San Jose

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department Prepares for Angry Protesters Ahead of Brock Turner's Release

"We're hearing of protests -- some angry protesters," Sheriff Laurie Smith says

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's department is bracing for a large, emotional crowd of protesters at the main jail Friday when convicted sex offender Brock Turner is released.

Sheriff Laurie Smith said the ex-Stanford University swimmer is not expected to get any special treatment as he walks out sometime after 5 a.m. She is trying to treat the situation in as low key a manner as possible, but said that the department is taking precautions, though not necessarily expecting trouble.

Turner is scheduled to be freed after serving just three months of his six-month sentence for three felony counts of sexual assault, which stemmed from his attack on an intoxicated and unconscious woman after a fraternity party. Turner is being let out early on good behavior.

A two-page probation record document reveals that Turner, who must register as a sex offender for life, will be banned from doing drugs or drinking alcohol for the three years he's on probation. Police also can search him or his property at any time without a warrant.

He must complete a sex offender management program for at least one year. During that time, he'll have to take lie detector tests, but Turner is not prohibited from interacting with minors.

Groups, including UltraViolet, plan to protest Turner's release as well as Judge Aaron Persky, who levied what has been decried as a lenient sentence. 

"I mean, he's a predator, and I'm really against predators being able to walk," said Kathleen Krenek, a San Jose resident.

Meanwhile, Smith said she doesn't know how Turner's release will play out. She plans to have at least four extra deputies on staff, but Turner "will be leaving the jail exactly as everyone does," through the front door "at a normal release time," Smith emphasized.

When asked if the department will have to take extra precautionary measures, Smith said, "We're going to have some law enforcement here because we're hearing of protests -- some angry protesters. We’ll just be here, keeping the peace."

Smith has also sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, urging him to sign a bill making prison mandatory for sex offenses such as Turner’s.

Turner's attorney did not return NBC Bay Area’s calls, but legal analyst Steven Clark anticipates probation will be difficult.

"So many people know who he is," Clark said. "If he steps out of line, it's likely that he will be reported to probation for any slight violation. And if there is any violation, he'll be back in front of a judge in very quick order."

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