Supreme Court Ruling May Mean More Prisoners In Martinez

A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week that requires the state of California to drastically reduce the number of prisoners in state prisons could have an effect on Martinez. One of the ideas being considered by Gov. Jerry Brown is a transfer of nonviolent state prisoners to county jails.

Martinez Patch asked Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston about this possibility. Here's what he had to say:

"While I am concerned about the Supreme Court's decision and its impact on public safety, I am hopeful the state will provide an orderly transfer, over two years, of prisoners from their custody to mine. Most importantly, the costs associated with incarcerating these new county prisoners must be borne by the state — not the local taxpayers in Contra Costa County. One thing is for sure, I will not allow or support a wholesale release of prisoners out on the streets. Those that should be held in custody will remain in custody."