By Brenna Angel/KPR
Frankfort, KY – A program created by a legislative overhaul of Kentucky's penal code took effect today, resulting in the release of more than 900 prison inmates across the state. The Mandatory Re-Entry Supervision Program is one aspect of House Bill 463. Some prosecutors and law enforcement officers think parts of the legislation still need clarification, but Justice Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown believes the re-entry program will lead to lower recidivism rates. He says,
"There might be some individuals out there who have some particular criticism, but it's a sweeping bill. If we're talking about the mandatory supervision part of it, you know at this point I don't know that there are any valid criticisms because we don't have any experience with it yet."
Brown says the 54 new parole officers were hired to work with the released inmates. They will conduct regular meetings and recommend possible work programs or drug rehab. House Bill 463 is projected to save the state more than $400 million over the next 10 years.