Brevard County Sheriff’s Office implements infectious disease protocols at jail to protect staff, inmates

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said it is doing what it can to protect inmates and staff from the virus.

Last week, an inmate at the county jail was tested for coronavirus, but the test came back negative.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said it has implemented infectious disease protocols at the jail in response to the threat of COVID-19, including increased disinfection and additional medical screening.

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The Sheriff’s Office is able to isolate inmates, but the Brevard and Seminole Public Defender Bailse Trettis said some suspects shouldn’t even be booked into the jail.

“I think what needs to first happen is that people who are charged with nonviolent misdemeanor crimes should not be brought by law enforcement upon their arrest to jail at all,” Trettis said. “In those cases, they can be issued a notice to appear under Florida statute and the rules of criminal procedure.”

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The decision is up to individual law enforcement agencies, but Trettis said bail should be a priority for nonviolent suspects before they enter the main population.

“We’re going to enforce the laws, and then we’re going to do everything to not only keep our people safe, but the citizens safe and our inmates safe,” said Todd Goodyear.

Cox Media Group