Number
091311
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN
Title
Substitute resolution opposing early release of prisoners from state facilities and urging suspension of the state’s early release program.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee’s opposition to the early release of prisoners from state facilities and urges suspension of the state’s recently enacted early release program.
Body
Whereas, Under the leadership of Chief Edward Flynn, the Milwaukee Police Department has done a remarkable job of addressing crime issues in Milwaukee, as evidenced by 8 consecutive quarters of reduced crime along with double-digit decreases in homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and auto theft, leading to safer neighborhoods, safer public spaces and a better quality of life for our law-abiding city residents; and
Whereas, In a cost-saving measure, Wisconsin’s 2009-2011 biennium budget includes a Criminal Justice Reform Initiative whereby prison inmates are awarded positive adjustment credits for time served, thereby reducing the term of confinement in prison and placing convicted felons back on the street significantly earlier than intended sentences; and
Whereas, Accompanied by neither re-entry support initiatives or increased monitoring mechanisms, this “early release program” will have a devastating impact on Milwaukee’s public safety efforts, as a minimum of 65 percent to 75 percent of the roughly 3,000 inmates eligible for early release will return to the Milwaukee area; and
Whereas, This certain influx of early parolees will only exacerbate Milwaukee’s already serious recidivism problem, borne out by the fact that nearly 60 percent of the roughly 5,000 individuals arrested in Milwaukee last year for violating parole had additional charges at the time of arrest; and
Whereas, One need look no further than Wisconsin’s neighbor state of Illinois for the potentially disastrous consequences of awarding good-time cre...
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