By Todd Hatton
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky is preparing for today's early release of nearly 1,000 inmates as part an overhaul of the corrections department state lawmakers passed last year. Inmates within six months of being released will be let go and put under Probation and Parole Department supervision. Justice Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown says the program also helps inmates find jobs and housing after leaving prison, in an effort to reduce recidivism. It also will trim the Department of Corrections budget by about $40 million next year. 996 inmates will be released today, but Brown expects about 3,000 to be let go throughout 2012. Most were convicted of Class D felonies, which are the lowest level. Inmates not eligible for the program include those convicted of Class A felonies and those considered maximum security prisoners. The state has hired about 90 new probation and parole workers to handle the increased number going into supervision.