Department of Corrections admits dangerous inmates misclassified and freed under early release program
For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or
Paul Haney (626) 755-4759
Department of Corrections admits dangerous inmates misclassified and freed under early release program; computer determining system flawed
LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2010 -- In a surprising admission about a parole eligibility program that the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) has been warning state leaders and residents about for nearly a year, the California Department of Corrections (CDC) has admitted its early release program presents a grave danger to the public.
Corrections Secretary Matthew Cate, who spearheads the program that releases inmates early to roam the streets unsupervised - determined by the CDC's Parole Violation Decision-Making Instrument (PVDMI) computer system - admitted yesterday that 656 recently released inmates pose a danger to public safety.
"Last May, we warned the Governor and the public that the Department of Corrections' Parole Violation Decision-Making Instrument system was a deeply flawed way to determine which inmates should be returned to, or released from, state prisons," said Paul M. Weber, President of the LAPPL. "The CDC's announcement that a 'computer upgrade' revealed that 656 early release inmates were misclassified, and had committed more crimes than previously thought, just confirms our long-standing concerns.
"There is an old adage that applies to computers and statistics: 'garbage in, garbage out,'" Weber continued. "What's important to remember here is that this program directly impacts human lives. Public safety demands that determining who should be released from prison cannot be left to a program that overrides human judgment and common sense.
"Parole agents, who are seasoned in evaluating inmates and parolees, need to make these determinations, not computer programs. And, just as importantly, real parole agents need to be supervising these inmates once they return to our communities," said Weber.
"We call on the Department of Corrections to let the public know how many early releases have been granted so far, and what percentage of them are considered dangerous. In addition, we renew our call on the Governor to stop the early release program today, and we ask the Legislature to step in on this clear failure of the parole system before any further early releases occur," Weber concluded.
Related releases:
Los Angeles Police Officers call on Governor to Stop Dangerous New Parole Program (5/5/09)
LAPPL Statement on Proposed Massive Prisoner Release (5/23/09)
State to release thousands of felons; Prison gates open January 25 (1/15/10)
Governor "commutes" sentences of 6,000 inmates (1/21/10)
About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.
