By C1 Staff
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — A new system will look beyond the current crime and into an inmate’s past in order to help alleviate overcrowding at the San Joaquin County Jail.
Cap Radio reports that the jail is under a court-ordered cap; currently, releases are based on the seriousness of the current charge.
But the new system will look further than that.
“So somebody who has a violent history, reported failures to appear in court, and have had bench warrants issued in the past,” says San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer Stephanie James when describing the type of inmate likely to remain locked up. “They don’t have a job, not attending school, they don’t have a stable living environment.”
James says the new program will leave only the worst offenders behind bars.
“It’s going to free up 100 or 150 jail beds for that offender who is violent, that is continuing to commit crimes and really needs to remain in custody.”
The new system goes into effect on Oct. 27.