More Prisoners Released Early Because Of Overcrowding
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Some state inmates may get out from behind bars early.
The Arkansas Board of Correction invoked both of the state`s emergency powers acts today. That could give up to 860 inmates an early release from prison to ease overcrowding.
Correction spokeswoman Dina Tyler says the state`s standard emergency act would allow about 560 inmates who are within 90 days of their release date an early out. But a new law expands that when the prison backup reaches 500 inmates.
Tyler says the backup is at about 1200 inmates. So the board approved the release of another 300 inmates on top of the 560 who qualify under the standard emergency act.
Tyler says the 300 who could be released under the expanded act
are non-violent offenders who are within a year of their parole
date.
