News from campus and beyond

Detention centers may serve as revolving doors for COVID-19 infections


Last updated July 24, 2020

By Tina Underwood

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.

Contact Us
Clinton Colmenares
Director of News and Media Strategy