The state must reduce its prison population to less than 137% capacity, the judges said Thursday. The ruling immediately drew fire from the California Police Chiefs Association, which released a statement saying the chiefs are appalled.
"We find it incredible that the court is putting the concerns of convicted felons before the safety of our communities, whose members depend on us for their safety and well-being," said Covina Police Chief Kim Raney, the association's president. "This will have a direct, unambiguous and severe impact on public safety."
Gov. Jerry Brown is attempted to obtain a judicial stay that would halt the release.