One of the two prison facilities in Chowchilla could change from a women's prison to a men's facility.
Some folks in Madera County are worried about possible changes to a Chowchilla women's prison.
One of the two women's prisons could be turned into a men's prison as part of a statewide prison realignment.
Some residents are concerned that the families of male inmates will move into the community and cause trouble but the California Department of Corrections says that scenario is unlikely.
Chief of Police Jay Varney said, “In a community our size, it could be 400-500 additional members of our community who we may not have the services to support.”
Terry McDonald, Director of Adult Institutions for the California Department of Corrections said, “The reality of it is that, often times, it's unfounded concern, but we have to take those issues very seriously, listen, and communicate as we move forward.”
Prisoners who would be moved to Chowchilla are low-level offenders, with an average sentence of 18 months.
The conversion from a women's prison to a men's prison could happen within the next year.
