IN DEPTH: Early parole and its effect on the region

From the Burbank Leader Despite reassurances from state officials that the thousands of inmates due to be released early from prisons will be low-risk offenders, Burbank and Glendale authorities say the state is abdicating its duties, forcing their officers to act as parole agents. Starting Jan. 25, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was allowed to begin releasing inmates early in an effort to relieve overcrowded prisons, cut costs and reduce the burden on overworked parole agents. But the program has been a source of contention between the state and local law enforcement officials, who say freeing inmates without active parole supervision threatens public safety. Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta could see up to 44 newly released inmates move into their communities without supervision, although local officials say that number could be far higher. ... Continue Reading: Early parole and its effect on the region