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Why Jails Are So Important in the Fight Against Coronavirus Why Jails Are So Important in the Fight Against Coronavirus
(about 4 hours later)
Picture thousands of cruise ships jammed with guests but short on hand sanitizer, protective gear and medical care. Every week, a quarter of the passengers get off, replaced by new people with the potential to either infect or be infected with the coronavirus.Picture thousands of cruise ships jammed with guests but short on hand sanitizer, protective gear and medical care. Every week, a quarter of the passengers get off, replaced by new people with the potential to either infect or be infected with the coronavirus.
There is a place like that in your community: the county jail, captained by your local elected sheriff, who is charged with preventing Covid-19 outbreaks but most likely has limited supplies and often no say in who enters and leaves the jail.There is a place like that in your community: the county jail, captained by your local elected sheriff, who is charged with preventing Covid-19 outbreaks but most likely has limited supplies and often no say in who enters and leaves the jail.
Both in large jails located in virus hot spots like New York and Seattle and in smaller jails across the country, the churn of people moving in and out threatens to accelerate the spread of the disease, endangering the incarcerated, the staff and the larger community. Some states and jurisdictions have responded by releasing prisoners or cutting jail time, but many have not.Both in large jails located in virus hot spots like New York and Seattle and in smaller jails across the country, the churn of people moving in and out threatens to accelerate the spread of the disease, endangering the incarcerated, the staff and the larger community. Some states and jurisdictions have responded by releasing prisoners or cutting jail time, but many have not.
Analysis of a database of county- and jurisdiction-level jail populations built by the Vera Institute of Justice shows the short-term flow of people through local facilities, including some who were admitted more than once, for an average week in 2017 (the most recent year with available data). The Marshall Project and The New York Times found that in a given week, more than 200,000 people are booked into jails across the country; roughly the same number walk out every week.Analysis of a database of county- and jurisdiction-level jail populations built by the Vera Institute of Justice shows the short-term flow of people through local facilities, including some who were admitted more than once, for an average week in 2017 (the most recent year with available data). The Marshall Project and The New York Times found that in a given week, more than 200,000 people are booked into jails across the country; roughly the same number walk out every week.
“It is hugely important that people understand the level of turnover in jails,” said Brandon Garrett, a professor at Duke Law School. “People may have quite short stays, and the turnover means constant cycling in and out of the community.”“It is hugely important that people understand the level of turnover in jails,” said Brandon Garrett, a professor at Duke Law School. “People may have quite short stays, and the turnover means constant cycling in and out of the community.”
Although “prison” and “jail” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Prisons hold people convicted of crimes with sentences measured in years and have more stable populations.Although “prison” and “jail” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Prisons hold people convicted of crimes with sentences measured in years and have more stable populations.
Jails are transient. Most there have been charged with crimes but not convicted. Many are waiting to pay bail to be released until trial or can’t afford bail. The rest have misdemeanor convictions with sentences counted in months instead of years.Jails are transient. Most there have been charged with crimes but not convicted. Many are waiting to pay bail to be released until trial or can’t afford bail. The rest have misdemeanor convictions with sentences counted in months instead of years.
Preventing the spread of the virus in jails is challenging. Social distancing is crucial, but it’s virtually impossible in dormitories with rows of beds in a common room. The same is true of two people in a single cell, or group showers or bathrooms that serve dozens. All these dangers escalate when jails are overcrowded, filthy or understaffed.Preventing the spread of the virus in jails is challenging. Social distancing is crucial, but it’s virtually impossible in dormitories with rows of beds in a common room. The same is true of two people in a single cell, or group showers or bathrooms that serve dozens. All these dangers escalate when jails are overcrowded, filthy or understaffed.
Physical contact between staff and the incarcerated is often unavoidable: Officers fingerprint, handcuff and supervise prisoners, as well as escort them to court and drive them to medical appointments. Many other people also flow in and out of jails, like family members who visit; volunteers who counsel or teach or preach; contractors who stock vending machines; and lawyers who meet their clients. Many jails have cut much of that traffic in response to coronavirus by limiting visits, services and vendors, and by moving to online and phone communication.Physical contact between staff and the incarcerated is often unavoidable: Officers fingerprint, handcuff and supervise prisoners, as well as escort them to court and drive them to medical appointments. Many other people also flow in and out of jails, like family members who visit; volunteers who counsel or teach or preach; contractors who stock vending machines; and lawyers who meet their clients. Many jails have cut much of that traffic in response to coronavirus by limiting visits, services and vendors, and by moving to online and phone communication.
