Criminals overcrowding the Fresno County Jail; i'ts been a major issue for quite some time, and many taxpayers agree.
" I pay my taxes and its annoying to see how it's spent," said Martha Alba.
There is some relief in sight, thanks to the money coming from the state as part of the prison re alignment plan, an extra floor with 432 beds at the Fresno County Jail will open Saturday, and for law enforcement, that means relief they so desperately need even if it is just temporary.
" It allows us to slow down the early release of prisoners," Chief Jerry Dyer said.
Some folks aren't buying it, they believe so much more needs to be done.
" A lot of these people just keep coming back," said Martha Alba.
Sheriff Margaret Mims says that even if the new floor doesn't necessarily put a stop to early releases, she wants the community to be assured that those who charged with serious criminal offenses will be kept locked up.
"Murder, rape, robbery, they don't get released early, we keep them," Sheriff Mims said.
Those enforcing the law say they are half way there, with 2 new floors open the goal is to secure funding by the end of the year to open the last floor.
"That last one is on us, on the board of supervisors," said Debbie Poochigian, County Supervisor.
Law enoforcement officers say the extra bed space will send a message to all criminals.
"If you commit a crime, you will be arrested and you'll stay in jail," Dyer said.
