Community members raise their concerns over the Statewide Prison Realignment that could mean Valley State Prison for Women could soon become a prison for men as well. Madera County District Attorney Michael Keitz has his concerns.“I believe overall because of the nature of it as a male institution coupled with the higher level of risk offenders that will be in the prison were going to have an increase number of cases coming into the district attorney's office,” said Keitz.
The male inmates that would be coming into the facility are low level offenders and some worry this will bring more crime into the area, local politicians say they want compensation as more resources will be used. But Madera County Sheriff John Anderson doesn't feel public safety will be impacted.
“There are drugs in prisons and we work those cases now and in the female's prisons, I don't think the impact on the Sheriff's Department will be any different than what we have right now,” said Sheriff Anderson.
A representative with the State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says they want to work with local leaders and the community during the transition.
“We have taken a stance and we want to be open and be transparent during this process and hear the county's concerns and work toward making this an easy transition,” said Dana Toyam.
The men could be housed at the facility by next year.
