Northwest Wayne News

Amid growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office recently announced continuing efforts to release at least 100 individuals currently detained in the Wayne County Jail, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The plan follows the ongoing calls from advocates to lower prison populations in order to reduce susceptibility to a catastrophic outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Those advocating more prisoner releases are not only concerned about prisoner health, but about the impact on local hospitals that a sudden outbreak could have, according to Deadline Detroit.

One Wayne County deputy who works in the jail but not directly with inmates tested positive for COVID-19 and has self-quarantined. The jail was also awaiting the test results of another four employees.

Robert Dunlap, chief of the Sheriff’s Office, said that none of the approximately 1,200 individuals incarcerated in the jail had yet tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Advocates also warn that jails could serve as hubs for spreading the infection, as short-term prisoners cycle in and out and risk exposure to others in the jail who might already be infected.

“So what you’re going to have is a germ hub that’s going to negatively impact the entire community," defense attorney Victoria Burton-Harris told Deadline Detroit.

Among those that Wayne County is considering releasing are misdemeanor and ordinance violators, individuals who have work-release arrangements and those serving time over weekends.

Prisoners receiving medical care for existing conditions are also being considered, though the county is consulting with medical professionals to be certain they have the means to continue medical care if released.

Individuals facing charges for domestic violence and other forms of felony assault are not on the list for consideration, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Kenny told the Detroit Free Press.

Oakland is also considering releasing about 50 prisoners through similar processes, and the courts there are being advised to release individuals with new charges on personal bonds to return home when possible.