How to "Flatten the Curve" in the Justice System
As COVID-19 spreads rapidly across the country, it’s critical for all parts of society to work together to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations, and that includes people in the justice system.
Throughout this crisis, we will work to share information with you about steps that are being taken to “flatten the curve” inside the justice system, and to protect incarcerated men and women who are most at risk. We hope this can help inform and drive advocacy and action across the country.
Here are some of the things you should know:
On Monday, the Maine court system vacated 12,420 warrants for unpaid fines and fees and for failure to appear. A spokesperson for the State of Maine Superior Court and District Court said the emergency order vacating the warrants was needed “so that the system might focus on those who pose a public safety risk.”
In a call with New Jersey chiefs of police and other law enforcement leaders, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal recommended that they consider issuing complaint summonses rather complaint warrants, in order to decrease the number of people coming into county jails. Grewal also suggested they consider putting off filing charges in cases where public safety is not immediately threatened.
A coalition of 43 groups sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for the inclusion of H.R. 4018 as part of the Senate’s COVID-19 emergency response. The bill would clarify existing law and allow thousands of elderly incarcerated people to petition for transfer into home confinement.
Thirty-eight people were released from the Cuyahoga County Jail this weekend, and officials plan to release hundreds more people facing charges for low-level, non-violent crimes. County judges held special sessions this weekend to expedite cases—settling with guilty pleas, releasing people on pretrial home confinement, or transferring them to prisons.
In-person visitation has been cancelled at many jails and prisons across the country, leaving people isolated from friends and family during this crisis. However, in Shelby County, Tennessee, officials have waived fees for phone calls and video chats. And the Florida Department of Corrections is providing one free video visitation session, two free 15-minute phone calls per week, and 4 free JPay stamps per week.
In Wisconsin, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that it would only accept new prisoners accused of violent felonies and misdemeanors that pose a threat to public safety. Individuals who are not admitted will receive a mandatory court date. A statement from the sheriff’s office said the decision was being made to protect law enforcement and those confined in the Racine County Jail.
If there are developments in your area that you would like to highlight, please share them with us, by tweeting @USJusticeAction.