Justice Action Network, Nation’s Largest Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Organization, Applauds Ohio Governor DeWine For Reducing Prison Overcrowding to Keep Ohioans Safe from Covid-19

As Virus Spreads Through Nation’s Justice System, Ohio Continues to Work Toward Safely Mitigating Its Spread

(COLUMBUS, OH, April 7, 2020) - As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country’s jails, prisons and communities, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced additional efforts to protect all Ohioans.

Governor DeWine announced his administration is asking the correctional institution inspection committee to grant an emergency release to 141 incarcerated people who are set to be released in the next 90 days, and recommending the Ohio Parole Board consider parole for 23 incarcerated people who are 60 years or older with chronic health conditions. No one being recommended for release has been convicted of violent or sexual offenses, and none has any serious rule violations during their incarceration. 

This announcement comes just days after Governor DeWine announced he was recommending judges consider the early release of 38 select individuals, including 23 pregnant or postpartum women, and 15 individuals over the age of 60 who were approaching release. The total number of individuals Governor DeWine’s administration has recommended for release is now 220.  

Governor DeWine also announced yesterday he would mobilize the Ohio National Guard on a medical mission to the federal prison in Elkton, providing infirmary staff, ambulances, and personal protective equipment.

These measures will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among people in prison, correctional officers, prison staff, healthcare workers, and the general public.

“We commend Governor DeWine for taking decisive action toward protecting all Ohioans, including those who are incarcerated, corrections officers, prison staff, medical personnel, and the communities in which they work and live,” said Holly Harris, Executive Director of Justice Action Network. “Governor DeWine’s leadership in safely reducing the prison population during this unprecedented pandemic should serve as an example for governors across the country. We hope the saying holds true that ‘as goes Ohio, so does the country.’ Lives depend on it.”