Pontiac Times

Temporary policy changes in the wake of COVID-19 led to an approximately 50% drop in Michigan jail populations, yet the state has so far not seen an increase in crime, leading some reformers to argue that incarceration rates could be lowered permanently.

In mid-March, Michigan had about 17,000 prisoners in jails around the state, according to reporting by Bridge Michigan. As communities sought to divert detainees in an effort to reduce the risk of coronavirus outbreaks within jails, that population dropped to approximately 8,000 only six weeks later.

Matt Saxton, executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association, stated that jail populations have remained in the 8,000 range statewide since then, according to Bridge Michigan.

Sen. Mike Shirkey | #MiSenateGOP

The reduction in population links back to an executive order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which permitted courts around the state to release inmates who were not considered to be a risk to public safety.

However, there isn't yet any statistical evidence for the assertion that lower jail populations have not coincided with any increase in crimes. The assertion is based, rather, on the anecdotal accounts of law enforcement officials.

Some reports indicate mixed changes in crime during the pandemic. Information from the Police Executive Research Forum indicates that some cities have had decreases in crime over the past few months, while others have experienced increases.

In Detroit, property crime has decreased but homicides have risen.

Bridget McCormack, chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, told Bridge Michigan that the court’s jail task force, which she cochairs, has gathered date over several years indicating that a reduction in Michigan jail populations should not lead to a rise in violent crime.

Though the election cycle may delay some jail reform efforts, there is interest in the Legislature in implementing reforms identified by the jail task force.

“This is a textbook example of how we can identify a problem and work to specify what the problem is and what the options are so we can make progress,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) said during a recent press conference covered by Bridge Michigan. “This task force put forward recommendations that I’m looking forward to putting some shoulder into, improving upon them and prioritizing them for this fall.”