East Bay Politician Opposed To Richmond Jail Expansion; Would Rather Spend On Job Training
RICHMOND (KCBS)— A plan to expand the Contra Costa County jail in Richmond is coming under fire from an East Bay lawmaker.
State Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Oakland, believes the money for jail construction should be used for more programs that would reduce incarcerations.
The county has been discussing the West County Detention Facility for several years.
"My office and other legislators were very involved with the county, and then they first developed their plan," Hancock said.
She said they need prevention programs, education and job training more than a new jail.
"I've heard from everyone that they think this isn't needed. [That] it would be a misplacement of needed money to do things that could have much more beneficial results for the community.
The plan for the jail's expansion is scheduled to go before Richmond City Council at Tuesday night's meeting.