49 Inmates Released Under New Policy

Forty-nine inmates held on nonviolent misdemeanor charges and with bails of less than $25,000 have been released under a new Sheriff’s Department policy to reduce jail costs.

Last month, 2,300 inmates were released under a policy then in effect that required them to have served at least 70% of their sentences for misdemeanors.

Under the new policy, suspects arrested on misdemeanor charges that would fall below the bail threshold, instead of being incarcerated, will be given citations and released pending future court dates. Sheriff’s officials said the releases are needed so that the department can save about $20 million a year by closing the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood and the Biscailuz Recovery Center.