A study by Tulare County District Attorney staff found half of the inmates released from jail following an emergency COVID-19 order by the California Judicial Council have re-offended.

In April and July, prosecutors opposed hundreds of motions requesting inmates housed in Tulare County jail facilities be released due to possible COVID dangers. As a result of those motions, over 100 inmates were ordered by the Tulare County Superior Court to be released back into the communities.

“History shows us repeat offenders will, and have, re-offended,” District Attorney Tim Ward said. “While it is a sad fact that half of these inmates released are facing new charges, the real travesty is that about one-third of these repeat offenders are now facing felony charges involving crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and domestic violence.”

In June, the council voted to stop the mandatory emergency policy and leave its further practice to the discretion of the individual county presiding judge.

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