Posts Tagged Virginia Prisons
New lawsuit challenges sentence credits budget amendment
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 16, 2022
Incarcerated people across Virginia are hoping a new lawsuit from the ACLU might help them get out of prison when they expected to instead of unexpectedly serving more time. Michael Pope explains why.
Proposed legislation would establish an ombudsman for Virginia prisons
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 17, 2021
Lawmakers are about to consider creating new oversight at prisons across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
The State of COVID-19 Vaccinations in Virginia’s Prisons
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2021
It’s been more than a year since Virginia prisons locked down to try and stop the spread of COVID-19. The state has offered vaccine to every inmate, but restrictions are still in place and are unlikely to be lifted any time soon. In part one of a series, Sandy Hausman tells why.
Because the risk of a deadly COVID outbreak was especially high in state prisons, and because the disease could easily spread to surrounding communities through staff, inmates and employees were among the first Virginians to get vaccine. However, nearly a third of prisoners and more than 40% of staff have refused it. That means significant restrictions remain in place, and frustration behind bars is building as Sandy Hausman reports in part two.
Urban-Rural Divide: Examining Incarceration Rates at Rural Jails Across Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2020

Credit: Vera Institute
Virginia’s rural communities are struggling with an aging population and stagnant job growth. And there’s another trend behind bars. Michael Pope reports.
Lawsuit Could Free Some State Prisoners
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2020
Governor Northam has announced plans to free about 2,000 inmates who are scheduled for release from state prisons within the next year. They must pose no threat to public safety and have good prison records. About 28,000 more will remain behind bars – even if they’re disabled or have medical conditions putting them at high risk for death if they were to catch COVID-19. Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit may mean freedom for others as Sandy Hausman reports.
State Leaders Working to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Virginia’s Prisons and Jails
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 19, 2020
State leaders have provided prison and jail officials with guidance on preventing the virus’ spread within the state’s correctional system. Nick Gilmore has details.
ACLU Joins Call for More Information on How Virginia Handles Solitary Confinement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 10, 2019

Credit: David Nakayama / Creative Commons
Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU of Virginia are pushing for more information on how the state uses solitary confinement. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.