PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is releasing more than 2,000 state prisoners today in an effort to create more social distance behind bars.
All in one day, New Jersey is releasing 2,000 inmates with a year or less on their sentences to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in state prisons.
Buses of prisoners arrived at the Pennsauken Transit Center, where they were met by family members or representatives from social service agencies.
“What we're offering is basically whatever they are willing to accept today. So we're offering immediate housing placement. We're offering detox or inpatient treatment. Obviously we're hoping detox isn't a need coming out of state prison but if there is inpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment needs we can take them to a facility today,” said Amanda Leese with Volunteers of America, which provides services for inmates reentering society.
Under the bill signed last month by Gov. Murphy, prisoners for crimes other than murder or sexual assault can have their sentences reduced by up to eight months.
Officials say 1,000 more prisoners are expected to be released by January, as New Jersey works to reduce the COVID-19 infection rate in a system, where a reported 52 inmates have died from the virus.