Early data shows there are already outbreaks inside jail walls. On Monday, New York’s Legal Aid Society reported that 36 out of 1,000 inmates tested positive in New York City jails, versus 4 out of 1,000 people in the city at large. Without knowing how many tests have been run, it’s unclear how New York’s jails, which are largely on Rikers Island, compare with other areas. If testing rates were similar, the rate of infections at Rikers would be nine times higher than that in New York City over all.Early data shows there are already outbreaks inside jail walls. On Monday, New York’s Legal Aid Society reported that 36 out of 1,000 inmates tested positive in New York City jails, versus 4 out of 1,000 people in the city at large. Without knowing how many tests have been run, it’s unclear how New York’s jails, which are largely on Rikers Island, compare with other areas. If testing rates were similar, the rate of infections at Rikers would be nine times higher than that in New York City over all.
“Density is bad — we know that,” said Barun Mathema, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Columbia University who was part of a team that studied the spread of tuberculosis in a prison in Brazil. The team found that people entered the prison with low rates of infection. Within six months, their rates had shot up 30 times, and remained elevated for years after release. The prison drove the disease not only inside its walls, but also in the neighboring community, according to models of the general population.“Density is bad — we know that,” said Barun Mathema, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Columbia University who was part of a team that studied the spread of tuberculosis in a prison in Brazil. The team found that people entered the prison with low rates of infection. Within six months, their rates had shot up 30 times, and remained elevated for years after release. The prison drove the disease not only inside its walls, but also in the neighboring community, according to models of the general population.
Dr. Mathema sees the parallel with coronavirus. People inside jails are more likely to be immune-compromised; they may have diabetes, hypertension, mental illness, substance use problems or other chronic health issues.Dr. Mathema sees the parallel with coronavirus. People inside jails are more likely to be immune-compromised; they may have diabetes, hypertension, mental illness, substance use problems or other chronic health issues.
Crowded living conditions only increase the risk of infection. “We have to figure out ways to de-densify,” he said.Crowded living conditions only increase the risk of infection. “We have to figure out ways to de-densify,” he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Correctional Association and other groups offer guidance for corrections departments on containing the virus: start frequent temperature screenings; take oral medical histories; limit visitors and vendors; increase cleaning; restrict movement; create spaces for isolating; coordinate with health providers; and plan for possible staff shortages.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Correctional Association and other groups offer guidance for corrections departments on containing the virus: start frequent temperature screenings; take oral medical histories; limit visitors and vendors; increase cleaning; restrict movement; create spaces for isolating; coordinate with health providers; and plan for possible staff shortages.
Laurie Reid, a retired U.S. Public Health Service officer and correctional care nurse, was a liaison between the C.D.C. and the U.S. Marshals Service for 23 years. Ms. Reid said the measures being recommended may be enough to curb the spread of the disease. But she worries that smaller jails may lack the needed masks, gloves, medical equipment, staff and — above all — room to separate people from one another.Laurie Reid, a retired U.S. Public Health Service officer and correctional care nurse, was a liaison between the C.D.C. and the U.S. Marshals Service for 23 years. Ms. Reid said the measures being recommended may be enough to curb the spread of the disease. But she worries that smaller jails may lack the needed masks, gloves, medical equipment, staff and — above all — room to separate people from one another.
“Really, it’s going to come down to space,” she said. “I guarantee you smaller jails are just praying that nothing happens.”“Really, it’s going to come down to space,” she said. “I guarantee you smaller jails are just praying that nothing happens.”
Roberto Potter, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida who worked with the C.D.C.’s corrections team, sees the spread into jails as inevitable. “It will only take that one asymptomatic case to come in and potentially spread the disease,” he said.Roberto Potter, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida who worked with the C.D.C.’s corrections team, sees the spread into jails as inevitable. “It will only take that one asymptomatic case to come in and potentially spread the disease,” he said.
