You know what the real irony is? It seems that of the some 170,000 inmates, about 28,000 of them are "lifers" who will serve not less than 15 years and most over 25 years. Of all the inmates, only these "lifers" are required to attend and complete just about every rehabilitation program available, including several vocational trades, anger management, values training, and so on and so forth, for decades. Of the few that have been released over the past 10 years, only about 14% have actually returned to prison, most with just a parole condition violation, and less than 1% with a new violent crime. Darned thing, ain't it? If they have programmed with years of rehabilitation activities, perhaps they should be the ones the Governor considers for release, say all of those over 15 or 20 years in already who have attended and whose records indicate reform? Then we wouldn't have to worry about them returning to prison, would we? Just a thought.

This has been the on going controversary for many years. We all here know this is not "NEW NEWS". Something that is on the NY DOC website............

Testimony of Brian Fischer, Commissioner
New York State Department of Correctional Services

Before Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees, January 27, 2009


………….. “Provide for six months of Limited Credit Time for certain violent felony offenders who prove themselves in terms of good behavior and who complete enhanced program requirements during incarceration. One example: working as a hospice aid for fellow inmates who are terminally ill. This would not only help motivated offenders better prepare for their return to the community but would also keep correctional facilities safer by providing an incentive for good behavior. Sex offenders and those convicted of first degree or attempted first degree murder would not be eligible. Here are examples of how this proposal would work for inmates who meet all the criteria: An offender serving an indeterminate sentence of 7 to 21 years, who would otherwise be conditionally released after 14 years, would now be released after 13½ years. An offender serving a determinate sentence of 21 years would be released after 17½ years, rather than 18 years, which currently would be that offender’s conditional release date. Eligible A-1 felony offenders, who receive maximum life terms, would have the time credit applied to their minimum period, so an A-1 felon serving 15 years to life would be able to see the Parole Board after 14½ years – with no guarantee of release. The awarding of “good time” has proven to enhance safety in our prisons. Between 1996, when the related Merit Time program was created, and 2008, we saw a dramatic reduction in prison violence in the form of 35 percent, or 312, fewer inmate assaults on staff and 60 percent, or 985, fewer inmate assaults on other inmates. And releasing some inmates convicted of violent crimes has NOT posed a danger to society: of the 585 inmates classified as the most violent, or A-1, offenders who were released to parole supervision for the first time between 2005 and 2008, none has returned to prison for a new crime.” ………………………

Proven fact that a LARGE percentage of Lifers dont return to prison after being paroled!

They have had enough time to get tired of prison life!!!!

I am new to this site but I am finding helpful information. Thanks PTO

so...... how do we get California to follow New York's lead?

this is no new news here for sure. this is out there for all to see, they just don't react to the truth.