ACLU Wants Some Inmates Released Amid COVID-19 Risks

The ACLU of Indiana wants the state to release some jail and prison inmates at risk from COVID-19.

The Holcomb administration didn’t indicate it would do so.

The ACLU’s petition to the Indiana Supreme Court says prisons and jails are particularly vulnerable to virus outbreaks. And it’s urging the state to – at least temporarily – release jail and prison inmates who are in high-risk categories for death from COVID-19.

The ACLU’s recommendation suggests that could apply to people awaiting trial who don’t pose a risk to the community and offenders whose sentences could be reduced or suspended.

READ MORE: Indiana Offenders Produce Protective Equipment For First Responders

Department of Correction Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kristen Dauss would only say the agency is taking all precautions.

“Our team will continue to look at what we’re doing and respond as appropriate,” Dauss says.

The state health department is visiting jails and prisons to monitor potential outbreaks.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.