Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
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.”
Sponsored message
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
