California Governor Jerry Brown proposes a new sentencing reforms to free certain felons. This reform is believed to have a huge effect on prison population once approved. California State Sheriff's Association on the other hand has some concerns about the said proposal of the new reform.
Republican state Senator Jim Nielsen, who was the former head of the state parole board, had something to say regarding the proposal. He expressed that weakening the criminal justice system will make the citizens' safety suffer, ABC News shared.
On the contrary, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck and San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has agree on what Governor Jerry Brown was proposing. The L.A. Police Chief had showcased that the proposed sentencing reform will free up prison cells for more violent criminals. According to him, these change application will encourage prisoners to cooperate with various rehabilitation plans.
Moreover, various voices from public officials have been raised regarding the reform. Democratic Senator Loni Hancock said that the proposed reform will help on reducing mass imprisonment and free up funds for other priorities, US News cited.
According to Fox40, the sentence reform proposal will also allow non-violent felons to be granted parole after they have fully completed their sentences. In line with this, judges instead of prosecutors will be able to decide if and when the juvenile should be tried in the adult court.
Governor Jerry Brown wants to pursue the said sentence reform for the voters to approve in November 2016. He notably allocated a budget of $24 million for political campaigns.
