DANE COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL RESPONDS TO COVID-19 CRISIS
March 19, 2020
Colleen Clark-Bernhardt, 608-576-2239
County Board
Through existing collaborations, public safety leadership is working together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We are actively developing mitigation strategies during this ever-changing situation.
Leadership from local law enforcement agencies, Courts, District Attorney Office, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Executive, Legislative, and community organizations, in partnership with public health officials, are conferring regularly to make needed interim policy changes to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19 in our facilities, institutions, and communities.
Criminal Justice leaders are committed to keeping all residents—including those involved in the criminal justice system—safe.
This commitment includes changing practices to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, limiting public exposure by limiting the number of individuals in the Courthouse, Jail, and other County buildings, and reviewing individual cases that are currently held in the jail to determine if release is possible. This, of course, is undertaken with careful consideration of public safety, victim's rights, and individual situation.
Please see the summary list of initiatives designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.wicourts.gov/news/view.jsp?id=1170
https://countyofdane.com/coronavirus
The health and safety of our first responders, staff members, residents and justice-involved individuals and their families is our highest priority. We are dedicated to keeping our community healthy and safe, and are committed to take necessary steps to do so.
Please contact each individual agency with specific questions.
**Preparedness planning is fluid and ongoing. We are working to respond to emerging needs as the nature of Covid-19 response evolves. Please note the date stamp at the top of this document, as procedures will evolve.** Please go to agency website for specific information.
For the most up-to-date information on guidance from Public Health Madison Dane County, please visit their website: https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus