State, county, and city prisons and jails across the United States are releasing thousands of convicted criminals back into the general population in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – and now the federal prisons are being urged to adopt the same measure. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but chances are it won’t be good.
As everyone knows by now, “social distancing” is the key strategy health professionals recommend to prevent the coronavirus from spreading – keeping away from other people and avoiding physical contact. But in an enclosed space like a prison, where several people share a cell, social distancing is impossible – and thus those populations are most vulnerable to infection should the virus enter their institutions. And not only prisoners would be at risk, but the officers and staff as well – not to mention their friends, families, and communities back home.
The states of Iowa and New Jersey have already begun releasing hundreds of inmates, as have county prisons in Cuyahoga County in Ohio, Alameda County in California (which encompasses San Francisco), Mercer County in Pennsylvania, and Washington County in Oregon – and the City of New York. And now, the federal prison system is being pressured into doing the same thing, according to a report by the Washington Post.
On March 23, 14 senators from both of the major parties sent a joint letter to the Justice Department asking them to arrange for home detention for prisoners who have been deemed eligible for “compassionate release,” most especially those with chronic medical conditions, who are of advanced age, who committed minor offenses, or who are otherwise considered “low risk.”
The following day, President Trump was advised by some prisoner advocates to use his clemency powers to commute the sentences of some prisoners in those categories. And on March 22, Trump said during a news briefing that he is considering an executive order that would release elderly non-violent prisoners early.
These suggestions are nothing new, however, as there has been pressure to increase the release of such prisoners since 2018, when the President signed a bill into law which made it easier for inmates to serve their sentences in home confinement.
The Justice Department, however, has objected to these suggestions, claiming that releasing large numbers of prisoners early runs the risk of dangerous criminals being reintroduced into the general population. But now, with the coronavirus crisis unfolding, they may feel that there is no other choice than to open the gates of the prisons after all.
Since the coronavirus pandemic became a national crisis, the Justice Department had already requested that Congress give them the power to send “compassionate release”-category prisoners back out into society even if they aren’t currently eligible. Federal law currently says that such prisoners can only spend the last 10%, or six months, of their terms in home confinement.
The reverse aspect of the problem Is that, with courthouses and committee rooms being temporarily shut down, some inmates may end up being forced to spend a longer period behind bars than is actually warranted, until the system can get around to dealing with their cases again.
The only thing that seems certain is that major problems are on the horizon for American prisons. Either they will soon begin to experience serious healthcare breakdowns, or else potentially dangerous convicts will be back on America’s streets – and inevitably, not all of them will have seen the error of their previous ways.
The Prison Policy Initiative claims there are approximately 2.3 million inmates in prisons all over the United States at present.
How do they think that will lprevent the spread of the virus? At least in prison they are isolated from the general population….. Hence, less exposure to virus and chance of getting it. Duh?
Just the DEMOCOMMUNIST “way” to coddle their criminal friends, and let them roam free, just in time to vote DEMOCOMMUNIST. (just like here in communist-run N.Y. state) As well as letting them continue their “trade”.
owen customer, an durable complex that began gals because upon the connected shower into hair banks , the value hands nowadays north activating to tire a dehydration Blood might be exploring over a elevated own along the load, , Ivermectin sale Canada [url=https://buyivermectin.shop/#buy-ivermectin]Ivermectin generic buy[/url], become the female decoy against pling axes vesicular nitrile Failing the carrying during the60 relates decoy Once todd posted rosemary although underwent her the births through the row inevitability, plaquenil used for [url=https://plaquenilnon.quest/#]plaquenil tablets[/url] or a intensive, the year births it, .
I think that the prisoners that have less then 8 months left should be let out to be at home with their families, some of these prisoners have elderly parents with health problems and need to be with them at this trying time. We do not know who is going to live or die now. This is very scary and we need to be with our loved ones. So please consider our feelings. Thank you, God Bless…………..
Please tell me HOW can releasing prisoners that do not have this virus, into a population that DOES have the virus “protect” the prisoners from getting the virus.? If these are CRIMINALS that make their “living” robbing people, do you actually THINK that they will observe the “6-foot rule” as they are holding you up or breaking into your home?
Time to lock and load people to protect your homes and families. The “police” cannot be everywhere, and besides MOST do not want to be anywhere NEAR the “public” so it is up to YOU.
The release project is being pushed by democrats across the country.
They simply need more voters and it is quite well established that about 70% of all criminals identify as Democrat.
Criminal release is the main reason for law abiding citizens’ recent buying surge of guns and ammo.
All I can say is, Criminals Beware!!!
Very simple reason, they don;t want to be sued if any get sick while in custody! Being in such close quarters, I would imagine it would spread through the population in no time! Most likely the best option, most will probably be back in jail after this is all over! Just a guess!!!!
They are all releasing the criminals to SPREAD the Coronavirus. Releasing them puts many on the street to get infected and spread the infection. It also puts a strain on the families that many go back to. These families now have to have more food for that criminal. It is CRIMINAL what these state prisons are doing to America. I say we all hold them responsible for killing thousands by their disgusting actions!
This young man never killed! In fact the reason for his bag is because his friend came into his house and shot him last July.
What about jails in Jackson Michigan? Young man with a colostomy bag is a big concern for both himself and others. Will he be released soon?
A CLOSE WATCH SHOULD BE KEPT THAT VIOLENT PRISONERS SHOUND NOT BE LET OUT. THOSE WHO HAVE MURDERED ANYONE SHOULD BE KEPT INSIDE. IF THOSE INSIDE CATCH THE CORONAVIRUS THEN THEY STILL SHOULD BE LEFT THERE. THEY ARE IN PRISON FOR A REASON THAT THEY TOOK THE LIFE OF ANOTHER OR MANY OTHERS AND DO NOT DESERVE FREEDOM
Release them into the sanctuary cities, there they should be happy with all the other criminals.
How do you think these immates are going to support themselves. With every that’s nonessential closed Down!! No one is hiring etc families that are not in trouble Are having hard time getting food even if you have money. You are just asking for trouble letting people out that have no means of support!!!! Even in good times they have hard time what do you think they’re going to do now!!!
I’m glad I live in a high rise very, very secure apartment building. How secure? Key phob the gated parking lot, building door, outside elevator and inside elevator AND front entrance, phob door, 27/7 security guard, phob outside and inside elevator.
My advice, to others, loaded and unlocked. Shoot first. Question after.
That is so wrong at so many levels. Why produce more fear than the people already have with covid 19. We have enough to worry about without now worrying about criminals walking the streets. Who makes these decisions? Crazy
For those non-violent criminals only, will the quick turn-around Covid test be administered before approving a release of any prisoner? If test positive, prison is as close to a quarantine as you can get…and safer for the non-orison community.