ACLU of Washington Statement Regarding Gov. Inslee’s Announcement of Measures to Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Exposure for Individuals in Department of Corrections Custody

SEATTLE – Today, Gov. Inslee announced that he will release a limited number of individuals who are serving time in Washington state correctional facilities for non-violent offenses. The releases come as the threat of COVID-19 spreading through state prisons grows after several prisoners at Monroe Correctional Facility tested positive for the virus. Jaime Hawk, Legal Strategy Director for the ACLU of Washington Campaign for Smart Justice had this reaction:

“The Governor’s actions to release a limited number of individuals from Washington state corrections facilities is a useful first step but does not eliminate the danger that individuals incarcerated in Washington state face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge the Governor and the Department of Corrections to do more to reduce state prison populations which is the only way to follow the advice of public health experts and keep those living and working in our correctional facilities safe.”