Early releases to begin next month

(Lexington-AP) -- Members of Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board say they'll begin next month to consider releasing hundreds of prison inmates early. <br><br>Governor Keating had asked the board

Wednesday, December 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Lexington-AP) -- Members of Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board say they'll begin next month to consider releasing hundreds of prison inmates early.

Governor Keating had asked the board to think about early releases of nonviolent, nonhabitual offenders as a way of cutting costs for the state Department of Corrections. Keating says almost 1,100 inmates fit the criteria and are not believed to be a public danger.

Terry Jenks of the board says about 300 cases submitted by Keating have been reviewed or will be reviewed before next month's meeting.

To be eligible, inmates must also be no more than a year away from finishing their sentences and must have no serious misconduct records from prison.