Coronavirus: Some low-level offenders cited, rather than being held at Merced County jail

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is taking special measures to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus into the county’s jail population. That includes citing and releasing some lower level offenders — rather than holding onto them at the jail.

The actions by jail officials come as state prisons and county jails nationwide have instituted their own coronavirus precautions, which in some cases includes releasing prisoners.

Deputy Daryl Allen, spokesperson for the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, said his agency, like most in California, doesn’t have the capability to test people being booked into jail for coronavirus.

As a result, the Sheriff’s Office is working with local law enforcement to cite and release some people accused of non-violent crimes and misdemeanors, rather than adding them to the jail population.

“We still have to take people to jail, we still have to book people, but we are being more cautious about people coming into the jail,” Allen said.

Allen said releasing offenders charged with lower level felonies will also be considered. “We just want to limit any sort of outside exposure,” Allen said.

The cite-and-release rules will be implemented on a case-by-case basis, and do not apply to those going through a trial proceeding or serving an existing sentence.

In recent days the coronavirus threat to jails and prisons has become a reality. As of Thursday, nine state prison workers have tested positive, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Thus far, as of Thursday evening, four Merced County residents in total have tested positive, along with a Merced public safety officer who lives in Madera County.

Last week, a courtroom at Merced County Superior court — which is just across the street from the Main Jail — had to be disinfected after a public safety officer tested positive for the virus.

Electronic monitoring, other tools being used

According to the Sheriff’s Office, as of Thursday there were 336 inmates housed at the John Latorraca Correctional Center, 133 inmates housed at the Main Jail and 183 persons on electronic monitoring.

Both jails are closed to visitors. Only visits for legal purposes are allowed and defense attorneys are encouraged to communicate with inmates by phone in an attempt to limit outside exposure.

The Sheriff’s Office is working with Merced County Superior Court to facilitate video court capabilities, in an effort to minimize exposure to inmates and staff.

Plus, its working with an inmate communication vendor to allow additional communication between inmates and their family.

Allen said electronic monitoring is a possibility for incarcerated persons over the age of 60. Older people are generally considered at a higher risk, if they contract coronavirus.

Four inmates who fall into that age group were granted electronic monitoring by the court last week, according to Allen.

Isolation and housing units have been identified at each jail facility, for inmates who may have been exposed to — or have symptoms — of coronavirus, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Disinfecting jail facilities

At the Latorraca Center and Main Jail, medical staff worked to clean and disinfect the jail facilities over the weekend. Jail inmates also helped clean the facilities, according to Allen.

There has been an increase to the amount of personal protective equipment to the facilities. Staff are advised of the state and federal guidelines for cleanliness, as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, he said.

Masks, gloves and goggles were provided for protection. “The inmates, they don’t want to be exposed to this stuff too,” Allen said.

Group programs at the jail facilities have been canceled to limit exposure. The Sheriff’s Office has coordinated with medical vendor Wellpath, to screen bookings prior to placing them in jail facilities, according to Allen.

If a medical issue can be treated in house, the jail facility will do so, Allen said. If not, or if the person shows signs of respiratory illness, they will be taken to the hospital.

According to Allen, inmate areas are cleaned and maintained regularly by staff who have training in safety and cross contamination issues.