U.S. Representatives Raise Concerns about State Prisons
POMONA – U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Mark Takano (CA-41) led 11 other federal lawmakers from across California in requesting information from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations (CDCR) about how it is protecting staff and inmates from COVID-19 at state-run prison facilities.
As of May 6th, 2020:
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370 inmates at CDCR facilities reportedly tested positive coronavirus;
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One inmate died in April from what appears to be coronavirus; and
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156 CDCR employees reportedly tested positive across the state.
The lawmakers write, in part:
We are…alarmed by the increasing infections. Many of our constituents are incarcerated at CDCR facilities, work at CDCR facilities, or have family members incarcerated at these facilities. Incarcerated Californians do not deserve to unnecessarily suffer if there are practices that will reduce the number of inmates in CDCR facilities who are exposed to coronavirus.
To better understand CDCR's efforts to address COVID-19, the lawmakers request information on, among other things:
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Specific treatment plans for inmates with severe complications;
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Any efforts CDCR is taking to ensure newly released inmates don't spread the virus and have wrap-around services to help them avoid catching it when released; and
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Specific changes CDCR is making in its practices and policies in light of rising infection rates.
The lawmakers released the following statements:
"Allowing COVID-19 to fester in prison facilities creates viral hotspots that can easily impact the surrounding community," said Rep. Torres, whose district includes CDCR's largest outbreak with 247 cases at the California Institution for Men in Chino. "It also has the potential to turn any prison sentence, no matter how small, into a death sentence. Given the significant number of COVID cases already reported among staff and inmates alike, we have a responsibility to demand answers on behalf of our constituents. We must ensure every possible step is taken to minimize spread and protect lives."
"A prison sentence should not mean a death sentence during a pandemic," said Rep. Mark Takano. "We have heard about and seen data pointing to the rapid spread of COVID-19 at state prison facilities, which has led to death and endangered people's lives. It is crucial for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to have health measures in place to protect individuals and workers at state prison facilities. Actions must be taken to slow the spread and to ensure that social distancing can be practiced, this must include considering pre-release of vulnerable populations that pose no risk to the public. Thank you to Rep. Norma Torres and my colleagues for joining this effort to ensure that the proper policies are in place to protect the health of people in our communities, including those in the California state prison system."
The lawmakers' letter is available here.
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