The Washington state Department of Corrections (DOC) has been incorrectly calculating prisoner sentences since 2002. As informsThe mistake has resulted in as many as 3,200 inmates being released from prison early.

The problem began when the state Supreme Court ordered the Department of Corrections to reduce state sentences based on "good time" earned by inmates in the county jail system. The calculations were not properly applied, however, and about three percent of all prison releases since 2002 were earlier than intended.

The DOC estimates that offenders were released an average of 49 days before their correct release date. Former inmates who were released early will be required to return to prison and complete their sentences.

The DOC learned of the issue in 2012 and reportedly took steps to correct the problem, but the fix was delayed for reasons that are currently unclear.

The governor's office said a software fix should be completed by January 7. Until the fix is in place, the DOC will complete a calculation by hand before releasing any state prisoners.

bbabo.Net