Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Sheriff Maintains He's Released All The Inmates He Safely Can In Fighting COVID-19
A screenshot of Thursday's Civilian Oversight Commission meeting. (Facebook Live screenshot)
()
In a rare appearance before the Civilian Oversight Commission on Thursday, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he's released all the jail inmates he safely can in the fight against COVID-19.
There are currently 56 positive cases among a jail population of nearly 15,000, the sheriff told the panel.
Commissioners asked Villanueva what he’s doing to provide early release to more of those still awaiting trial.
He maintained the department has already released everyone it can, including those charged with low-level offenses who are medically vulnerable.
Support for LAist comes from
“It can’t be just based solely on what their medical condition [and] vulnerability is,” Villanueva said. “We have to factor in, what is a threat to the community?”
When inmates do leave the system, the sheriff’s department is not giving them a COVID-19 test on their way out the door.
“Individuals are released when their sentence is expired or at the order of the court, or charges are dropped, etc., and so that can’t be predicated on testing and holding them before we release them,” said Assistant Sheriff Bruce Chase.
Some medical experts worry releasing incarcerated people without a test can lead to further spread of the virus.
More than 4,000 people in the jails have tested positive since the pandemic began. So far, 12 inmates with COVID-19 have died.
This was only the second Civilian Oversight Commission meeting Villanueva has attended since July, 2019.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist