what some unnamed callers had to say:

"I know firsthand how important these credit opportunities are during my own incarceration. These opportunities encourage people to engage in rehabilitative and education services that make our community safer...I respectfully ask that you approve these regulations."

"I'm a retired corrections officer. 30 years, CDCR. I think I'm definitely opposed to it. Prior to them being released, they should already have programs set up for them. If there's nothing for them...they're just going to keep committing crime."

"Let's stop the scare tactics. Let's get back to evidence and science. I strongly support these regulations"

KRCR also spoke with Senator Brian Dahle, who is leading a strong opposition against early parole along with other California Republicans. Dahle is running his Governor campaign on strict public safety reform.

"These are violent criminals and repeat offenders. They need to serve their time and debt to society," Dahle said. "And you know nobody talks about the victims."

"We need to replace the parole board. Even when the DA's of the state recommends that they not let these people out, they're (the parole board) letting them out."

Dahle told KRCR that the next step is to keep applying pressure. "It's bizarre what's happening, and people need to understand that we can change that."

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