The global spread of COVID-19 has had a huge impact on those incarcerated, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to illness. As the world shelters in place to save lives, we are asking county sheriffs to do everything they can to keep those incarcerated safe. We urge you to contact your local sheriff and ask the following questions:
- Are you using CDC-informed screening tools for all people entering detention ,as well as staff, to identify people with possible exposure and those at higher risk of infection?
- Are you providing free hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap to all people in custody and are you replenishing several times a week?
- Are you ensuring that sinks are in working order and that people have access to soap and paper towels?
- Are you increasing the frequency of laundry and washing of clothes, towels, bed sheets, and other items disbursed by the facility?
- Do you provide free phone and video calls and increase access to videoconferencing and other measures for incarcerated people to maintain contact with family and loved ones until in-person visits can resume?
- Are you allowing for unsupervised phone calls and video conferences with lawyers?
If you would like to learn more about the power of local sheriffs in your community, please request a virtual Vote4Justice training today.