Report: More prisoners in L.A.
Los Angeles County braces for an influx of state prisoners
A tentative settlement calls for low-risk offenders to be moved to local jails. Supervisors, probation officials and others say the state might not provide money to address their added costs.
SACRAMENTO -- With jails, drug-rehab centers and probation offices already swamped, Los Angeles County officials are bracing to take on thousands of additional low-risk convicts who could come their way as part of a proposed legal settlement to reduce state prison overcrowding.
The idea of reducing the state prison population by shifting offenders to county programs and facilities is causing anxiety among those who would be expected to take on the additional responsibilities.
"I'm pretty worried," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, whose jail system is under a court order to ease overcrowded facilities. "The impact is substantial because we have the largest percentage of the prison population coming out of our county. If you don't plan it carefully and with success in mind, what you get is catastrophe."
The idea of reducing the state prison population by shifting offenders to county programs and facilities is causing anxiety among those who would be expected to take on the additional responsibilities.
"I'm pretty worried," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, whose jail system is under a court order to ease overcrowded facilities. "The impact is substantial because we have the largest percentage of the prison population coming out of our county. If you don't plan it carefully and with success in mind, what you get is catastrophe."
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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