Florida

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM calls on FDC Sec. Mark Inch to use furlough power to prevent spread of COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE – FAMM Florida Director Greg Newburn sent a letter today to FDC Secretary Mark Inch calling on him to use the furlough powers granted to him by state law to temporarily furlough some people in prison as a means of containing the spread of COVID-19 in the state’s prisons.

“Things are likely to get worse in Florida’s prisons — more people will get sick, and more will die,” Newburn said. “Florida law gives FDC the unilateral authority to protect at least some of them by releasing them temporarily, and this could help stem the spread of the virus in prisons. FAMM urges you to use that authority immediately to protect the lives and health of incarcerated people, corrections professionals and Florida’s citizens.”

The Centers for Disease Control has issued interim guidance on managing COVID-19 in correctional facilities, and reducing the prison population will help meet these guidelines.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in six states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.