Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack is urging state and local government agencies to apply for more than $24 million in federal emergency funding to help with the criminal justice system’s response to COVID-19.
Included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the resources can help minimize the Michigan’s prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers, including releases, diversion, electronic monitoring, she said.
“I commend local law enforcement for steps they have already taken to reduce jail populations, said McCormack, who co-chaired the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, “and this funding can help do even more to save lives.”
The funding is being offered through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
“Using these funds to responsibly reduce the number of youth incarcerated in juvenile detention centers across the state will send a strong message that the criminal justice system in Michigan is taking common sense steps to safeguard them as well as the professionals employed at these facilities,” said Justice Elizabeth Clement, the MSC liaison on juvenile justice issues.
Cities, townships, and counties can apply for $8.4 million in funding (allocations range in size from $35,000 to $3.3 million, based on population).
In addition, the state of Michigan is allocated just over $16 million for this purpose, McCormack said, and would have to apply for the funding by May 29.
The Michigan State Police is the entity that can draw down the state funds.
For any localities that need assistance drawing down funds, the BJA offers a support hotline: 888-549-9901 (or GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov).
“Because the spread of COVID-19 in a jail or juvenile detention setting is extremely difficult to manage and places both officers and inmates at risk, we urge all agencies receiving these CARES Act funds to use a substantial portion to support home confinement, pretrial release and other efforts to safely reduce jail populations,” McCormack said.
The funds can be used for law enforcement and corrections to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. There are no specific prohibitions under the program and funds can be drawn down in advance or on a reimbursement basis.
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