The report found that most states have taken very little action, and while
some states did more, no state leaders should be content with the steps they’ve
taken thus far. The map below shows the scores we granted to each state, and
our methodology explains the data we used in our analysis and how we weighted
different criteria. The results are clear: despite all of the information,
voices calling for action, and the obvious need, state responses ranged from
disorganized or ineffective, at best, to callously nonexistent at worst. Even
using data from criminal justice system agencies — that is, even using states’
own versions of this story — it is clear that no state has done enough and that
all states failed to implement a cohesive, system-wide response.
In some states, we observed significant jail population
reductions. Yet no state had close to adequate prison population reductions,
despite some governors issuing orders or guidance that, on their face, were
intended to release more people quickly. Universal testing was also scarce.
Finally, only a few states offered any transparency into how many incarcerated
people were being tested and released as part of the overall public health
response. Even in states that appeared, “on paper,” to do more than others,
high death rates among their incarcerated populations indicate systemic
failures.
The consequences are as tragic as they were predictable: As
of June 22, 2020, over
570 incarcerated people and over
50 correctional staff have died and most of
the largest coronavirus outbreaks are in correctional facilities. This failure
to act continues to put everyone’s health and life at risk — not only
incarcerated people and facility staff, but the general public as well. It has
never been clearer that mass incarceration is a public health issue. As of
today, states have largely failed this test, but it’s not too late for our
elected officials to show that they can learn from their mistakes and do
better.
To read the full report CLICK HERE
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