COVID-19 and the reimaging of compassionate release

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical overview of compassionate release policies in the USA and describe how these policies have been used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors then describe how these programs have been shaped by COVID-19 and could be reimagined to address the structural conditions that make prisons potentially life limiting for older adults and those with chronic illness. Design/methodology/approach This paper is primarily descriptive, offering an overview of the history of compassionate release policies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors augmented this description by surveying state Departments of Corrections about their utilization of compassionate release during 2019 and 2020. The findings from this survey were combined with data collected via Freedom of Information Act Requests sent to state Departments of Corrections about the same topic. Findings The findings demonstrate that while the US federal prison system saw a multifold increase in the number of individuals released under compassionate release policies in 2020 compared to 2019, most US states had modest change, with many states maintaining the same number, or even fewer, releases in 2020 compared with 2019. Originality/value This paper provides both new data and new insight into compassionate release utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers new possibilities for how compassionate release might be considered in the future.

Incarcerated in a Pandemic: How COVID-19 Exacerbated the “Pains of Imprisonment”

“…Marie, like many others, hoped for compassionate release during the pandemic (James et al, 2022). Rufus, too, reflected on the need for this type of leniency to save people's lives:Yes, Rufus Bowman made a mistake.…”

“…Please Judge help me get a second opinion out of this facility if possible as soon as possible or else I will die leaving behind my twin boys [and daughter. ] Marie, like many others, hoped for compassionate release during the pandemic (James et al, 2022). Rufus, too, reflected on the need for this type of leniency to save people's lives:…”

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Health of Incarcerated People

“…For instance, emergency releases were frequently implemented to limit COVID-19 transmission (Garcia et al, 2021). At the onset of the pandemic, even in politically conservative states, prison sentences were commuted, policing practices were modified, and eligibility for parole was expanded (James et al, 2022). However, this policy's overall scope varies from state to state.…”