Crime rate increases after release of prisoners

The Youngstown Vindicator reported Monday that local law enforcement are growing more certain every day that a decision to enforce an early prisoner-release program in order to save money is influencing local crime rates.

From the story:

Austintown made 18 more felony arrests this March than in March 2004.

In the past month, Liberty police have investigated three armed robberies, including a bank robbery.
And Boardman police also have seen an increase in crime in the past few weeks.

Although Austintown Police Chief Gordon Ellis says the spike in crime could be the result of many factors, the Mahoning County Justice Center's decision to turn prisoners away because of financial constraints can't be discounted.

"It would appear to be a factor," the chief said.

Liberty Police Chief Anthony Slifka and Boardman Police Chief Jeffrey Patterson concur.

"When there are more people committing crimes out on the streets and not in jail, the crime rate will increase," Slifka said.

On April 28, Boardman officers arrested two men, charging them with breaking into Market Street businesses. One of the suspects had been arrested for similar crimes April 13, Patterson said.

Speaking of former prisoners, the Mansfield News Journal is reporting that police are looking for a missing parolee who has been to prison twice, and who has a "history of violence, including domestic violence and disorderly conduct convictions."

"He's not a nice guy," said John Mayer, supervisor for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

And they released him why?

Related Story:
Justice system failures = new Ohio victims