Amid virus outbreaks, majority of medically high-risk prisoners were not considered for release
In an SF Chronicle Exclusive, Nora Mishanec reported that despite calls from health officials and activists to reduce the state prison population in the midst of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the state did not prioritize the medically-vulnerable who are often older and have a low risk of recidivism.
“In this moment, with what has been happening in these prisons, if we are not willing to get creative to save lives and save human dignity, it sends the message that we just don’t care to change,” said Danica Rodarmel, state policy director for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.
