By Bill Cameron, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO) Chicago’s jail population is plummeting because most defendants no longer have to post cash bail.

Getting out of jail free is now the common practice at Cook County Jail. Listen to Chief Judge Tim Evans, “We have seen a change in the population being released. About 75% who come into court are now released  back into the community.”

Some say that release rate poses a danger to the community, but the judge, the States Attorney, the public defender and the county board president says it’s much better to let low-level, non-violent defendants re-connect with family, school and employment.

@ 2017 WLS-AM News