Please let your legislators know you support the passing of an inclusive Compassionate Release program for non-parolable geriatric and incapacitated inmates by signing this petition. 

SCDC has proven its inability to provide fundamental human rights to inmates, e.g., protection from physical and sexual abuse, nutritional meals, access to adequate mental and medical care, and sanitary housing. The deterioration of the prison's infrastructure is disturbing and dangerous. Prison personnel brings in contraband, inmates/employees assaulted and killed, extreme staff shortages, limited meals, excessive lockdowns, outdated/broken equipment are a few examples.

In speaking with COs and medical staff, reviewing numerous publications and annual reports, it's apparent staff shortages is one of the greatest threats to the wellbeing of officers and inmates. The post-COVID staff shortages across the US have only exacerbated what was already a crisis for SCDC. Staff and inmates report facilities are so short-staffed there are times in which one guard covers multiple dorms, one nurse managing patient care, and vacant physician positions.

An inclusive Compassionate Release could partially or fully remedy some of the critical issues within SCDC by sending geriatric and incapacitated inmates home to their families. They pose no threat to society. 

A prison sentence that was just when imposed could become cruel and senseless if not altered because of changed circumstances. Legislators should give the PPP Board more authority to grant parole to non-parolable inmates due to extraordinary circumstances. An inclusive and fair medical furlough program is merciful. It recognizes the need for end-of-life dignity and the inmates' families' financial and emotional distress. It reduces the system's financial liability caring for the most critical, vulnerable, and costly inmates.

Many people believe if an inmate is non-parolable, they committed a hideous crime; this is far from the truth. It could be a drug possession or property theft offense valuing less than a thousand dollars. Prosecutors are using mandatory sentencing laws to intimidate offenders into taking plea deals. Most offenders in the system are indigent and cannot afford thousands-ten thousands of dollars for defense. Therefore, contributing to more overcrowding in the prison system and the lack of resources to care for inmates.

In summary, if SCDC cannot extend fundamental human rights to all inmates, e.g., protection from physical and sexual abuse, nutritional meals, access to adequate mental and medical care, sanitary housing, and prevent excessive drug and contraband smuggling into the facilities, the State should find another way of managing the correctional facilities and pass new common-sense legislation.

Please sign this petition and call your legislators, letting them know you support an inclusive Compassion Release program. Thank you.