This will be a real issue in the 2011 statewide elections. You just don’t want to be defending releasing prisoners in an election year.   It always knocks office holders off message. Bad problem if you’re the incumbent – good problem if you’re the challenger.

From wkyt.com:

The new policy is to help cut costs and reduce overcrowding in jails and prisons.

Letcher County Commonwealth Attorney Edison Banks says the move tells criminals they can do whatever they want and only face minimum penalties and at the same time tells the community the streets may not be as safe as they could be.

“If you have 20 different theft charges they are still considered d felonies. That person is probably not some one you want out in 6 months or less,” Edison Banks, Letcher County Commonwealth Attorney said.

In Whitesburg the Letcher County jail officials say they’ve released 3 inmates so far.

Banks remains skeptical that the new policies from Frankfort will work.

Attorney general Jack Conway’s office released a statement that said public safety is their number priority. “Prosecutors are very concerned about the budget provision affecting parolees. Some of these defendants have committed serious crimes, and the public and prosecutors expect them to serve the maximum time available according to Kentucky statutes.”

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