With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
State Prisons To Start Early Release Program To Combat COVID-19
With more than 2,000 inmates sick with COVID-19 and 17 deaths, the state prison system is going to start releasing some inmates early to combat the virus' spread.
The program, set to begin July 1, is for inmates serving time for nonviolent crimes who have six months or less left on their sentence.They’ll have to prove they have a place to live outside of prison.
Inmates will remain under state supervision after their release, and will be tested for COVID-19 within seven days of leaving prison. If they test positive, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says it’ll work with state and local officials to find housing to isolate them.
Sponsored message
CDCR says it’s working up an estimate of how many inmates qualify for early release. The state prisons are about 20,000 people over capacity, according to the most recent data.
The early release program is a small improvement, said Kate Chatfield of the reform group the Justice Collaborative. But she says it won’t apply to enough people.
“It doesn't take into account people who are elderly, people who are particularly physically vulnerable.”
Still, Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona) said the CDCR has not provided her with information about the steps it's taking to fight the virus. Torres represents the area that includes the men's prison in Chino, where 15 inmates have died.
“I’m still waiting for them to answer my letter [from last month],” she said. “I understand they’re busy, but how do I know how to help them — what resources do they need — if they're not communicating with us?”
GO DEEPER:
- The Coronavirus Has Torn Through Terminal Island Prison. Families Want Answers.
- Throwing A Spotlight On Women Prison Inmates' Coronavirus Fears
- Fighting Coronavirus, State Prisons Seek To Disable Inmates' Sleep Apnea Machines'
- 'I Don't Want to Feel Like A Sitting Duck.' COVID-19 Stokes Fear Inside A California Prison
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
