COLUMBUS - Today the ACLU of Ohio, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, Juvenile Justice Coalition, the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Organizing Collaborative, Ohio Student Association, and Policy Matters Ohio sent a letter to Governor DeWine, ODRC Director Chambers-Smith, and DYS Director Gies with three sets of questions about the COVID-19 crisis and Ohio’s incarcerated population.
The advocacy groups ask for public, daily report-outs on the following sets of questions:
- Are there any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any DRC/DYS facilities? If so, how many? Which facilities?
- Are there any suspected cases of COVID-19 in any DRC/DYS facilities? If so, how many? Which facilities?
- Is anyone in a DRC or DYS facility being quarantined? If so, how many? Which facilities? How/under what conditions?
“Many Ohioans are understandably extremely worried about loved ones who are incarcerated. They are desperately seeking as much information as possible. It is time for Ohio’s leaders to be proactive in publicly disseminating information on an ongoing, daily basis. In times of crisis, transparency and sharing of knowledge is key. Ohioans expect no less,” added Gary Daniels, Chief Lobbyist for the ACLU of Ohio.
