JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK APPLAUDS GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON FOR SAFELY REDUCING PRISON POPULATION, PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

Governor Hutchinson Acts to Stop Spread of COVID-19 By Permitting Parole Consideration for More Than 1,200 Individuals With Non-Violent Offenses

Measure Will Help Keep Correctional Officers, Healthcare Workers, Incarcerated Individuals, and all Arkansans Safe

(Little Rock, AR) — In order to protect the safety of correctional officers and incarcerated people, the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) paroled over 380 inmates of the more than 1,200 individuals who had non-violent offenses and were due for release within the next six months following Governor Asa Hutchinson's executive order. With concern for public safety at the forefront, each of these individuals has been thoroughly vetted by the ADC and Parole Board, tested for COVID-19, and has an acceptable parole plan in place, including an expectation of housing and self-sufficiency. This critical measure will help stop the spread of COVID-19 not just among incarcerated people, but also among correctional officers, healthcare workers, and the general public. More releases are anticipated as the ADC Director certifies their cases and they test negative for COVID-19.

This comes as Justice Action Network has convened a national emergency task force including Benton County Judge-elect Christine Horwart, ensuring that Arkansas has a seat at the table when it comes to calling on the federal government to provide funding and support to address the COVID-19 public safety crisis.

Key Facts

• This measure only applies to non-violent, non-sex offenders due for release within the next six months.

• Each individual:

• Has been vetted by ADC and the Parole Board;

• Will be tested for COVID-19 before release; and,

• Must have an acceptable parole plan – meaning they are released with an expectation of housing and self-sufficiency and plan for supervision.

• These steps will free up sorely needed taxpayer dollars that could be better put towards COVID-19 economic recovery.

Justice Action Network President and Executive Director Holly Harris released the following statement: 

“We commend Governor Hutchinson for putting the health and safety of all Arkansans first. By safely reducing the prison population, the Governor is helping to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic not just for those in prison – but for correctional staff, healthcare workers, and all Arkansans.”

“As our nation’s justice system becomes the number one hotspot for COVID-19, Arkansas is looking ahead and taking critical steps that will save lives, and at the same time freeing up millions in taxpayer dollars that will be critical towards our recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”