In an article posted on July 22nd, BridgeMI.com explores how Michigan jail populations have fallen amid the coronavirus pandemic as jails and judges have released prisoners to help reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. This has happened without a spike in crime, encouraging reformers who say this shows it is possible to reduce incarceration without compromising public safety.
Michigan’s statewide jail population fell from about 17,000 in March to about 8,000 within six weeks. Michigan’s prison population has not changed significantly since then, said Michigan Sheriffs’ Association executive director, Matt Saxton.
Read the article here: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/coronavirus-emptied-michigans-jails-without-crime-surge-time-reform