Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Colorado lawmen believe in letting prisoners get out now and then. Meet strong opposition.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(Del Norte, Colorado) Colorado Sheriff Forrest Robran releases 3 convicted of 1st degree murder for wkend. visits with wives, [Kenny TWYFORD - tells of going to stay with wife from Fri, until Monday I knew visit was temporary, and I'd be here 15 years] 3 now transferred to maximum security at Colorado State Penitentiary. Sheriff given freedom to 8 murderers and those convicted of lesser crimes, Sheriff calls policy 1 of constructive rehabilitation. Some work and get to keep money. District Judge stopped program and sentenced Sheriff to jail and fined him. Sheriff won out, but prisoners in jail. Judge says it isn't safe for men to be running around loose. Critics also protest deputizing of twice-convicted murderer, Tuck Slane. [SLANE - says treat men like men and they'll act like men.] [Restaurant Owner Mack HENSEN - says it works out fine for him. I wouldn't have the nerve.] [Druggist Frank CONNELL - says don't think Sheriff qualified to say whether men will kill again.] [ROBRAN - says prisoners human. If I give him break, he responds.] [TWYFORD - says thought of escaping, Didn't because I'd have to cut family loose and Sheriff trusted me so much.] Sheriff may carry legal battle for his rehabilitation program to Supreme Court
REPORTER: Terry Drinkwater