The number of inmates at the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton has fallen significantly, mostly due to COVID-19, a law enforcement official said last week.
On Wednesday, there were 297 inmates at the jail, which was more than 100 inmates below the average, said Tyler Mayes, director of administrative services for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is predominantly a result of COVID-19,” Mayes said. COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness that can be deadly.
No one had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, Mayes said.
He said local jails across Tennessee are seeing similar reductions in the number of inmates as low risk, non-violent offenders are being placed on pre-trail supervision or being released on a low bond.
“Additionally, the law enforcement agencies within the county are arresting less and citing more,” Mayes said. “Of course, there are cases when arresting the individual is the only option available.”
One of the primary methods that health officials recommend to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to keep people physically separate from each other, at least six feet apart.
Although the ACSO is taking precautions to prevent the infection or spread of COVID-19, Mayes said it is still keeping public safety the number one priority.
“The judges, DA (district attorney general), and public defenders are doing a great job working together through this time,” Mayes said. “It is definitely unchartered territory for all of us, but I think everyone involved is doing a great job balancing public health and public safety.”
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