Antonovich Proposes Panel to Oversee Inmate Releases

In the wake of last week’s mistaken release of four inmates from Los Angeles County Jail, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich on Tuesday called for tighter controls in the jail’s paperwork process.

Antonovich introduced a motion requesting that an oversight committee be formed to review court paperwork prior to releasing any inmates, at least until a better computer system can be put online. The supervisors are scheduled to act on the request at their meeting Tuesday.

Because of the jail’s outdated system of keeping track of inmates, 42 prisoners have been mistakenly let go since the beginning of 1995. Among the inmates still at large are four homicide suspects.

“It seems very elementary,” Antonovich said. “What we are asking for is a third party to review the releases. . . . They have been releasing hard-core felons to the community. We need to protect the society.”