Study: Prison Realignment Has Caused Jail Population to Soar

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Realignment has helped to reduce the Golden State’s prison population, but county correctional systems are dealing with significant challenges.

According to a new report by the Public Policy Institute of California, Prop. 47, which reclassifies certain crimes, has cut the prison population by 17%.

However, it’s caused the jail population in the state’s 58 counties to rise to historical highs.

The state has budgeted more than $10 billion this fiscal year, to help county jails with medical and mental health services.