Many states have looked to thin their prison populations by releasing inmates early or changing sentencing laws.
Many newly released former inmates give up the job search in frustration when applications fail to yield employment and return to the streets.
"And then when they release inmates into society, people wonder why the recidivism rate is so great."
The board was authorized, under certain conditions, to release inmates from District of Columbia before their terms had expired.
And special attention should be given to releasing older inmates, a fast-growing part of the prisoner population.
Some states have talked about releasing ageing inmates early.
As California prisons prepare to release inmates, prison libraries play an important role in reintegration.
Like most other addicts seeking treatment, many recently released inmates find themselves on long waiting lists for overcrowded programs.
If the protesters hold on long enough, they will push the state to begin releasing inmates on July 12.
The goal should be to release inmates with an admission ticket to treatment in the community.