Much attention has been focused on the nation’s biggest jails: About 150 of them each hold more than 1,000 people. Los Angeles County, the most populous U.S. county, with the nation’s largest jail population, has more than 3,000 jail bookings on the average week. The bookings in most jails are much lower, averaging a little over 70 a week, and half book about 30 people a week or fewer.Much attention has been focused on the nation’s biggest jails: About 150 of them each hold more than 1,000 people. Los Angeles County, the most populous U.S. county, with the nation’s largest jail population, has more than 3,000 jail bookings on the average week. The bookings in most jails are much lower, averaging a little over 70 a week, and half book about 30 people a week or fewer.
One is Lamar County in Southern Mississippi, where Sheriff Danny Rigel said he was doing his best to follow C.D.C. guidelines.One is Lamar County in Southern Mississippi, where Sheriff Danny Rigel said he was doing his best to follow C.D.C. guidelines.
He weathered Hurricane Katrina and other disasters, one reason his jail is stocked with N95 masks, nitrile gloves, disposable gowns, surgical masks and disinfectant.He weathered Hurricane Katrina and other disasters, one reason his jail is stocked with N95 masks, nitrile gloves, disposable gowns, surgical masks and disinfectant.
His staff uses a forehead scanner to take the temperature of every arriving officer and person arrested. He has a fogging machine to disinfect police cars, and deputies wear masks when fingerprinting or driving detainees. A nurse is on site 24 hours a day.His staff uses a forehead scanner to take the temperature of every arriving officer and person arrested. He has a fogging machine to disinfect police cars, and deputies wear masks when fingerprinting or driving detainees. A nurse is on site 24 hours a day.
His jail is single-celled, with no dorms and no “drunk tank” that holds groups. Its 164 beds are less than two-thirds full, though he fears they’ll fill up because the state has stopped picking up people sentenced to prison, leaving them in jails indefinitely.His jail is single-celled, with no dorms and no “drunk tank” that holds groups. Its 164 beds are less than two-thirds full, though he fears they’ll fill up because the state has stopped picking up people sentenced to prison, leaving them in jails indefinitely.
“If we have an outbreak in the jail, we’re going to be in a bind, like everyone else,” he said. “This is like a big hurricane that we hope won’t get here.”“If we have an outbreak in the jail, we’re going to be in a bind, like everyone else,” he said. “This is like a big hurricane that we hope won’t get here.”
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The way to “de-densify” a jail sounds simple: reduce bookings and accelerate releases, something over which sheriffs have limited control. Judges determine who exits jail by setting bond amounts and other conditions of pretrial release.The way to “de-densify” a jail sounds simple: reduce bookings and accelerate releases, something over which sheriffs have limited control. Judges determine who exits jail by setting bond amounts and other conditions of pretrial release.
Police officers decide whether to arrest and book a person into jail, or issue a citation with a court date. Sheriff Rigel tells his deputies to write citations — and not to book people into jail — for misdemeanors except for drunken driving and domestic abuse charges.Police officers decide whether to arrest and book a person into jail, or issue a citation with a court date. Sheriff Rigel tells his deputies to write citations — and not to book people into jail — for misdemeanors except for drunken driving and domestic abuse charges.
Law enforcement officials elsewhere, including New York, Houston and Southern California, have been taking a similar approach. So far this year, an average of 1,450 people a week have been booked into the jails in San Bernardino County, Calif., roughly the same as in 2017. That number fell to 877 for the week ending March 25.Law enforcement officials elsewhere, including New York, Houston and Southern California, have been taking a similar approach. So far this year, an average of 1,450 people a week have been booked into the jails in San Bernardino County, Calif., roughly the same as in 2017. That number fell to 877 for the week ending March 25.
Jodi Miller, the public information officer for San Bernardino County, said issuing citations for misdemeanors undoubtedly made a difference.Jodi Miller, the public information officer for San Bernardino County, said issuing citations for misdemeanors undoubtedly made a difference.
