The Jaycee Dugard case has prompted bi-partisan legislation that would change the way the Cailifornia paroles some prisoners. At age 11, Dugard was kidnapped near her South Lake Tahoe home and held captive for 18 years by Phillip and Nancy Garrido. Phillip Gariddo was a convicted sex offender released early on federal parole.
Republican State Senator Ted Gaines believes that currently the state parole board relies too heavily on behavior in prison – and his bill would change that:
“They’re focusing on how well they’re performing in prison and not looking at the heinous nature of the crimes," said Gaines. "In many cases we’re talking about people who have murdered someone, individuals that have committed rape and kidnap; very similar to Mr. Garrido and the crimes he committed.”
Gaines’ measure would require the board to weigh an inmate’s original crime when considering parole. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says a number of improvements have been made to parole procedures since the Garrido case.
