BRICK, N.J. – Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are speaking out against releasing inmates from county jails. The legislators say the decision could have negative lasting implications on the incarcerated individuals and communities.
“Some of the individuals have been incarcerated for resisting arrest, assault on a police officer, child endangerment and domestic violence,” said McGuckin (R-Ocean). “This has led to our county prosecutors protesting a number of the releases to ensure these criminals stay in jail. It’s hard to imagine the battered spouse, child victims and police officers who have already been assaulted by these convicted criminals will feel any safer tonight but I guess the concerns of these victims are not as important.”
More than 800 prisoners were flagged for possible release after state Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner signed an order late Sunday, but county prosecutors objected to more than 300. Those cases must now be heard by a judge.
“Releasing these inmates under the current situation to protect their health today raises concerns about whether or not they would harm themselves or others once they are freed,” said Catalano (R-Ocean). “In addition, when this public health crisis is over, how do we know if these individuals will comply with the directive and return to finish out their sentence? There are just too many unknowns in this situation and the health of our law-abiding residents is our main concern.”