Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa is joining other states in releasing inmates early or those who are not considered a threat due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus among the prison population.

The Iowa Department of Corrections will hasten the discharge of approximately 700 prisoners who already qualified for release, the department said on March 23, according to the Times-Republican and other media publications.  

“We are trying to be more efficient in our area and free up some space,” Department of Corrections Director Beth Skinner told the Times-Republican.

Skinner told the publication that accelerating the release date for the 700 inmates will free-up more beds to help spread out the population if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in the prison system.

Before the eligible prisoners are released, Skinner told the publication that each inmate will undergo medical screening and that they are working to find a place for the parolees to stay.

A spread in any of the state’s eight prisons not only puts the inmates in danger but also the guards and other employees who could spread it to their families.

Other states have started or are planning similar inmate-release actions Iowa is undertaking.

New Jersey, for example, is planning to release and monitor low-level offenders, those housed in county jails, temporarily. Once the spread is deemed under control, those inmates will return to a county jail to complete their sentences.

The Department of Corrections has also taken other steps to slow or prevent COVID-19’s spread. It posted several changes on the website including no longer allowing visitors and is trying to find ways to reduce the cost of mail and phone calls for inmates.

As of March 26, Iowa state health officials reported 179 COVID-19 cases and one death, which happened on March 24. The virus shows no signs of slowing down.

“Our hearts are heavy with the first loss of an Iowan to COVID-19. The thoughts and prayers of our state are with the family during this difficult time,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement about the state’s first death. “I continue to urge all Iowans to protect their health and the health of others, especially older individuals and those with chronic health conditions who are most at risk. We all have a role to play in limiting the spread of this virus.”