APD could triple misdemeanor releases

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Travis County is trying to prepare for the influx of misdemeanors suspects that will need to be processed once the Austin Police Department begins their field release program. Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton implemented the program in September 2007 not only to assess jail overcrowding, but to also keep deputies on the street longer.

"It is not a program to reduce jail overcrowding," said Sheriff Greg Hamilton.

In 2008, the Travis County Sheriff's Office issued 130 field release citations. It did not put a dent in the 61,000 inmates booked into jail.

By law, enforcement officers can choose to issue a citation, in lieu of arrest, for the following offenses:

• possession of marijuana
• criminal mischief
• graffiti
• theft
• theft of services
• contraband/correctional facility
• driving while license suspended

Tuesday, Hamilton and Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Judge Herb Evans told the Travis County Commissioners a visiting judge will need to be hired to work eight hours a week reviewing citations for the field release program before the Austin Police Department begins the program Feb. 22.

"This will represent a significant workload for our court," said Evans.

Travis County Jail Administrator Major Darren Long said the Austin Police Department accounts for 72 percent of the inmates that are booked into the Travis County Jail.

Judge Evans asked the commissioners if a visiting judge could be added to the payroll and come in eight hours a week to review citations. A judge must look over each one. Evans would also like to promote one of his clerks to supervisor and increase their salary.

The commissioners asked to see more detailed information on how much taxpayers have saved since the field release program began.

"Is there an actual comparison to see how much money this program has saved and will save in the future?" asked County Judge Sam Biscoe.

Sheriff Hamilton said he will have the statistics for the court Thursday that they can move forward with a decision. He said the program will suffer if extra manpower is not brought in to handle the citations.

"I think that it would muddy-up the process and the individuals would get bogged down," said Hamilton.

The court will take up the issue again in two weeks. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo is scheduled to meet with his department heads Wednesday to discuss more specifics on the field release program.

 

 

 

blog comments powered by Disqus