The California inmate realignment has been in effect for approximately 18 months.  Since that time more and more inmates are being transferred from state prisons to county jails.  This has caused overcrowded conditions on a local level and many detainees are being released via GPS monitoring devices in order to save bed space.

Jails throughout the state have been trying to adapt to the influx of inmates.  At least three counties are facing lawsuits because detainees say that access to medical care is not up to par. They have also alleged these jails lack the necessary substance abuse programs and mental health services.  Sheriffs have said that jails were not meant to house people for more than 12 months.  Now, they face growing numbers of felons who will be detained in their facilities for multiple years.

A spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Jail said they were told to expect about 127 inmates.  They have actually received 142.  A chief custody deputy said they will use the higher number in an effort to better plan future budgets.   He also said the jail anticipates expanding its electronic monitoring program the upcoming months and years.   The county is still trying to manage it's growing inmate population, he said, and GPS devices seem to be the best band aid for the current problem.

Approximately 65 offenders have reportedly been released via monitoring devices since the realignment went into effect.  Many of these inmates are serving split sentences.  People who are given split sentences serve part of their time in jail and are then released and outfitted with a GPS device.  The custody deputy said of the 65, only 12 went on to commit new felonies while they were out on released supervision.

Santa Barbara County jailers feel that split sentences is one of the best ways to deal with growing inmate populations. They also said that these offenders are less likely to commit new crimes.