(Sacramento) - Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) issued today the following statement regarding the recent inspector general audit that revealed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) improper release of 450 dangerous inmates.

"If we cannot trust the CDCR to properly release 1500 offenders, how can we trust them in releasing to our communities upwards of 117,000 by 2015," said Nielsen. "Throughout 2009 and 2010, I spoke and debated these very issues, predicting the consequences of CDCR and the Legislatively imposed policies. I find not comfort, rather despair, being literally the prophet of doom."

The release was part of an inmate reduction program and was based on a law passed in January 2010, SB18xxx. Under the new law the offenders would not have to report to parole agents, as they would under traditional parole.

"The use of check-box and no consequence parole policies must be stopped," Nielsen continued. "This includes repealing budget bill SB 18xxx and AB 109, the governor's dangerous public safety realignment legislation."

Nielsen explained that there are many options to deal with inmate healthcare and overcrowding, he urged for common sense, public safety sensitive budget negotiations with the governor and suggested that this can only happen if the governor's budget plan is rejected.

"No one should knowingly support or vote for legislation that ensures our lives and property are at risk," concluded Nielsen.