|
|
| Ala. Governor seeks early release for some inmates |
| By Times-Daily |
| Published: 09/17/2003 |
|
Alabama police chiefs braced for a new round of prisoner releases and higher traffic fatalities as a possible result of Gov. Bob Riley's plan to plug a $675 million hole in next year's budgets. Prison commissioner Donal Campbell said Riley will seek legislation to increase the number of parole board members from three to seven in order to speed the release of between 5,000 and 6,000 inmates in the next few months. This year's budgets are in trouble because a combination of rosy income estimates and a poor national economy has slowed state tax collections. Some fear that the paroles of several thousand more inmates will increase crime since not all released inmates can be expected 'to be engaged in lawful pursuits.'' Public Safety Director Mike Coppage said trooper patrols will be limited to 150 miles a day. He said 52 driver license centers, two field offices and one trooper post will be closed. He did not identify them. He said fewer state trooper patrols will translate into fewer drunk driving stops and more traffic fatalities. Florence Police Chief Rick Singleton said departments 'are doing good to handle what they've got now.'' He said inmates released to the Shoals will be hard pressed to find jobs, because northwest Alabama has a relatively high unemployment rate. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think