Sara Mayeux, on Prison Law Blog, reviews of the basics of how California counties are preparing for AB 109/117 and the shift of low-level offenders from state to county supervision. This shift from state to county responsibility is also being called “prison realignment.” In the post Mayeux reviews the mechanics of the legislation and how it will affect counties, an early prognosis, and how some large and small counties are planning for the responsibility of managing additional probationers. Mayeux and others are closely following this fast-moving issue, as what California does to manage its prison crowding issues will be watched closely by large correctional agencies nationwide.
Each county must form a committee, called a Community Corrections Partnership, to plan for the influx of offenders. BI launched an AB 109/117 website this week to highlight many options the company offers California counties. The site should be helpful for CCPs. It outlines electronic monitoring, day reporting, in-custody, residential programs and more, all options that are relevant for AB 109 planning. Many of these examples exist within California now, with probation departments contracting with BI to collaborate with their probation officers to deliver evidence-based practices in an effort to reduce recidivism and pressure on local jails.
The new BI AB 109/117 prison realignment website is live now.