Letter to the editor: Keep prisoners in prison

Open up our jails because of covid-19 (“Gov. Wolf approves release of up to 1,800 inmates amid coronavirus concerns”)? Why? How does this make any sense? Those in charge need to think this over and rethink this. Prisoners are in jail for a reason.

We have family members and friends and neighbors in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. — no fault of their own. These dear souls, all elderly, aren’t allowed any visitors. Some are dying of natural causes, and their family members aren’t allowed to hug them, love them and hold their hands. These facilities have had some cases — are we letting/chasing all those elderly people out? They probably do have places to live, possibly with family members or friends who would take good care of them.

Where will these inmates go? Will they be homeless? Will they stay crime free? Will they be out on the streets or in our parks (where many people go for fresh air and a safe, healthy environment), or congregating elsewhere with other released convicts?

Tell me and other citizens staying home and staying safe how this helps. The rest of our society is staying put. The incarcerated need to stay in jails. That’s probably safest, health-wise, for all concerned.

Marianne Caruso

Penn Township, Westmoreland County