March 20th,
Let us conclude this week with the last component of the Criminal Justice System. You guessed it, Corrections. Much like the other two components, corrections is also suffering the impacts of the Coronavirus. Some county jails (including L.A. County) around the country are releasing prisoners as a way of adhering to “social distancing” and to create space to quarantine prisoners if an outbreak occurs. As of now, there are no known stories of county jails in Michigan releasing or planning to release prisoners in response to COVID-19. However, there is a petition circulating calling for Governor Whitmore to take executive action and commute the sentences of some inmates (elderly, sick, vulnerable etc).
Here is where your thinking caps go on! Should those who have committed crimes, just do their time, no matter what is going on in society? Should the seriousness of the offense be “a”or “the” determining factor in who is eligible for early release? In instances of early release, is the safety of the public placed in jeopardy? Does this type of crisis remind “us” how prisoners are the nation’s “forgotten citizens?” These are a few questions on the minds of many; maybe you guys can provide some answers!
Click on the link below, read the article, and share your thoughts with a classmate or two!
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-19/la-jails-coronavirus-sheriffs-department
P.S.
I have received e-mails from many of you (THANK YOU); however, there are still some I have not heard from. Please e-mail me so I know you are aware of the blog and receiving updates.
-Sgt
