Hundreds of prisoners were expected to exit New Jersey jails this week under an order issued by Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
Fearing that the coronavirus could wreak havoc once inside densely packed jails, local officials across the country quietly began releasing some of their most vulnerable, including the elderly and chronically ill.
Authorities across the country may be watching, but they also have begun to distance themselves, in many cases, from suspects as they“This is forcing us to take action that we wouldn’t consider during normal times,” Grewal said. “We have to take bold and drastic steps because when this pandemic is over, I need to be able to look my daughters in their eyes to say that we took every step possible to help all the residents of this state – including those serving jail sentences.
"Conditions of confinement do not afford individuals the opportunity to take proactive steps to protect themselves, and prisons often create the ideal environment for the transmission of contagious disease," the senators wrote."For these reasons, it is important that consistent with the law and taking into account public safety and health concerns, that the most vulnerable inmates are released or transferred to home confinement, if possible.
At that time, the jail population stood at 1,978; the facility is designed for a maximum 1,700 prisoners. As the local sheriff who oversees all detention operations, McBride knew that there were aging, ill and low-level prisoners who probably could be cut loose with little or no risk while reducing persistent overcrowding.
"I do get that this is an emergency," McBride said."I'm not saying that the solicitor and the public defenders are making unwise decisions. But I was never consulted. I think we could have provided some useful information. A lot of these people are nuisances, and we're going to have to deal with these guys again. We're still going to have to go after them."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Yelp and GoFundMe Team Up to Give You a Better Way to Support Your Local BusinessesThe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has taken a toll on many businesses out there — especially local restaurants. While many places are switching to delivery or…
Read more »
Mainland China reports drop in new imported coronavirus cases, no local transmissionsMainland China reported a drop in new confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday a...
Read more »
China's premier warns local officials not to hide new coronavirus infectionsChinese Premier Li Keqiang has warned local officials not to hide new coronavirus cases, after the country reported several days of no locally transmitted infections in a major turnaround in its fight against the deadly pandemic.
Read more »
Homebound But Not Helpless: Local Crafters Sew Masks To Support Health Care WorkersCrafters across the country have launched a movement to help fill medical supply gaps, sewing specially-designed, washable cloth masks for use over N95s or as an alternative to disposable surgical masks. (wamu885)
Read more »
15 Ways Families Can Help Their Local Communities Right NowBeing shut in doesn't bar us from giving back.
Read more »
Stuff We Buy Ourselves: Local Stores We’re Supporting During the CoronavirusGood reads, cozy slippers, and a bit of booze.
Read more »