Missouri Sheriffs’ Association-LOCAL CONTROL RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS

The Missouri State Public Defender has asked the

Missouri Supreme Court to issue an order instructing

all local courts to release certain inmates without

essential input from local prosecutors and sheriffs.

The Missouri Sheriffs' Association and its members

oppose such broad sweeping release of offenders without

considerations for the nature of the offense, the

criminal history of the offender, the offender's record

of appearing in court when ordered to do so, whether

the offender is in custody for reoffending after an

initial offense, the offender's probability of

reoffending, and the safety of the victim.

The sheriffs of Missouri urge the Supreme Court to

trust local courts and sheriffs to make particularized

decisions considering each individual case during this

public health emergency.