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Detention centers may serve as revolving doors for COVID-19 infections
To help minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections in the prison system, Furman University’s Brittany Arsiniega says local governments should look to other ways besides detention to hold some offenders accountable. Arsiniega, an attorney and political science professor, was tapped for an article appearing in the Greenville Journal, which reports that the Greenville County Detention Center has seen nine positive cases of COVID-19 in inmates and 19 cases in staff members. She notes that many in detention facilities are legally innocent and are awaiting their release on bond. That 12-48-hour window could prove harmful to local communities, according to Arsiniega.