NBC: Jails are releasing inmates because of coronavirus. New York just took a step to lock more people up.

“Reform advocates are also troubled by the timing of the changes, adopted during a pandemic that had spread to several local jails. The outbreaks in lockups have forced authorities to find ways to reduce jail populations; Cuomo, a Democrat, has promised to approve the release of 1,100 inmates held on technical parole violations.

The bail rollbacks “are totally contradictory” to efforts to stem the coronavirus’ spread, said Scott Levy, chief policy counsel for The Bronx Defenders, which represents people who can’t afford private lawyers. “There is no way to square them,” he said.”

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