The John Howard Society is praising CSC Correctional Service Canad for “examining what options are available in collaboration with the Parole Board of Canada and what flexibilities there are to safely release offenders into the community”.
In an RCI story, 2019 stats show 39,000 in local, provincial or federal custody and the close proximity is prime for the spread of COVID-19.
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FVN asked for a comment from Kyla Lee of Acumen Law.
“The release of non-violent prisoners is so important at a time like this. Jails are overcrowded and prisoners live in conditions that cannot accommodate social distancing.
There are many methods that can be used by prison officials at a time like this to temporarily release people in order to decrease the population and allow for social distancing. People who are awaiting trial and therefore presumed innocent should be released. Anyone who has been detained on fear they would flee the jurisdiction can easily be released now as current social conditions make it impossible to flee.
Non-violent offenders or those close to the end of their sentences should be released either temporarily or on early parole.”
Read the news story here.