Inmate Releases Concern Police

With the support of prison reform advocates and and some public health officials, thousands of jail and prison inmates are being released across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Jeff Mordock of the Washington Times reports that although public defenders claim that those released are “nonviolent and elderly offenders” police groups say many are repeat offenders including  serious criminals and sex offenders.  A Director at the pro-release Justice Action Network, told reporters that “No process is ever going to be perfect,” noting that, from her perspective, releases where 20-30 percent are dangerous offenders is acceptable.  In Chicago, hundreds of inmates are being released anonymously from from jails because public defenders and State’s Attorney Kim Foxx believe their identities need to be protected so they are not “opened to further stigma.”  As is typical in Chicago politics the State’s Attorney is blaming the Sheriff for keeping the names secret while the Sheriff says the State’s Attorney is responsible for reporting who is getting released.  It is clear that progressive, pro-criminal groups and politicians are using the current pandemic as an excuse to advance their political agenda.  As usual, the law abiding public will pay for this.