Published: July 09, 2008 10:11 pm         

Ky. releases 882 prison inmates, drawing criticism

Lexington — The state has released 882 inmates from prisons and jails since late May under a policy aimed at cutting government spending and reducing overcrowding. But the move has drawn criticism from prosecutors.

An additional 887 convicted felons have been released from parole supervision under the new policy, according to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

Lawmakers approved several measures this year to reduce the cost of housing inmates, including quicker consideration of parole, giving inmates more time off their sentences for earning educational degrees, completing drug and alcohol treatment, and for good behavior.

Felons who violate parole rules and have to go back to jail now get credit against their sentences for the time they were out on parole.

Prosecutors say the policy is misguided and potentially dangerous, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported on Wednesday. Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney Eddy Montgomery said the early releases run afoul of the state constitution and threatens public safety.

"Prosecutors are very concerned about the budget provision affecting parolees," said Allison Martin, spokeswoman for Attorney General Jack Conway. "Some of these defendants have committed serious crimes, and the public and prosecutors expect them to serve the maximum time available according to Kentucky statutes."

State Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, said the move was necessary to save money amid declining state revenues and rising inmate populations. Kentucky faces a projected $900 million budget shortfall over the next two years.

"We had to be creative," Webb said.



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