Article: Philadelphia Offers Bail Money to Ease Jail Overcrowding

The city of Philadelphia has pledged to put up more than $150,000 bail to free at least 300 inmates in an effort to ease jail overcrowding, but prosecutors and finance officials are challenging the plan.

The city has until Dec. 31 to pay bail for inmates awaiting trial, according to the arrangement approved by U.S. District Court Judge Norma L. Shapiro. Officials said it would be the first direct use of tax dollars to bail out prisoners in the city.

Officials said yesterday that prisoners could be released beginning Dec. 1, at the rate of 10 a day, from the city's four jails.

City Controller Joseph C. Vignola ordered a review of the legality of ...

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