Omaha's mayor and police chief want to limit furlough and good time privileges to violent criminals
(A-P)
Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle says good-behavior furloughs given to violent inmates may help keep the peace inside Nebraska's prisons, but it is disrupting the peace and safety of Omaha residents.
On Tuesday, Suttle and Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer announced plans to seek state legislation that would limit furlough and good time privileges to violent criminals. The so-called truth-in-sentencing bill would deny furloughs from prison for violent and repeat offenders and those convicted of gun and gang crimes.
It also would require corrections officials to notify police in metropolitan cities when inmates are being furloughed.
The proposal follows recent high-profile incidents involving furloughed inmates, including the September shooting death by police of an inmate who was on a two-day furlough from the state penitentiary.
The 2013 legislative session kicks off Wednesday.
