US
(2008-04-03)
Lawmakers across the country are considering releasing inmates -- even violent ones -- to save money.
An Associated Press analysis finds at least eight states are thinking about freeing inmates or sending some to rehab instead of prison.
Many blame the bad economy for giving them little choice.
Rhode Island State Representative John Shanley says federal regulations have forced the issue. The state has to build more space if it's housing more inmates than the federal government allows.
Eric Sterling of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation says that prisoners who have no support or home or job on the outside will soon be back behind bars.
Tori-Lynn Heaton says she's opposed to Rhode Island's early release proposal because it would have set free her abusive ex-husband, who ended up serving his whole term.
© Copyright 2012, Associated Press
