AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Governor Greg Abbott is prohibiting the release of inmates with a history of violent crimes.
According to the Governor, the Executive Order comes in response to concerns of the release or anticipated release of individuals because of COVID-19 who are deemed a danger to society.
“My office has worked with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and with state and local officials to address these challenges while ensuring public safety for all Texans,” the order reads. “Several counties are now reportedly considering the broad-scale release of arrested or jailed individuals as a result of COVID-19, including potentially those who have committed felonies, in order to reduce the size of the jail population.
Abbott said such releases from county or municipal jails of those charged with, convicted of, or having a history of offenses involving physical violence or threats of physical violence would not only gravely threaten public safety, but would also hinder efforts to cope with the COVID-19 disaster.
According to the order, the Texas Judicial Council has recently reminded judges that individuals who pose a significant risk to the community or the victim, or who present a significant risk of flight, should be detained, and Texas judges are legally required and oath-bound to determine bail on an individualized basis.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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