GREELEY, Colo.—Three of Weld County’s top law enforcement officials oppose plans to release some state prisoners early to save money.
Gov. Bill Ritter has announced plans for the early release of 3,500 of the 23,000 inmates in state prisons over two years to save about $45 million. It’s part of efforts to slash $320 million from the budget.
Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner says crime will rise if prisoners are released.
Weld County Sheriff John Cooke suggested cutting social programs instead.
And Weld County District Ken Buck says releasing people early from prison and parole will shift the burden to local communities. Buck is a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Some inmates, such as sex offenders, wouldn’t be eligible for early release.
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Information from: Greeley Daily Tribune,
