California's Proposition 47 has released 2,700 inmates

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The state prisons chief says Proposition 47 has reduced jail overcrowding in California and put thousands of inmates back on the streets.

Back in November, voters approved Prop 47, which eases the punishment for some property and drug crimes. During the past four months, California's prisons have released 2,700 inmates after their felonies were reduced to misdemeanors under the ballot measure.

Corrections Chief Jeffrey Beard says Prop 47 has helped the state comply with a court-ordered inmate reduction, but law enforcement leaders claim Prop 47 is also responsible for a spike in crime.