How did detention facilities handle COVID-19?

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency sent this bulletin at 05/12/2021 11:50 AM EDT

Pandemic Response Accountability Committee

Highlighting key pandemic response issues, trends, challenges,
and risks that transcend agency boundaries

Pandemic Oversight Identifies Challenges in Correctional and Detention Facilities

A disproportionate number of COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths occur in jails, prisons, and detention facilities across the country, compared to the general population.

Considering the increased risks, we highlighted key themes and common challenges found by Offices of Inspectors General during oversight related to correctional and detention facilities.

How did federal agencies handle the challenge of preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 among inmates, detainees, and staff?

Read our latest report and find out.

Key Insights

Social distancing in these facilities is often limited by the physical layout of the facilities themselves – dormitory housing consists of a large room with rows of bunk beds as well as shared common areas.
Agencies took varied approaches to limit the number of detainees in facilities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including early release and home confinement.
Health care and correctional staffing shortages made it difficult for some facilities to fully implement strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19 while also providing routine medical care to inmates.
Transporting inmates and detainees brought risk of transmission, especially with limited testing prior to transfer.