release

Coronavirus emptied Michigan’s jails without crime surge. Time for reform?

2020-07-24T08:50:16-04:00

In an article posted on July 22nd, BridgeMI.com explores how Michigan jail populations have fallen amid the coronavirus pandemic as jails and judges have released prisoners to help reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. This has happened without a spike in crime, encouraging reformers who say this shows it is possible to reduce incarceration [...]

Coronavirus emptied Michigan’s jails without crime surge. Time for reform?2020-07-24T08:50:16-04:00

Michigan prison reform faces hurdles from Democrats Whitmer and Nessel

2020-07-02T09:36:52-04:00

A June 30th article posted on bridgemi.com notes that a ballot initiative aimed at Michigan prison reform faces hurdles from both Governor Whitmer and Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel. The article notes: As Michigan prisons recorded nearly 4,000 inmates with COVID-19, time is running out for a ballot drive that seeks to allow early release [...]

Michigan prison reform faces hurdles from Democrats Whitmer and Nessel2020-07-02T09:36:52-04:00

Advocates say Michigan not getting parole-eligible inmates out fast enough during pandemic

2020-06-25T09:27:16-04:00

In an article published June 18th, Michiganradio.org reports that advocates are pointing to the COVID-19 death rate among Michigan’s prisons as a sign that Michigan is not working fast enough to reduce the prison population. The article quotes Jacq Williams of Michigan United: "We’re begging for decarceration so people can spread out."

Advocates say Michigan not getting parole-eligible inmates out fast enough during pandemic2020-06-25T09:27:16-04:00

Michigan prison population sees record drop during coronavirus pandemic

2020-06-18T08:58:53-04:00

The Detroit Free Press reported on June 9 that Michigan's prison population dropped 5.2% over three months during the pandemic. Department officials say this is probably the fastest drop in state history. The prison population was just under 36,000, Michigan Department of Corrections legislative liaison Kyle Kaminski told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections. That [...]

Michigan prison population sees record drop during coronavirus pandemic2020-06-18T08:58:53-04:00

Former House Speaker: Commute sentences for low-risk offenders in pandemic’s path

2020-06-18T08:56:06-04:00

The Detroit Free Press shared an opinion article by Craig DeRoche, former House Speaker in Michigan's legislature. In the article, DeRoche highlights how Michigan trails only behind Ohio in COVID-19 cases among incarcerated people. This is a major challenge for leaders and communities. From the article, DeRoche states: Taking action to responsibly expedite the release [...]

Former House Speaker: Commute sentences for low-risk offenders in pandemic’s path2020-06-18T08:56:06-04:00

Families Call for Release of Texas Prisoners Approved for Parole Amid Pandemic

2020-06-04T14:52:34-04:00

Spectrum News posted an article on May 15th highlighting efforts in Texas to release prisoners approved for parole to help reduce prison populations while the state faces the COVID-19 pandemic. The article shares stories of families as they work to get their loved ones released. One prisoner notes, "People do change, so they deserve the [...]

Families Call for Release of Texas Prisoners Approved for Parole Amid Pandemic2020-06-04T14:52:34-04:00
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