Council hears safety concerns after county ships higher-security inmates to Chino facility

Councilmembers and residents raised public-safety concerns after Supervisor Kurt Hackman said the county learned last week that higher-security inmates were moved to the Chino facility.

A council member asked whether Chino is appropriate for the newly assigned prisoners. Hackman responded bluntly: "The short answer is no. It's not safe for that." He said county officials — including sheriff's staff, the district attorney and local police — had met with the warden and planned additional follow-up, and that supervisors would notify legislators about the situation.

Mayor Leon and staff said the city prepared a protest letter with the city attorney and intended to deliver it. The mayor noted the Chino facility is primarily a lower-security (level 2) prison and that sending level-4 or maximum-security inmates raises concerns at the local level.

Chief Lorenz (police) warned of operational strain if the facility receives inmates with a history of violence, saying level-2 facilities allow inmates to move about more freely and that such shifts "can cause violence" that strains public resources and local law enforcement. He said extra security had been provided at the county facility but agencies do not want another influx without appropriate resources.

All of these statements were made as reports and requests for further action; no formal city ordinance or council vote on the matter occurred during the meeting. Councilmembers asked staff to continue coordination with county and state partners to clarify the transfers and what resources would be required to manage any increased local risk.