Catch and release

As noted here earlier, because of Indiana's get-tough-on-crime policies, our state led the nation in the percentage increase in prison population last year, but our legislators won't spend money to add more bed space. That combination (or a judge's order) could lead to the same result here that fiscal problems have brought to the West Coast:

California's budget crisis and overcrowded prisons have led to a new reality for thousands of convicted felons: parole is getting a lot easier — no more random drug tests, travel rules or requirements to check in with an officer.

Restrictions have been relaxed for nonviolent criminals like burglars, drug offenders and fraudsters under a new law that aims to shrink the prison population by reducing the number of minor parole violations that send ex-cons back to prison.

The story notes that local law enforcement agencies and community groups are worried because less supervision could lead to "a spike in crime, compounding the exact problem state officials are trying to remedy."Gee, ya think? Pay attention lawmakers,