By Melissa Shriver
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 1:50 p.m.
Read more: Local, Community, Crime, Illinois, Budget, Inmates, Release, Prosecutors
Quincy- About one thousand prisoners will be released early from Illinois correctional facilities in the next few weeks.Governor Pat Quinn says the the list isn't final, but none of them are violent offenders, and they'll have to wear electronic monitoring bracelets. The early release will save the state about $5 million.
Prosecuting criminals and sending them to prison is Jon Barnard's job as Adams County State's Attorney. He says it's the *state's* job to protect the public, and the early release plan won't do that.
Barnard said, "I don't like it very much when the Department of Corrections turns around and makes the whole process a sham."
He says it's even worse for crime victims. One non-violent offender recently released years early was convicted of a bank robbery.
Do you think this is compromising public safety?
Barnard said, "Yes. No doubt about it. Because no matter if you look at the Department of Corrections criteria about releasing non-violent offenders, those offenders can do just as much damage to people as violent offenders. You talk to a victim of fraud, or someone who had things stolen and they'll tell you they feel violated. It's just a different kind of damage."
We took this issue to the streets to find out what you thought. We discovered public opinion is on both sides of the issue.
Resident Donna Nell said, "I don't think it's a good idea. If they've committed the crime that got them in there, they need to stay there."
Resident Rob Carson said, "If these prisoners are low risk and in for non-violent crimes, maybe it's time to lower our costs and let them go home."
