I write to you in strong opposition to the proposal to spend $1.4 billion to expand Los Angeles County’s jail capacity in response to realignment.
I do not support any efforts to expand the jail in Los Angeles County. I believe realignment should be utilized to expand community programs and alternatives to incarceration not to build more cages.
Expanding the jail capacity could mean the elimination or further reduction of city parks, schools, libraries and municipal support services for youth and elderly populations in the state.
The Board of Supervisors has the opportunity to use realignment dollars to increase access to rehabilitation services for people in and outside of our jails, while protecting public safety and reducing costs. There is clear evidence that diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration save money and improve public safety in both the short and long term. The people who will be returning to your county are in need of educational, physical and mental health services, substance abuse and treatment services, and life skills services that could be provided much more cheaply, effectively and comprehensively outside of jail. Strong, independent re-entry services are proven to reduce recidivism and save public dollars.
The State of California decided to fund prisons over all else, it’s time for counties to make a different choice. Making bold moves to stop jail expansion now means counties will have more resources to solve our problems creatively. I urge you to vote against any proposals to expand the jail!
Why is this important?
In response to the realignment of prisoners to the county jails. L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca has proposed a $1.4 billion expansion to Los Angeles County jails. This expansion would add 393 expensive and unneeded beds to LA's jails. Realignment should be utilized to expand community programs and alternatives to incarceration not to build more cages.