“It is difficult to know precisely why,” she said. “It may also be people are staying home and not out committing crimes.”“It is difficult to know precisely why,” she said. “It may also be people are staying home and not out committing crimes.”
In Los Angeles County, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the jail would book only those whose bond amounts were $50,000 or more, up from $25,000. Sheriff Villanueva has already released 1,700 people with low bonds or who had less than 30 days left on their sentences. The sheriff also promised to identify an additional 2,800 older people or those held on low bail awaiting trial so that the district attorney and public defender could evaluate them for potential release.In Los Angeles County, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the jail would book only those whose bond amounts were $50,000 or more, up from $25,000. Sheriff Villanueva has already released 1,700 people with low bonds or who had less than 30 days left on their sentences. The sheriff also promised to identify an additional 2,800 older people or those held on low bail awaiting trial so that the district attorney and public defender could evaluate them for potential release.
Houston is home to another of the biggest jail populations, and there Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has refused to book people arrested on certain low-level offenses and has pushed for the “compassionate release” of inmates over age 50 facing nonviolent charges. In addition, Houston judges ordered the release of people jailed on the lowest nonviolent felony charges, known in Texas as state jail felonies.Houston is home to another of the biggest jail populations, and there Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has refused to book people arrested on certain low-level offenses and has pushed for the “compassionate release” of inmates over age 50 facing nonviolent charges. In addition, Houston judges ordered the release of people jailed on the lowest nonviolent felony charges, known in Texas as state jail felonies.
Few such measures have been taken 250 miles to the northwest in Tarrant County, home to Fort Worth, where at least 640 people were booked into the jail last week, down 9 percent from the 2017 average. Of the two-thirds booked on a single charge, over half were charged with misdemeanors such as petty theft, trespass and marijuana possession or with nonviolent state jail felonies.Few such measures have been taken 250 miles to the northwest in Tarrant County, home to Fort Worth, where at least 640 people were booked into the jail last week, down 9 percent from the 2017 average. Of the two-thirds booked on a single charge, over half were charged with misdemeanors such as petty theft, trespass and marijuana possession or with nonviolent state jail felonies.
Many are released within a few hours or days, said Phillip Hall, a defense lawyer, “but they are still bringing germs into the jail.”Many are released within a few hours or days, said Phillip Hall, a defense lawyer, “but they are still bringing germs into the jail.”
On a recent talk radio show, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said he wouldn’t follow the lead of cities where officials have declined to prosecute low-level crimes, promising that law enforcement would take action “when bad guys cross their path.”On a recent talk radio show, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said he wouldn’t follow the lead of cities where officials have declined to prosecute low-level crimes, promising that law enforcement would take action “when bad guys cross their path.”
“It is business as usual,” he said. “We are not going to let things slide by.”“It is business as usual,” he said. “We are not going to let things slide by.”
Medical experts say much more needs to be done to avert jailhouse equivalents of the plague. Wan Yang, an epidemiologist at Columbia, sees the grim numbers at Rikers Island as a warning to other jails.Medical experts say much more needs to be done to avert jailhouse equivalents of the plague. Wan Yang, an epidemiologist at Columbia, sees the grim numbers at Rikers Island as a warning to other jails.
“With very quick turnover, it’s going to increase the risk,” she said. “Prevention is the key.”“With very quick turnover, it’s going to increase the risk,” she said. “Prevention is the key.”
Map source: Vera Institute of Justice, county jail incarceration trends. Data shows estimated weekly admissions, releases and average daily populations for the average week in 2017, the year with the most recent available data, and may not reflect currently detained populations. Some counties have more than one jail facility; totals shown are for all jails countywide.Map source: Vera Institute of Justice, county jail incarceration trends. Data shows estimated weekly admissions, releases and average daily populations for the average week in 2017, the year with the most recent available data, and may not reflect currently detained populations. Some counties have more than one jail facility; totals shown are for all jails countywide.
This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for its newsletter, or follow The Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter. Anna Flagg is a senior data reporter for The Marshall Project, and Joseph Neff is an investigative reporter there.This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for its newsletter, or follow The Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter. Anna Flagg is a senior data reporter for The Marshall Project, and Joseph Neff is an investigative reporter there.