The Brennan Center for Justice (New York University) has compiled the policy responses and practices of all levels of US criminal justice system in addressing the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Center highlights good practices and suggests some recommendations to dramatically reduce the incarcerated population and mitigate the devastating consequences of the crisis. Recommendations include the following:
Prisons, jails, and other correctional authorities must make every effort to release unnecessarily incarcerated people and improve healthcare and conditions of confinement.
Police responses to COVID-19 should focus on community safety and reducing arrests.
Prosecutors must use their discretion to divert people away from the system or to less restrictive sanctions.
Courts and municipalities should prioritize policies that lessen the burden of court-imposed fees and fines on our citizens.
This resource is updated regularly, more info here.
We publish information as it is reported to us. If you would like to make us aware of an inaccuracy or send us more information please email us at [email protected]
If you are a journalist interested in this story, please call the media team on +44 (0) 7749 785 932 or email [email protected]