Cook County Public Defender Calls For The Release Of Vulnerable Inmates

By Nereida Moreno
Cook County Jail
Health experts say jails are a particularly risky place during a pandemic because it’s impossible to practice social distancing. M. Spencer Green / Associated Press
Cook County Jail
Health experts say jails are a particularly risky place during a pandemic because it’s impossible to practice social distancing. M. Spencer Green / Associated Press

Cook County Public Defender Calls For The Release Of Vulnerable Inmates

By Nereida Moreno
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A Cook County judge on Monday ordered the review of thousands of criminal cases to release non-violent and low-level offenders from jail — including those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their age or health.

The order came in response to a petition by Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli for the mass release of detainees.

Reset explores how prisons and jails are dealing with the spread of coronavirus.

GUEST: Amy Campanelli, Cook County Public Defender

Shannon Heffernan, WBEZ criminal justice reporter