Jackson County prosecutor moves to keep some people out of jail as COVID-19 spreads
In an effort to keep some people out of jail during the coronavirus pandemic, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday said it would broaden its guidelines for a diversion program and stop prosecuting drivers without valid licenses.
Prosecutors will also “engage in proactive efforts” to review bonds for people being held at the county jail in downtown Kansas City, which has long been over is recommended operational capacity. The office said it would minimize new bond conditions for defendants who are not considered dangerous or a flight risk as well.
In a statement, Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the changes would keep some defendants out of jail while assuring “dangerous persons” would not be released.
“This office has been proactive in limiting our impact on the criminal justice system,” Baker said, “but today’s action’s are necessary to address this public health crisis.”
The announcement came as public health experts warned that the COVID-19 outbreak in the Kansas City region could be as severe as Seattle’s within two weeks. Seattle has reported 1,187 cases and 66 deaths as of Thursday.
The Kansas City metro area has recorded 27 confirmed cases and one death.
As of Thursday afternoon, Missouri had recorded 25 cases and Kansas has reported 36.
