Committee passes resolution opposing early release of violent offenders by the Michigan Department of Corrections

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' Public Services Committee voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing the early release of violent offenders by the Michigan Department of Corrections. The resolution is strongly supported by Commissioners Craig S. Covey and Jim Runestad, who were instrumental in bringing the issue before the committee. The resolution opposes the Michigan Department of Corrections practice of releasing violent and repeat offender inmates near the minimum end of their sentence. The resolution requests that a review of criteria will be used to determine eligibility for parole of violent and repeat offenders. "We've suffered some very violent crimes against residents here in Royal Oak and Ferndale recently, from newly released career criminals on parole, and we demand that the Michigan Dept. of Corrections and the Parole Board review its criteria for early release and parole decisions immediately. Citizens have a right to be safe and know that the system is not releasing violent offenders back on the street without supervision to prey on our residents," stated Covey. Covey and Runestad will bring the resolution before the full Board on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for a vote. Runestad, who chairs the Public Service Committee stated, "I am concerned about the severe number of crimes being committed by parolees that are not being properly vetted through the system. I strongly encourage the state to revisit this process." Members of the Public Service Committee include Commissioners Bill Dwyer, Mike Bosnic, Craig S. Covey, Marcia Gershenson, Jeff Matis, Gary McGillivray, Shelley G. Taub, and Janet Jackson. Published: Mon, Jan 30, 2012

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