newjerseynewsroom.com

Follows arrest of parolees in Jersey City and Camden on murder charges

Without hesitation Monday, Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation that puts an end to the New Jersey prison system’s mandatory early release parole program, a law the governor initially sought to end 10 months ago on the prediction that it would put public safety at risk.

With the governor’s signature, the release of another four prisoners scheduled for Monday was stopped; 14 inmates were scheduled to be released Tuesday.

“From a public policy and public safety point of view, the statutory early release law was a disaster,” Christie said. “Repeal should have happened 10 months ago, when we predicted and warned of the tragic circumstances that would follow if this law remained in effect. Nonetheless, I’m relieved and grateful that the Legislature finally acted to repeal this failed law. Our communities and the safety of our citizens must get first consideration, and repeal of this law accomplishes that.

In recent months, two parolees – one in Jersey City, the other in Camden -- whom had previously been denied parole while serving their prison terms, were charged with murder after being released under the early release program. Other inmates gaining early release have been involved in violent crimes, including one individual who robbed and beat a woman so badly police had difficulty identifying her. That parolee had twice been denied parole while serving his sentence.

The bill passed by the Assembly Monday with a bipartisan vote. It has been approved by the Senate. The legislation approved by Christie includes a provision added by the governor in a conditional veto issued on March 30. The provision returns discretion to the parole board for determining parole eligibility. Prior to Christie‘s action, a mandatory 3-year parole review for all inmates was imposed on the Parole Board – even for those inmates who made no efforts toward rehabilitation.

“These are decisions that belong not with lawmakers but with professionals who have taken on this responsibility successfully for decades,” Christie said.

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM