DENVER—Legislators concerned about an increase in prisoners being released early on parole are hoping an upcoming audit will provide answers.
The Colorado Department of Corrections says nearly 5,600 inmates were released in the fiscal year that ended in June 30. That’s more than 500 from the previous year. This year’s figures are almost double the number of prisoners released in 2006, a figure Republican state Sen. Josh Penry calls concerning.
Penry and some of his colleagues last year requested an audit on why the numbers have increased since Gov. Bill Ritter began appointing parole board members two years ago.
The audit will be released Monday.
Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer says the governor’s priority is public safety and legislator’s hoping to uncover a nefarious conspiracy will be disappointed.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
