Impact: COVID 19 and corrections

COVID-19 AND CORRECTIONS

Many believe incarceration removes the threat of virus on the outside. Not so fast.

By Sharon Fletcher Jones

Because of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, people all over the world have been forced to re-think behaviors previously thought to be “normal” or “accepted.” Ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities-at-large is everyone’s primary concern. As numbers of known coronavirus infections are steadily increasing and as the death rate continues to climb, we are forced to monitor ourselves and each other in ways previously unheard of. The practice of social distancing is quickly becoming commonplace and isolation or self-quarantine is becoming a way of life for most of us. Except for the jail and prison populations.

Florida Department of Corrections (FDC)’s Office of Health Services coordinates with the Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance on any type of outbreak and closely monitors new information as it is disseminated from the FDC and the CDC. However, the current and long-standing structure of our penal systems and corrections institutions and their standard practices seem to be in direct conflict with what have been deemed the most effective measures available to combat the spread of COVID-19.

When news of the pandemic first broke, government officials and medical professionals were seemingly guarded about its indications, however, with the rapid spread of the virus, the alarms are being sounded. Corrections facilities are working to prevent staff and inmates from becoming infected. However, the consequences of these measures they take may, on many levels, become as overwhelming as the effects of the virus itself. Some may think because those persons who are incarcerated are already experiencing quarantine that the risk of them contracting or spreading the virus is minimal. However, at the end of April, 2020, more than 140 inmates and 110 corrections workers had tested positive for the coronavirus within the Florida Department of Corrections.

On March 11, the FDC suspended visitation at all of its correctional institutions until further notice. At Orange County Corrections Center, due to the coronavirus, Video Visitation has been closed to families and friends since March 25, 2020, and will also remain closed until further notice. Attorneys, however, may still visit inmate clients via Video Visitation and incarcerated populations will continue to have access to mail, email, and phone calls at all of the state’s correctional facilities.

When asked what specific measures were being taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Orange County’s jail, Tracy Zampaglione, APR, public information officer at Orange County Corrections stated, “Chief [of Corrections] Quiñones and the Orange County Corrections Department have taken a proactive approach in combatting the virus and preventing its introduction into the jail. We are constantly monitoring the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more specifically as it pertains to a correctional facility. And we will continue to incorporate best practices as the situation evolves.”

Zampaglione further explained that OCCD is screening all newly arriving arrestees and has increased screening its employees as well. Cleaning and sanitizing high traffic and touch areas have been “stepped up considerably” in accordance with CDC guidelines and preventative measures. The facility has increased the amount of personal protective equipment available to both employees and inmates while continuing to educate both employees and inmates as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Additionally, the department continues to follow preventive measures set by the CDC and continues to educate staff and inmates on the importance of social distancing inside the facility. And, in accordance with both state and local governments, personnel entering the facilities are being required to also wear protective gear.

Clearly, the intent of the order to cease visitation is to protect the physical well-being of inmates, officers, family members, friends, and associates. However, the absence of visitation has already significantly impacted the emotional well-being of some inmates and families. Prior to the rise of COVID-19, Sharon Powell typically spoke on the telephone weekly and visited her son Rondre’ once every other week at the Orange County Corrections Department. Their last visitation was in early March. Powell became concerned when she says her son was quarantined for 14 days and then moved to Federal Correctional Complex, Coleman (FCC Coleman).

“I called to see when and how I could visit my son and was told that he was moved [to FCC Coleman]. I know that he was already on medication for ADHD, schizophrenia and depression. I was worried about whether or not he was still getting his medications and how he was doing.” Powell stated she didn’t know why her son had been moved and, after calling FCC Coleman, found he was placed in general population.

“Since he’s been moved, I haven’t heard from my son and that’s not like him. While my husband and I are trying our best to stay safe from this virus, I’m really worried about Rondre’,” she added. Powell fears her son’s mental health is at greater risk than his physical health and has continued to reach out to the federal facility.

In most cases, family is what motivates offenders to work toward successful re-entry. The primary reason that inmates enroll in GED, ESOL, addiction education, faith-based, life skills, vocational and other trainings is so they can prepare themselves to rejoin their families. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created even more of a divide between society-at-large, the distance between successful re-entry and recidivism may very well have been shortened by it.

While we physically distance ourselves from each other, let’s not distance ourselves from pre-existing realities. A large percentage of those men and women who are incarcerated, like Powell, have families at home who have mounting concerns and are dealing with some of the same anxieties. It is important to give consideration to everyone’s concerns as we traverse this uncharted territory. Like everywhere else, the threat of COVID-19 in the corrections system is very real and the implications are far-reaching.

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

And http://www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html