South OC Times

Chino Hills, CA – U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) has written to California Governor Gavin Newsom, voicing concerns over the transfer of 39 death row inmates to the California Institute for Men (CIM) in Chino through the Condemned Inmate Transfer Program.

In her letter, Rep. Kim underscored the safety and security risks posed by the inmate transfer to individuals and families in the Chino Valley community. She also highlighted the financial burden of maintaining additional inmates at a prison that is already nearly 140 percent overcapacity.

"I write to express strong concerns regarding the Condemned Inmate Transfer Program (CITP), which has allowed 39 death row inmates from San Quentin Prison to be transferred to the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino," Rep. Kim stated. "The inmate transfers raise serious concerns about the safety and security of individuals and families of the Chino community."

Rep. Kim emphasized that residents should have a say in whether these inmates can continue to be housed at CIM. "Chino area residents should be allowed to provide formal input on whether the death row inmates transferred from San Quentin Prison can continue to be imprisoned at CIM," she added.

The transfer was conducted without prior consultation or notice to local officials and community members, according to Rep. Kim. She pointed out that Chino Councilperson Karen Comstock has indicated that CIM is inadequately equipped to house death row offenders, citing a 2008 state auditor’s report estimating $26-30 million per year needed for acceptable standards.

"Unfortunately, the transfer of 39 death row inmates to CIM in Chino was done without any consultation or notice to local officials and community residents," Rep. Kim noted.

She further highlighted that as of June 2024, CIM's population is nearly 140 percent overcapacity, raising significant concerns about infrastructure and safety standards.

"It is unfathomable that the state government is transferring death row inmates to a prison that lacks adequate infrastructure and safety standards," Rep. Kim stated.

Rep. Kim also referenced a recent incident where an inmate escaped from CIM in 2018, leading police on a pursuit before being apprehended days later as evidence of insufficient resources at CIM.

"The 2018 escape is proof that CIM does not have enough resources to prevent violent criminals from escaping," she said.

In closing, Rep. Kim urged Governor Newsom to reconsider transferring CITP inmates at CIM until proper resources are allocated and called for greater involvement from local residents in decision-making processes related to such transfers.

"Your office must listen to Chino community residents and keep them safe from harm," she concluded.