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As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rises across the country, local courts and some law enforcement agencies are taking precautions to prevent further spread within jails, and jail officials insist they have the ability to contain an outbreak.
Jails are especially vulnerable to an outbreak because of how quickly the virus spreads in closed spaces, and while visitations have been suspended, people – both staff and inmates – regularly cycle in and out. And the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is calling for stronger measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in jails.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Some law enforcement agencies are reminding officers to issue citations to people when possible, meaning they must appear in court or pay a fine, instead of arresting them.