Sacramento, CA –Earlier this week the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) called on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to provide an explanation as to why violent prisoners who lack sufficient rehabilitation credits are eligible for early release from state prison. Recent news investigations have highlighted the lack of transparency on how credits are calculated. Senator Patricia Bates (R – Laguna Niguel) issued the following statement:
“I firmly stand with the California District Attorneys Association in their call for transparency on how rehabilitative credits are calculated. Violent criminals should not be released early from prison if they fail to meet the necessary credit threshold. CDCR officials must come before the Legislature and answer our questions. I am further calling on Department officials to suspend all pending action to release inmates via the nonviolent offender parole review until we have a clear understanding of the calculating formula. I look forward to having mine and my colleagues’ questions answered.”
Greg Totten, CDAA Chief Executive Officer, made this statement in on behalf of the association:
“CDAA calls upon CDCR officials to immediately explain the system for releasing violent criminals–especially those who have not fully engaged in rehabilitation programs. It needs to stop now. This is not reform. This is an anti-transparent experiment that is gambling with public safety.”
The California District Attorneys Association is a statewide training and advocacy organization representing elected district attorneys, city attorneys with criminal divisions, and more than 3,500 prosecutors.
Senator Bates signed onto a joint letter between Senate and Assembly Republicans urging CDCR officials to withdraw pending regulations that would make the expansion of early release credits permanent for felons. In their letter, Republicans warned of the implications these regulations could have on public safety.
Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Senator Patricia Bates State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814
