ACLU of ConnecticutKonto zweryfikowane

"This is the time for transparency," says Dr. Howell, of the need for the government to clearly articulate its plan for releasing people in light of COVID-19.

"Not putting new people in the system, getting people out, getting people who are higher risk out," need to be part of the response, says Dr. Howell

Brian Sullivan points out that a large percentage of people incarcerated in the CT DOC right now are pre-approved already for release dates, and that others are being held pre-trial on bail -- that those are people who could be released quickly.

"This is about human life and public health," says @DavidMcGuireEsq, and notes the need for @GovNedLamont to act.

We're now moving on to the second panel, featuring legal and rights advocates on the need for a response that gets people out of harm's way.

"The government and governor himself should start with releasing more kids who are at these facilities. It's important they are not a risk to the community, and each individual has needs that need to be met," says Tenille Bonilla of @CTJJA

Tenille also speaks to the need for the government to keep supporting any youth who remain inside, including w/medical care and information. "We want to make sure that they [youth who remain incarcerated] remain safe," says Tenille of @CTJJA

"I don't agree with solitary confinement as a response to the pandemic," says Tenille Bonilla of @CTJJA, who also speaks to the need to prevent more youth from entering the system.

Connecticut Chief Public Defender Christine Rapillo, speaking about people who are pre-trial, says the state must continue "to protect people's due process rights," including because access to a lawyer is critical for pre-trial release.

"The other thing we need to do is limit intake as much as possible," says Christine Rapillo.

"We want to get them out, and not have them come back. We want them to get out and be supported," says Christine Rapillo.

"The easiest way to keep people out from in front of the COVID-19 steamroller is to keep them out of the prison system entirely," says Dan Barrett, ACLU-CT legal director.

"We're asking the Judiciary to consider modifying its rules ... for a judge to consider, 'is it wise, during this pandemic, to hold someone for lack of money, or is there something else we can do'?" - Dan Barrett

"It's important there is a plan, a unified theory by the government, to get people out," says Dan Barrett.

Dan Barrett describes additional options: the Gov. can issue a temporary reprieve, the DOC can release pre-trial people under certain conditions, programs like furlough & community supervision, the DOC can release a person directly to home confinement for certain low-level cases.

Christine Rapillo mentions that when the DOC re-asked families if they could house their loved ones upon release, the number of people who could be released increased by 20%, "just by re-asking the question."

Daryl McGraw from @IMRP speaks about his experience being incarcerated after September 11, and the lock down response.

"Reentry should always be part of the conversation, not just during the pandemic," says Daryl McGraw.

"This is not a time for the ship to turn slowly. This is a full-blown crisis, and the state needs to act now." - Dan Barrett

"We know that there's money being fueled ... we would love for some of that to be taken and put into the support and resources that we want to provide," says Tenille Bonilla of @CTJJA

In response to a question from the audience, Dan Barrett mentions that police and prosecutors can use summonses (order to appear in court) instead of custodial arrests (which can lead to jailing/close proximity).

"We're seeing a precipitous drop in custodial arrests ... but we're still seeing people coming into court ... people shouldn't be held unless they present some high-risk to public safety and there are no other options." - Christine Rapillo

"Just in the pre-trial population alone, we have 400 people who are over the age of 50" in Connecticut, Dan mentions. "No choice is an intentional choice ... it's a decision to leave people in harm's way."