Earlier this month, the Judicial Council of California voted on an emergency order that temporarily sets bail at $0 for misdemeanor offenses and some low-level felonies in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 amongst the inmate population in the state’s jails. The crimes of DUI, domestic violence, and sex crimes, as well as other violent crimes, are not included in the zero-bail order. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the top law enforcement officials in San Bernardino County are not happy about the zero-bail order…
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said a zero-bail policy is making the county a more dangerous place for its law-abiding residents.
“Hundreds of inmates who have been in our custody for months, and even years in some cases, are in the process of being released as I speak. Some are considered a danger to the public and some are flight risks. The impact of zero bail to public safety is significant and immediate.”
McMahon added that the county’s jail population is well below average, and there is sufficient room to isolate and quarantine any inmates who may have COVID-19, and that inmates often have better access to health care in jail than they receive on the outside.
In addition, McMahon claims criminals may feel like the order is a ‘Get Out of Jail Free” card.
“This mandate may further embolden criminals to commit crimes because it will delay the criminal consequences of their behavior. The effects of zero bail on county could be devastating on our communities.”
District Attorney Jason Anderson also condemned the order.
“I have a hard time saying we need to let people out of custody when the virus comes in because we don’t have the same kind of relief for law-abiding people who work hard and provide a livelihood for other people.
We hope that no one gets sick and that includes inmates. We don’t think that inmates should get greater or special consideration than the hard-working people of this county get.”
