North Carolina

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

FAMM urges North Carolina Department of Public Safety to protect people in prison during COVID-19 crisis

RALEIGH – FAMM Vice President of Policy Molly Gill sent a letter today to Secretary Erik A. Hooks and Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) calling on them to expedite the release of people who are most vulnerable to complications or death from COVID-19.

“It’s impossible for people in prison to protect themselves from this outbreak, but there is still time to reduce the consequences of a widespread outbreak inside the state’s prisons,” Gill said. “Expediting the release of people who are most vulnerable to complications or death from COVID-19 is a necessary — and truly lifesaving — step DPS should take.”

These steps have been recommended by health professionals and corrections experts in several other states. The Centers for Disease Control consider the most vulnerable to include people over 65 years old, and people with a condition that affects their lungs, heart, kidney, immune system, or who have another serious chronic medical condition.

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.