Quinn says no violent criminals in release program

Gov. Pat Quinn says he'd barred anyone convicted of violent crimes from taking part in an early prison release program.

He told reporters Thursday that he gave those specific instructions about the unpublicized program to his Corrections Department.

Quinn has said he knew ahead of time about the plans to begin releasing some prisoners after just a few days behind bars. He halted the practice this week after The Associated Press reported the release of hundreds of inmates -- including some convicted of violent crimes.

Quinn said Thursday that his instructions about including only people accused of nonviolent crimes were clear and across the board.

But he says he won't take further action until a review of how the program was carried out is completed.