Gov. Abbott’s order bars personal bonds or early release to those who had been previously convicted of a crime involving physical violence or the threat of violence, and those currently charged with such a crime.
Abbott said at a news conference yesterday that “releasing dangerous criminals makes the state even less safe... and slows our ability to respond to the disaster caused by COVID-19.”
The announcement comes as Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo was working to release hundreds of inmates.
Abbott said “I’ve heard from law enforcement officials as well as citizens alike who’ve raised concerns about releases that have already taken place or anticipated releases that could take place.We want to reduce and contain COVID-19 in jails and in prisons for the benefit of both the inmates and the law enforcement officers of those facilities."
Joe Gamaldi with the Houston Police Officers’ Union thanked the Governor for the order.Gamaldi tweeted “thanks...for your leadership in preventing release of thousands of violent felons onto Houston streets. Our officers have their hands full dealing w/ #Covid_19 pandemic and don’t need added duty of babysitting felons who should be behind bars”.
HPD Chief Art Acevedo also opposed the mass release of inmates.
In an interview with ABC13, Chief Acevedo says they are against any sweep order. He says:
“it has to be case-by-case. It has to be well thought out. There has to be a plan on where they're going to go. And, quite frankly, we have to have transparency. I've asked the sheriff to let the Houston Police Department and all departments know who's being released. What they were being held for. What their criminal history is before they go back into the community."
He says he's concerned about the habitual offenders who could be released.