Corrections adjusting staffing and inmate populations

The number of staffers in state prisons is being temporarily reduced and parolees who have been arrested for low-level infractions are being released as the Colorado Department of Corrections battles the coronavirus.

The CDOC announced on Monday that it has tested nine inmates for coronavirus, and six of the tests were negative and the other three tests are pending. Additional tests kits are available to the corrections department should inmates show symptoms of COVID-19.

The corrections department said in a news release that it has been taking proactive steps to stop the virus from spreading in facilities and parole offices.

Last week, the Colorado Public

Defender’s Office announced that one of its staff has tested positive for COVID-19.

On Monday, the CDOC said its additional coronavirus measures will include:

• Signing people up for video visitation options including upcoming free video visitations.

• Staff will be limited in prisons and parole offices, staff numbers will vary based on security levels and programs.

• Parole officers will do more remote work while supervising parolees.

The CDOC is working to ensure that jails and correctional institutions are not overloading at this time. House arrests, electronic monitoring, increased parole officer interactions and treatment referrals will be used, instead of incarcerating low-level parole violators, the CDOC said.